Everywhere: Places: Addis Ababa

Sunrise over Addis by Marshall Garlington

Sunrise over Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia lies in the center of the East African nation at around 2,500 meters.

17 June 2008
From:
Anne Beach

Near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, there is an ancient rock hewn church named Washa Michael. Ethiopia is famous for the many rock hewn churches at Lalibella, but our visit there was rained out. The ancient church is a very steep climb, requiring a hired guard with a long rifle because of the bandits lurking along the way. Since the ancient church is in ruins now, there is a newer church by the same name at the bottom of the hill. This cemetery has portions at the bottom and top of the hill., and cows seem to be the most frequent visitors.
13 June 2008
From:
Anne Beach

Visiting Addis is a stunning study in contrasts. Some are dressed traditionally and some proudly wear Western clothes, even when they can not translate the English words on their shirts. The poverty is stunning; children crowd your car begging for a birr, a meager $.12. I struggle to know if I am participating in teaching children to see themselves as beggars and choose to make most of my donations to orphanages. I stayed in an $8.00 hotel; others choose to stay in the Luxury Hilton for $250.00. The luxury seems garish in the face of the quiet desperation.