Ethiopia Ventures

After a 9 hours flight from Accra, I touched down in Ethiopia, the highest country in Africa. Within 2 weeks I celebrated New Year ( for 2018), attended Caricom Conference, networking events with local and international visitors, shopped at markets, embraced the culture, travelled to the mountains and Rastafari settlement, chopped at buffets, walked the streets and endured the cold weather.

Shopping . As soon as I arrived was welcomed by hosts Sister Ayo and Brother Earl. The apartment was not far from the airport and within a busy development area. No time to waste, we hit the streets as they know all the main spots to buy bargains. I bought a selection of white scarfs and ate some food at a local spot (Wutma) close to the apartment. Many days were spent shopping hustling and bustling at Merkato market, one of Africas largest open air markets where you can buy everything – clothes, food, textiles, electrics, crafts, household etc.  Chiromeda market is famous for traditional Ethiopian clothing of shawls, scarfs, dresses, fabric.

Blacvolta creative and creators mixer. Tyobista Girma, founder of Bridge 54 and Joey Adjei of Blac Volta collaborated to put on an incredible creative and creators mixer. Insights from the guest speakers from Ethiopia and Wode Maya representing Ghana. Everyone shared journeys through the creative industry, entrepreneurship, and future aspirations – all while spotlighting ways to uplift creators globally.

New Years – 2018. Ethiopia uses the ancient Ge’ez calendar that has 13 months marking September 10^th as 2018 to celebrate New Years Day. (Enkutatash = gift of jewels). The highlight was attending the Yod Abyssinia cultural centre in Addis Ababa which was crowded, but managed to get a seat near the stage. Great entertainment showcasing traditional Ethiopian music, dancing, singing and then the countdown to New Years Day. The colours for New Years are white and yellow, so I was glad I purchased a nice dress to mark the occasion. The streets were decorated with Adey Abeba a yellow flower that is only found in Ethiopia. This symbolises end of rainy season, start of new year summer. A time for spiritual renewal, family gathering, singing, exchanging blessings and gifts, coffee ceremonies and feasts.

Caricom – The Caribbean Community was established on 1^st August 1973 to promote economic integration, coordinate foreign policy and cooperation amongst members. I was fortunate to attend 2 events with Caricom delegates that included the Prime Minister of St Kits and Nevis.  

 

Was fortunate to be invited to join the second event with Caricom delegates whilst visiting Shashemene.  We were hungry from the long journey so having the buffet breakfast at the Haile Hotel was a blessing. Great to be amongst visitors from Trinadad, Jamaica, Barbados and other islands. After breakfast we were driven VIP style through the main high road (with security – lol) honoured by the local people as we drove passed.

Shashemene is a city in the Southern part of Ethiopia, known for the Rastafari community, who sought spiritual settlement from access to 500 acres of land. This was granted by HM Haile Salassie in 1950 through the Ethiopian World Federation.

Travelling early hours of the morning from Addis Ababa it took almost 4 hours by bus (ticket 1000 Birr), but I spent most time sleeping. In Shashemene, I visited the 12 Tribes of Israel and Nyabinghi Rastafari community.

National Museum of Ethiopia –Whilst visiting countries I always like to attend a museum as a great way to obtain info.  The National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa costs 50 Birr entrance fee. At the time of my visit the museum had moved to new premises, so not all sections were transferred. I was able to see objects from excavation missions from ancient and medieval periods, archaeological information, regalia and memorabilia, arts, stone statue, fossils, crafts, jewellery and utensils. A replica of skeleton of Lucy – known to be oldest human fossil.

Entoto. We took a local bus that ascended up and up towards Mount Entoto which is the highest peak overlooking Addis Ababa.  Because of the weather it was very cloudy, so unable to take great pictures. Inside the memorial museum (not allowed to take was personal belongings, furniture, photographs and gifts. On the same grounds was the palace built by Menelik 11 who lived there with his Empress Taitu. The palace was made of wood with high ceilings and 3 doors. They also built a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary called Maryam Church where he was crowned in 1889. The rain beat us oooo, but we were fortunate to get a lift back to town by one of the guides.

My 2 weeks in Ethiopia was bitter sweet, but grateful for the opportunity to explore some of the places.
Check out blog post: Ethiopia –  Did You know to read interesting facts about Ethiopia.

bless Sister E