Jan
So I made it to Ethiopia this week doing research for NGO client I am working for. Ethiopia is really quite an amazing place. The people here are so friendly, and the beauty of the landscape surrounded mountains is amazing. There is definitely no doubting anything that you have arrived in a 3rd world country. The infrastructure in capital Addis Ababa is OK , but homes, and businesses alike are mostly cement shacks. There is a divide with accommodations and offices here for NGOs and support aid groups… the offices are very 1970 looking , the hotels are decent, I’m staying at Hilton that looks much like it could have been built in the 80’s and never undergone a rehab since.
Surprisingly, there is a lot of office complex development going on in the area. I’m not sure what is spuring the growth, however, it is definitely booming. The most amazing observation I have found here in Addis is the pedestrian traffic, people wander in busy roads and cross right in front of cars as if there they are invincible. It is amazing to see the people traverse the busy streets with no regards for vehicle traffic.
Best thing in Addis, the coffee… hand’s down. Everywhere you go they ask if you’d like a nice cup of machiatto or coffee. The coffee is so rich, strong and favorable. I’m bringing back 1kg of a blend that you can’t resist. So if you attend my house warming party in March I’ll be sure to brew you a cup!
Tomorrow is the big day for my travels I head out to a development programme in the tribal area of Guraghe. There we will observe key projects such as food security, health management HIV/AIDS, education, and water/sanitation. This should be very eye opening. Guraghe is about 195km outside of Addis and about half of that is via off road navigation. I’ll be there overnight and very excited to get out and see the real work of the NGO I am working for.
After my retrun from Guraghe I will spend 2 more days in Addis Ababa before heading to Bamako, Mali.
