The number plates game
Among the particularities of Addis Ababa is the number plate system, which is coded in such a way that it becomes very easy to know who the car belongs to. … Continue reading
In and out of Addis
There’s nothing like going in and out of a place to get a renewed propective on it. For the first time in over two months, I travelled outside Ethiopia to … Continue reading
Truly recycling waste
I have to say a word about waste. In Western societies, we are used to buying and throwing away. When living in Europe, I was always shocked at the amount … Continue reading
Trip to Wenchi crater lake
Many places around Addis make a good destination for a weekend trip. The Wenchi crater lake, located half way between the towns of Wolliso and Ambo, about 120 kms west … Continue reading
Learning Amharic
I attended my second lesson of Amharic yesterday, which made me feel like a six year child again who is learning to read and write! Everything in Amharic is different … Continue reading
A budding textile industry
Ethiopia has a long tradition of working with textiles, particularly for traditional clothing and household decoration. In my quest for discovering the city, I went on an (organised) tour of … Continue reading
Breakfast out, while waiting for the end of the power cut
I finally went to Piassa (from the Italian word piazza), one of the oldest area in Addis, and maybe the only one which still has old buildings dating from the … Continue reading
Risking the road
In many countries, driving is a serious cultural issue. For the British, the Parisians are erratic drivers; the French think the Italians behave madly behind the wheel while for the … Continue reading
A country of religious festivals
Religion plays an important role in Ethiopia. Many days on the Orthodox calendar are a national holiday, and from an outsider’s prospective, it seems that the secular is easily mixed … Continue reading
The largest market in Africa
I had heard a lot about Merkato, the biggest open-air market in Addis Ababa and Africa. Many stories circulate about it; it is known for being a stronghold for pickpockets, … Continue reading
Salambo in Addis 