I'm in Addis Ababa!
Trip Start
Dec 12, 2006
1
41
66
Trip End
Mar 15, 2007
Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia
Saturday, February 10, 2007
The flight on Ethiopian airlines was very strange. It actually left the airport early and we arrived in Addis Ababa ahead of schedule. Coming into Addis Ababa, I could see tons of little lights on the ground like stars in the sky. It was very impressive. Getting a cab wasn't too bad. 80 birr and they dropped me off at the Baro Hotel.
The Visa On Arrival was quick and painless as well. $20 USD and I was in the country. In any case, internet here seems very expensive and very slow so my updates will be short and to the point.
I spent most of today walking around. I picked up some stamps, but I need to find some postcards now. I also went to the Merkato and it is impressive, but I doubt it could beat the Chatuchak market in Thailand. Also, the Merkato seems to be a flea market of all "Made in China" products." Tons of electronics, household appliances all made in China being sold in Addis Ababa.
I am goign to try to some Ethiopian food tonight and just wander around. I wish I had more time to explore Ethiopia. I'm only here for 4 days, so I can't really hop on a bus and visit the historical circuit. Each bus ride takes about 1.5 days one way so I'll be in a bind. In any case, the weather here is fantastic. Very cool and yet very sunny. I guess that's because we are at 1500-2000 meters in the sky.
The people here are very friendly. They obviously think i'm Japanese or Chinese so they greet me, but I'm quite a mystery to many of them, since I doubt many Asian people head in this direction except for the businessmen. My hotel has a few foreigners so it's not too bad, but I haven't met any other travelers and I doubt I will, given my time schedule.
I need to book my room in Cairo soon....
