World’s third-highest capital city, at an altitude of 2400m, Addis Ababa, was

founded by Emperor Menelik and named by his wise and courageous wife

Empress Taituin the late 19th century. Addis Ababa is in Ethiopia at its most

modern and cosmopolitan, as characterized by them relative glitz of Bole

Road and the seedier Piazza district. The city forms a good starting point for

exploring most aspects of Ethiopia, whether you fancy trawling the National

Museum and various imperial-era landmarks in search of historical and

cultural enlightenment, losing yourself in the maze-like commercial hubbub

of the Mercato (reputedly, largest open market in Africa), or socialising in its

ubiquitous coffee shops and bars whilst absorbing the wondrously discordant

home-grown music that emanates from all directions. Addis Ababa, which

could mean ‘New Flower’ in English, is often shortened to Plain ‘Addis’. The

climate in this city is highly encouraging introduction to Ethiopia. Throughout

the year, day and night, comfortable temperate weather is the city’s

characteristic. Addis, with its sprawling and vibrant nature, is home both for

3 million inhabitants and the headquarters of the Organization of African

Unity and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. As a most

attractive city, Addis Ababa has the position of both city and state. There are

almost 80 nationalities speaking in various 80 languages. This is actually the

grassland-biotic community. From the lowest area around the Bole

International Airport amid the Southern edge to the Northern part of the city

with more than 3,000 meters in the Entoto Mountains, Addis Ababa is in easy

access to various parts of Ethiopia. The city lies at the foot of Mount Entoto,

and is home to Addis Ababa University.

Addis A

baba

Few days of stay in this city, with all its diverse and complex

nature, will give you a feeling of, if not exactly love, then certainly

joy.For many foreigners what usually happens to be a surprise in

their first arrival in Ethiopia arethe city’s Westernized facilities

which instantly bounce against their wrong pre-conceptions that

the whole nation is desert. In fact, it could be overwhelming on

first exposure with cripples, beggars, amputee war veterans,

pickpockets, hustlers and taxi drivers calling out for your attention

all over the streets. However, this could only be part of your

surprising trip to not only the city’s attractions but also to all parts

of the nation.

The National Museum inside the compound of Sidist Kilo University,

preserves the monarchial grace of the last king of the Solomonic

Dynasty – Emperor Hailesselassie the first. Walking in to the palace,

you would feel like not visiting a once-upon-a-time palace but one

from which the king went away for a short time visit to somewhere

else for all the materials are kept well in order. Few kilometers

from here the palace of Emperor Menelik who founded Addis, is

also well preserved for anyone interested to see.