Thursday, February 4, 2010

Ethiopia: Land of Beautiful People, Stunning Landscape, and Delicious Coffee

A landlocked country of over a million square kilometers (about twice the size of Texas), 85 million people, over 80 ethnicities, and at least as many languages, Ethiopia is a country rich with history, culture, and beautiful landscape. However, what strikes a visitor the most is the beauty and warmth if its people. I traveled to Adama in the south, Wenchie in the west, and as far north as Mekelle, and I was always welcomed warmly by gorgeous, warm, and proud people of all ages.

Ethiopia has a delicious cuisine of indigenous food and a hint of Italian influence on its pastas and coffees. Ah! The coffee! I’ve never had a better macchiato anywhere, and the traditional three round of dark, delicious Ethiopian coffee service is an out-of-this-world experience. (For more on the coffee service, please read my previous blog: Almaz, the Coffee Lady at the Addis Ababa Hilton.)

Below is a random photo essay of the people and landscape of Ethiopia. I hope you enjoy reviewing the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.






































END QUOTE:
“Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.”
Jane Austen.