Ethiopia at long last!!! A large "Welcome to Ethiopia" sign greeted me as I stepped off the plane. I can't believe I'm finally here! And it's harder to believe I'm finally in Africa. Officially I've been to five continents; just two to go! Addis Ababa means "new flower" in Amharic and it shall be a new flower in my travels. I had to pick up a visa on arrival for $20. It's the first paper visa in my passport! Incredible considering all the places I've travelled. After going through customs I had to wait in the arrival area for awhile. I got a cup of tea and then wandered before seeing my name on a piece of paper. It was Say's nephew. I met Say at a supermarket that I worked at in the US, and when he caught wind that I was going to Ethiopia he offered to arrange me a ride into Addis. It was pitch black, considering it was past 2 AM and we were seemingly driving around for hours in search of my CouchSurfer Kume's house. When we made it I was greeted by Kume. He lives on the ground floor of a Soviet-style apartment block in a small place with a tiny kitchen and bathroom. Surprisingly there is hot water, also it's probably a prerequisite considering Addis' elevation. Kume offered me some Ethiopian food with injera, which I ate with a glass of water before passing out after 19 hours on a plane yesterday!
This morning I managed to rise even though I flew 19 hours yesterday, and I met James: an ex-soldier and fellow CSer who flew to Addis on a one-way ticket. Kume wasn't awake yet so we went out in search of a cup of coffee. I must have a photo of a license plate everywhere I go!
Despite being 7 AM it seemed that everyone was up early. Older women don shawls and colourful dress, street vendors wheel out their tomatoes, onions, and veggies, whilst the priest is making chants from the local orthodox church. Ethiopian time can be confusing: what the rest of the world calls "6 AM" is midnight here, so our 8 AM is their 2 AM. James and I found a place to get a strong Ethiopian coffee. Tasty it is! And amazing I find Ethiopia already as I waved my arms with glee!
I feel right at home. A lovely breeze blew through as I soaked up the cool atmosphere. So far I've been given a good impression: great coffee, tasty food, and not having people breathing down my back for money. We called in at a place called Puntland Restaurant where we we're served tasty tibs and presented with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. In Ethiopia you eat with your hands (like a little kid again) with injera. James and I were both sort of lost. He only arrived here just a few days ago and Kume can't point out the location of his flat on a map. We took a minibus over to a populated main street and walked around a bit before we called in at stylish-looking restaurant called Romina. It has a nice courtyard setting but we sat outside. James had a St. George (the local brew) whilst I had a papaya juice. I wanted pizza but the oven was out due to a power failure. I figure I must expect that to happen here in Ethiopia. I opted for tasty lamb tibs atop injera with a side of salad. One US dollar equals roughly 18 birr, and prices can be a little confusing at first. Our bill though was only about 120 ($6). James wanted to stop at the supermarket, and during our stroll I spotted the National Museum: home of our great ancestor Lucy! It gave me a rough idea of where I was but I don't want to leave the area until I know exactly where I am. When I stopped for photos of a building a security guard said "No photos, this is a government building. Give me a tip." Not giving in, we just walked away and back toward Kume's flat. As a first impression I seem to like Addis. The people aren't too demanding and it's not too hot. The sun can be a little hard but hey, that's what sunscreen is for. Kume took us out later to some of his favourite bars, and whilst he and James were throwing back a few St. Georges, I was indulging in Gouder red wine.
Ethiopia and South Africa are the only African countries that produce wine; the climate is favourable enough for grape-growing only in these countries. Aside from being a little jetlagged I'm feeling great tonight! I'm in Ethiopia!!!! I'm in Africa!!!!!!
Here I am, on my 5th. Continent that is, not on my 5th wine, my friends! I'm not that crazy!
