It’s a beautiful sunny morning here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am writing this piece from the top floor of Adot Tina Hotel located in a busy neighborhood known as Meskel Flower. From my vantage point, I can see a couple of sites I would love to visit. Unfortunately, I am leaving for the airport shortly.
This sojourn was just an overnight layover. Last night’s transfer to my current location was a mini city tour of sorts. As my fellow passengers were dosing, I was mapping out the route and tracking my whereabouts.
From Bole International Airport, our driver crossed Ring Road and proceeded to Wolo Sefer through Airport Road. Then he turned left and steered the shuttle along Ethio-China Friendship Road. When we reached the popular Meskei Square, he exited the roundabout and found his way to the hotel through Gabon Street.
After dinner, I spent about an hour at the counter nursing a drink and learning how to say hello in Amharic. It was about 11 P.M. when I finally went to my room. While in bed, I opened the second edition of a book titled A History of Modern Ethiopia by Bahru Zewde.Coincidentally, the only book I had in my carry-on was a detailed historical account of the country in which this post is being written. The publication covers events that unfolded between 1855 and 1991. Reading this book feels like living in different eras dating back to the reign of Emperor Tewodros II.
As mentioned above, I am about to leave Ethiopia but I will keep reading its fascinating history. One day, I will come back and visit sites of historical significance featured prominently in the aforementioned book. In the meantime, I need to check out and bid farewell to my Amharic teacher. በህና ሁን.