Addis Ababa, the capital city of one of Africa’s most peaceful country Ethiopia is a citadel of modernity and great fun.
The entire city is very well laid out with wide open roads, plenty of greenry, modern construction and great work culture ethics, resembling some European country. The climate around the year remains pleasent and hovers in between 14 degrees to 26 degrees making it a paradise to live in. Bole Road is the main road of the city and remains at the heart of the city with all amenities and facilities available on both sides of this road. Moreover, it also acts as a central nerve and binds the city into a one city. People are vibrant and dress up smartly and goes out on work. The entire city likes to flaunt its most modern cars but the ride in old Russian LADA makes the experience all the more exciting & nostalgic. I was in addis for 20 days during october and the experience is of a lifetime. The food of various etinicities and cultures is availabe freely but the Ethiopian Khava Coffee is simply great. Very few people would know that Ethiopia is the mother of Coffee production and StarBucks purshases its entire range from this country. There are many places to hang around and the city never lets you down on entertainment. Sheraton Addis is a must visit hotel for all kind of fun so is the market M. Walking on the walkways of the Sheraton brings back old memories and can be one of the most romantic walks during full moon night. Being alone during this walk will take you back to your beloved and moving with your beloved will mean a never ending experience.
Confectionary products, honey, coffee and hand made calf leather products are the best buys from the country. Wine and Liquor is available in plenty and there are no restrictions in either selling or drinking freely. One must carry light woollens and be a bit careful in having local water. Indian food and restaurants are available with three best being Bombay Brassarie, Swagat and Jewel of India, all being on Bole Road. Even Addis Sheraton has an Indian Kitchen & Restaurant. It is always desirable to have your yellow fever injection taken before flying into the country and also to take care of musquitoe bites. Never go out alone as there are pockets where beggers are a problem
The trip is recommended for everyone - be it a business traveller or a family holiday man. I would recommend a guided tour of the entire country as the countryside of Addis is full of pristine beauty and lots of adventure with a thousands of years old history. Lonely Planet book on Ethiopia can be a ready reference for the visiting people. Advance booking in hotels are recommended and pick up from the airports is mostly available for all the hotels. Ethiopian Airways flies daily to Addis Ababa from Delhi and Mumbai, and the flight time is around 7 hours with ethiopian timing being three and a half hours behind India.
Have a wonderful trip to one of Africa’s most peaceful country and come back enriched with pleasent memories.
--Vaibhav Mittal--