Calendar
Ethiopia traditionally follows the Coptic calendar, although business is conducted using Western time and calendar standards. There is a seven-year difference separating the Coptic and the Gregorian, or Western, calendars; for example, 1998 is 1991 in Ethiopia. Also, the 24-hour day begins at sunrise, not midnight.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Holidays
Holidays
Christmas begins, and does not end, the year—it falls on 7 January. On Christmas, a special game is played by some Ethiopians that is not played at any other time of the year. Similar to field hockey, it is said to derive from an old story that shepherds, brimming with joy to hear of the birth of Jesus Christ, spontaneously used their hooked staffs to make up a game that expressed their happiness. It is called Ganna.
The Epiphany, or Visit of the Three Magi, is celebrated on 19 January. Victory Day is on 6 March, and Patriots’ Victory Day on 6 April. Good Friday, the Friday preceding Easter, is a holiday in Ethiopia, and Easter, called Fasika, is the most important holiday of the year.
Christmas begins, and does not end, the year—it falls on 7 January. On Christmas, a special game is played by some Ethiopians that is not played at any other time of the year. Similar to field hockey, it is said to derive from an old story that shepherds, brimming with joy to hear of the birth of Jesus Christ, spontaneously used their hooked staffs to make up a game that expressed their happiness. It is called Ganna.
The Epiphany, or Visit of the Three Magi, is celebrated on 19 January. Victory Day is on 6 March, and Patriots’ Victory Day on 6 April. Good Friday, the Friday preceding Easter, is a holiday in Ethiopia, and Easter, called Fasika, is the most important holiday of the year.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Wild Live
Wild Live:
The larger species of African wildlife are native to most parts of the country. These include the giraffe, leopard, hippopotamus, lion, elephant, antelope, and rhinoceros. The caracal, jackal, hyena, and various species of monkey are common. The country is home to 813 bird species. Birds of prey include the eagle, hawk, and vulture. Heron, parrot, and such game birds as the snipe, partridge, teal, pigeon, and bustard are found in abundance. Among the many varieties of insects are the locust and tsetse fly.
The larger species of African wildlife are native to most parts of the country. These include the giraffe, leopard, hippopotamus, lion, elephant, antelope, and rhinoceros. The caracal, jackal, hyena, and various species of monkey are common. The country is home to 813 bird species. Birds of prey include the eagle, hawk, and vulture. Heron, parrot, and such game birds as the snipe, partridge, teal, pigeon, and bustard are found in abundance. Among the many varieties of insects are the locust and tsetse fly.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Currency and Banking
Currency and Banking:
Ethiopia's unit of currency, the birr, is issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia (8.66 birr equal U.S.$1; or 11,50 birr equals 1 euros, average late 2004). To change money it is better to change it in Addis Ababa, many times you will find difficult to change money in smaller towns and the rate is not so fair.
To receive money from Western Union is quite easy, even in small towns, you will find a Bank which works with Western Union, and it never takes more than 30 minutes.
Ethiopia's unit of currency, the birr, is issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia (8.66 birr equal U.S.$1; or 11,50 birr equals 1 euros, average late 2004). To change money it is better to change it in Addis Ababa, many times you will find difficult to change money in smaller towns and the rate is not so fair.
To receive money from Western Union is quite easy, even in small towns, you will find a Bank which works with Western Union, and it never takes more than 30 minutes.
Visa
Visa:
If you go to Ethiopia with a Tourist Visa, which normally is for a month, you can renew it in Addis Ababa in the Emigration Department, you just say to any bus or taxi, “emigration”, every one knows were it is. To renew is 105 birr per month, you must renew it every month and they don’t renew it for more than 6 months, then it is necessary to go out and start again, out means you can go for a short visit to Djibouti, or Kenya, Djibouti is expensive and Kenya is slightly out of the way.
If you go to Ethiopia with a Tourist Visa, which normally is for a month, you can renew it in Addis Ababa in the Emigration Department, you just say to any bus or taxi, “emigration”, every one knows were it is. To renew is 105 birr per month, you must renew it every month and they don’t renew it for more than 6 months, then it is necessary to go out and start again, out means you can go for a short visit to Djibouti, or Kenya, Djibouti is expensive and Kenya is slightly out of the way.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Population Characteristics
Population Characteristics:
The population of Ethiopia (2003 estimate) is 66,557,553 estimate, yielding an overall density of 59 persons per sq km (152 per sq mi). The Amhara, who founded the original nation, and the related Tigreans, both of which are highland peoples of partly Semitic origin, constitute about 32 percent of the total population. They occupy the northwestern Ethiopian highlands and the area north of Addis Ababa. The Oromo, a pastoral and agricultural people who live mainly in central and southwestern Ethiopia, constitute about 40 percent of the population. The Shankella, a people in the western part of the country from the border of Eritrea to Lake Turkana, constitute about 6 percent of the population. The Somali, who live in the east and southeast, notably in the Ogadēn region, are about equal in number to the Shangalla. The Denakil inhabit the semi desert plains east of the highlands. The non indigenous population includes Yemenis, Indians, Armenians, and Greeks
The population of Ethiopia (2003 estimate) is 66,557,553 estimate, yielding an overall density of 59 persons per sq km (152 per sq mi). The Amhara, who founded the original nation, and the related Tigreans, both of which are highland peoples of partly Semitic origin, constitute about 32 percent of the total population. They occupy the northwestern Ethiopian highlands and the area north of Addis Ababa. The Oromo, a pastoral and agricultural people who live mainly in central and southwestern Ethiopia, constitute about 40 percent of the population. The Shankella, a people in the western part of the country from the border of Eritrea to Lake Turkana, constitute about 6 percent of the population. The Somali, who live in the east and southeast, notably in the Ogadēn region, are about equal in number to the Shangalla. The Denakil inhabit the semi desert plains east of the highlands. The non indigenous population includes Yemenis, Indians, Armenians, and Greeks
Geography
Geography:
Ethiopia covers an area of 1,133,380 sq km (437,600 sq mi). The heart of the country is a high tableland, known as the Ethiopian Plateau, that covers more than half the total area of the country. The plateau is split diagonally by the Great Rift Valley. Although the average elevation of the plateau is about 1,680 m (about 5,500 ft), it is cut by many rivers and deep valleys, some of which are 600 m (2,000 ft) below the level of the plateau.
The area is capped by mountains, the highest of which is Ras Dashen (4,620 m/15,157 ft). These heights and indentations occur in northern Ethiopia, in the region surrounding Lake T’ana (the lake in which the Blue Nile rises). The northeastern edges of the plateau are marked by steep escarpments, which drop some 1,200 m (about 4,000 ft) or more to the Denakil Desert.
Ethiopia covers an area of 1,133,380 sq km (437,600 sq mi). The heart of the country is a high tableland, known as the Ethiopian Plateau, that covers more than half the total area of the country. The plateau is split diagonally by the Great Rift Valley. Although the average elevation of the plateau is about 1,680 m (about 5,500 ft), it is cut by many rivers and deep valleys, some of which are 600 m (2,000 ft) below the level of the plateau.
The area is capped by mountains, the highest of which is Ras Dashen (4,620 m/15,157 ft). These heights and indentations occur in northern Ethiopia, in the region surrounding Lake T’ana (the lake in which the Blue Nile rises). The northeastern edges of the plateau are marked by steep escarpments, which drop some 1,200 m (about 4,000 ft) or more to the Denakil Desert.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Aksum
Aksum
Aksum is the holiest city in Ethiopia. According to the Orthodox Church, the original Ark of the Covenant, which holds the Ten Commandments, is somewhere around here. This is also the place where Christianity was declared the national religion in the 4th century. The Ark is supposed to live somewhere in the grounds of the 17th-century St Mary of Zion church, but of course no one is allowed to look at it. The church's museum has a small but impressive collection of bibles, crosses and crowns. Just past the museum is Aksum's ancient stelee field all that remains of the city's past glory. Stelae are huge, carved pillars made from single blocks of granite - the highest of those still standing at Aksum is 24m (79ft) tall.
If you take a walk outside the town, you can have a look at the ruins of King Kaleb's Tomb, and if you keep going up the hill you'll end up at the Pentalewon Monastery - women aren't allowed in, but the views from here are lovely. The ruins of the Queen of Sheba's Palace are also outside the town, although archaeological investigation suggests they are 1500 rather than 2500 years old.
Aksum is about 500km (310mi) north of Addis Ababa. You can fly from the capital, or catch a bus from Gonder, Adwa, Adigrat or Mekele.
Aksum is the holiest city in Ethiopia. According to the Orthodox Church, the original Ark of the Covenant, which holds the Ten Commandments, is somewhere around here. This is also the place where Christianity was declared the national religion in the 4th century. The Ark is supposed to live somewhere in the grounds of the 17th-century St Mary of Zion church, but of course no one is allowed to look at it. The church's museum has a small but impressive collection of bibles, crosses and crowns. Just past the museum is Aksum's ancient stelee field all that remains of the city's past glory. Stelae are huge, carved pillars made from single blocks of granite - the highest of those still standing at Aksum is 24m (79ft) tall.
If you take a walk outside the town, you can have a look at the ruins of King Kaleb's Tomb, and if you keep going up the hill you'll end up at the Pentalewon Monastery - women aren't allowed in, but the views from here are lovely. The ruins of the Queen of Sheba's Palace are also outside the town, although archaeological investigation suggests they are 1500 rather than 2500 years old.
Aksum is about 500km (310mi) north of Addis Ababa. You can fly from the capital, or catch a bus from Gonder, Adwa, Adigrat or Mekele.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Hotels
You can get a room for twenty birr, 2 euros in Adis Abeba, specially in Mercato area but obviously it not not very confortable, toilet outside the room use by other 25 people, I really do not recomend, but you can get a good hotel for about 75 birr, 7,50 euros for example Debre Damo Hotel, I think it is the cheapest of the hotels in Adis which is mentioned in the international guides, I have sleep there many times it is not bad, any way the telephone is 251-1-612630, the price I mentioned perhaps is a bit outdated, check.
Another hotel which I like is Ras Hotel, it is a chain of hotels, in Ethiopia, Government run, used mostly by upper middle class Ethiopians, the personnel is more polite then the very touristic hotels...
The price is about 125 birr, although I pay 95, not because I write this but because I have residence, and Ethiopians and foreigners with residence get a discount, actually before I had residence I thought this policy rather stupid!
The advantage of Ras Hotel is that it is in the very centre of Addis Ababa. With telecommunications 100 meters to the right and a supermarket 100 meters to the left.
Outside Addis there is not so much choice, but most of the time you can find a place to stay, and you find most of the time a Ras Hotel, ras means duke.
Another hotel which I like is Ras Hotel, it is a chain of hotels, in Ethiopia, Government run, used mostly by upper middle class Ethiopians, the personnel is more polite then the very touristic hotels...
The price is about 125 birr, although I pay 95, not because I write this but because I have residence, and Ethiopians and foreigners with residence get a discount, actually before I had residence I thought this policy rather stupid!
The advantage of Ras Hotel is that it is in the very centre of Addis Ababa. With telecommunications 100 meters to the right and a supermarket 100 meters to the left.
Outside Addis there is not so much choice, but most of the time you can find a place to stay, and you find most of the time a Ras Hotel, ras means duke.
Travel
Travel:
International airports are Bole in Addis and in Dire Dawa, but you can go to Bar Dar and Mekele by airplane, the Ethiopian Airways are quite reliable, and safe for what I know they the Ethiopian Pilots even train other African Pilots.
But it is quite expensive, for example a ticket between Addis an Dire Dawa return is about 70 euros, 700 birr.
Cheap is the long distance buses between Addis and the rest of the country, example Addis-Harar, is about 6 euros, 60 birr, sometimes they have problem on the road and then you have to sleep in a road side hotel, which is not so comfortable, although they are very cheap, a night costs max.: 2 euros, 20 birr.
The problem is that this buses are quite uncomfortable, specially if your legs are long, and the Ethiopians like to travel with all the windows closed!
International airports are Bole in Addis and in Dire Dawa, but you can go to Bar Dar and Mekele by airplane, the Ethiopian Airways are quite reliable, and safe for what I know they the Ethiopian Pilots even train other African Pilots.
But it is quite expensive, for example a ticket between Addis an Dire Dawa return is about 70 euros, 700 birr.
Cheap is the long distance buses between Addis and the rest of the country, example Addis-Harar, is about 6 euros, 60 birr, sometimes they have problem on the road and then you have to sleep in a road side hotel, which is not so comfortable, although they are very cheap, a night costs max.: 2 euros, 20 birr.
The problem is that this buses are quite uncomfortable, specially if your legs are long, and the Ethiopians like to travel with all the windows closed!
Criminality and Farengis
Criminality and Farengis:
There is no criminality in Ethiopia you can walk about the country at 3.00 am without any fear, the only place were you will find pickpockets is in Merkato, Addis Ababa, and they never are aggressive.
But the other side of the coin is that anything you buy or pay, the price is raised because you are a “farengi”, you will get used to this word, anyone of white colour is a farengi, do not be put down, by this, even if it annoying, for the Ethiopians differently from other African countries there is no hate for the white man, perhaps because they were not colonized, the farengi is for them pure, good, rich, (that is why they raise the price), and the solution for every problem, of course this after a while is rather annoying.
There is no criminality in Ethiopia you can walk about the country at 3.00 am without any fear, the only place were you will find pickpockets is in Merkato, Addis Ababa, and they never are aggressive.
But the other side of the coin is that anything you buy or pay, the price is raised because you are a “farengi”, you will get used to this word, anyone of white colour is a farengi, do not be put down, by this, even if it annoying, for the Ethiopians differently from other African countries there is no hate for the white man, perhaps because they were not colonized, the farengi is for them pure, good, rich, (that is why they raise the price), and the solution for every problem, of course this after a while is rather annoying.
Religion
Religion:
About 40 percent of the people of Ethiopia are Christians, and Christianity is predominant in the north. All the southern regions have Muslim majorities, who represent about 45 percent of the country’s population. The south also contains considerable numbers of animists. A sect known as Beta Israel or Falashas, who practice a type of Judaism that probably dates back to contact with early Arabian Jews, were airlifted to Israel in 1991 during Ethiopia’s civil war.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Union church, an autonomous Christian sect headed by a patriarch and closely related to the Coptic church of Egypt, was the state church of Ethiopia until 1974.
The main difference between the Ethiopian Orthodox and the western Christianity, is that The Ethiopians believe that Jesus had only one nature, he was God at all time, while the western Christianity, believes that Jesus was both Man and God.
About 40 percent of the people of Ethiopia are Christians, and Christianity is predominant in the north. All the southern regions have Muslim majorities, who represent about 45 percent of the country’s population. The south also contains considerable numbers of animists. A sect known as Beta Israel or Falashas, who practice a type of Judaism that probably dates back to contact with early Arabian Jews, were airlifted to Israel in 1991 during Ethiopia’s civil war.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Union church, an autonomous Christian sect headed by a patriarch and closely related to the Coptic church of Egypt, was the state church of Ethiopia until 1974.
The main difference between the Ethiopian Orthodox and the western Christianity, is that The Ethiopians believe that Jesus had only one nature, he was God at all time, while the western Christianity, believes that Jesus was both Man and God.
Socializing
Socializing
The Amhara place great emphasis on formal but very courteous greetings to both friends and strangers. Shaking hands with one or both hands is common between members of the same sex. Friends often embrace each other formally but warmly. There is no physical contact when members of opposite sexes greet each other.
The Amharic home is generally a highly private and personal domain, and it is not usual to visit without an invitation. When visiting a home for the first time, a small gift is in order. Visitors are expected to accept any refreshments or food offered.
The Amhara place great emphasis on formal but very courteous greetings to both friends and strangers. Shaking hands with one or both hands is common between members of the same sex. Friends often embrace each other formally but warmly. There is no physical contact when members of opposite sexes greet each other.
The Amharic home is generally a highly private and personal domain, and it is not usual to visit without an invitation. When visiting a home for the first time, a small gift is in order. Visitors are expected to accept any refreshments or food offered.
Ethiopian Food
The Ethiopian diet generally includes lamb, goat, and fowl. Ethiopians do not usually eat pork, turkey, or ham. Common foods include injera, a fermented bread made of teff flour (a native grain), and wat, a spicy stew made with beef or chicken. Strict religious dietary and fasting customs, especially for Muslims, also influence the diet. Many people survive on grains alone.
Marriage and Family
Marriage and Family
Because marriage represents the union of two families, the choice of spouse is usually arranged by the families, although individuals have some say in the decision. Divorce is not common.
The Amharic family is strongly patriarchal, a pattern typical throughout Ethiopia. Sons usually bring their brides to live with or near their father’s family, and three or more generations in the male line frequently live under one roof. Age is highly respected in Ethiopia, and the elderly are cared for by their children. Women’s duties and privileges are clearly defined both within the home and elsewhere, and most women lead sheltered lives. Families tend to be very private.
Because marriage represents the union of two families, the choice of spouse is usually arranged by the families, although individuals have some say in the decision. Divorce is not common.
The Amharic family is strongly patriarchal, a pattern typical throughout Ethiopia. Sons usually bring their brides to live with or near their father’s family, and three or more generations in the male line frequently live under one roof. Age is highly respected in Ethiopia, and the elderly are cared for by their children. Women’s duties and privileges are clearly defined both within the home and elsewhere, and most women lead sheltered lives. Families tend to be very private.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa
There are plenty of people in the Ethiopian capital - of the 5 million bodies who live here, 3 million have arrived since the 1991 revolution. The city was only founded in 1887, and was nearly abandoned due to lack of fuel wood until the introduction of eucalypts to the area. It's a huge, sprawling place, with very few street signs, although the main shopping strip, Churchill Ave, is labelled.
The city's Ethnographic Museum is well worth the price of admission. Its two main sections on local crafts and on regions and peoples make it an ideal place to start learning about Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity. It also has an impressive array of religious crosses, triptychs and murals, as well as Haile Selassies's bedroom and bathroom. The National Museum is much smaller, but it does have the fossils of 3.5-million-year-old 'Lucy', perhaps our earliest ancestor. It is ranked among the most important sub-Saharan museums in Africa.
Africa Hall is the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and was designed as a monument to African independence. Its huge, richly coloured stained-glass windows, by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle, portray the history and diversity of Africa's peoples. If you'd like to see more of Tekle's work, visit the Giorgis Cathedral, built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the invading Italians. Addis Ababa's Mercato is the largest market in East Africa. It's a sprawling mess of open-air stalls, where you can buy everything from vegetables to gold jewellery - keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Many cheap hotels in Addis Ababa are a combination of noisy street bar, brothel and a few double rooms, though some are surprisingly well kept. Expect to pay two to four times the local rate. Most hotels are around the Piazza, where you'll also find a bunch of cheap cafes and bars. Although the Italians were only here five years, you'll find good Italian eateries all over the city.
There are plenty of people in the Ethiopian capital - of the 5 million bodies who live here, 3 million have arrived since the 1991 revolution. The city was only founded in 1887, and was nearly abandoned due to lack of fuel wood until the introduction of eucalypts to the area. It's a huge, sprawling place, with very few street signs, although the main shopping strip, Churchill Ave, is labelled.
The city's Ethnographic Museum is well worth the price of admission. Its two main sections on local crafts and on regions and peoples make it an ideal place to start learning about Ethiopia's rich ethnic diversity. It also has an impressive array of religious crosses, triptychs and murals, as well as Haile Selassies's bedroom and bathroom. The National Museum is much smaller, but it does have the fossils of 3.5-million-year-old 'Lucy', perhaps our earliest ancestor. It is ranked among the most important sub-Saharan museums in Africa.
Africa Hall is the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and was designed as a monument to African independence. Its huge, richly coloured stained-glass windows, by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle, portray the history and diversity of Africa's peoples. If you'd like to see more of Tekle's work, visit the Giorgis Cathedral, built in 1896 to commemorate Ethiopia's victory over the invading Italians. Addis Ababa's Mercato is the largest market in East Africa. It's a sprawling mess of open-air stalls, where you can buy everything from vegetables to gold jewellery - keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Many cheap hotels in Addis Ababa are a combination of noisy street bar, brothel and a few double rooms, though some are surprisingly well kept. Expect to pay two to four times the local rate. Most hotels are around the Piazza, where you'll also find a bunch of cheap cafes and bars. Although the Italians were only here five years, you'll find good Italian eateries all over the city.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Our objective
Our objective
In this pages you will read about Ethiopia, known in history as Abyssinia, you will find all kinds of information, and photos and some pictures by Afewerk Tekle, a famous Ethiopian painter, his women paintings are very expressive.
I have tried to make it as rich and useful as I could, I mention Ethiopian traditions which by itself is a very rich subject, and a mere web site would not suffice, but I tried, Ethiopian Hotels, in Addis Ababa and outside the capital city, one page is just about the Ethiopian History, in another I explain about Ethiopian food, and I took some photos of my wife making Injera the Ethiopian bread, made by a cereal called teff, I mention the exchange rate of Birr, the Ethiopian money,
I mention the Ethiopian marriage and Ethiopian customs I thought fascinating, in the page about Ethiopian facts, I write about the Ethiopian climate, and all kind of facts I think important to a foreign who travels in Ethiopia.
There are some photos of Harar, Lalibela, Aksum, and other places which make it Ethiopian what it is.
Certainly in all of Africa, Ethiopia stands as a unique place, these pages obviously are not to be used as an Ethiopian guide, I have put only a simple Ethiopian map, without much detail, but I hope that overall these pages can be useful to the person who see them.
Paulo Santos
In this pages you will read about Ethiopia, known in history as Abyssinia, you will find all kinds of information, and photos and some pictures by Afewerk Tekle, a famous Ethiopian painter, his women paintings are very expressive.
I have tried to make it as rich and useful as I could, I mention Ethiopian traditions which by itself is a very rich subject, and a mere web site would not suffice, but I tried, Ethiopian Hotels, in Addis Ababa and outside the capital city, one page is just about the Ethiopian History, in another I explain about Ethiopian food, and I took some photos of my wife making Injera the Ethiopian bread, made by a cereal called teff, I mention the exchange rate of Birr, the Ethiopian money,
I mention the Ethiopian marriage and Ethiopian customs I thought fascinating, in the page about Ethiopian facts, I write about the Ethiopian climate, and all kind of facts I think important to a foreign who travels in Ethiopia.
There are some photos of Harar, Lalibela, Aksum, and other places which make it Ethiopian what it is.
Certainly in all of Africa, Ethiopia stands as a unique place, these pages obviously are not to be used as an Ethiopian guide, I have put only a simple Ethiopian map, without much detail, but I hope that overall these pages can be useful to the person who see them.
Paulo Santos
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Ethiopia
This web page, about Ethiopia, is made by people who love Ethiopia, for people who likewise love Ethiopia.
In the following page you will find all kinds of information, history, facts, places to go, etc, obviously this is not a complete guide, it is not our intention, but we hope that it may be helpful to anyone who intends to visit Ethiopia and even for people who already know the country. We hope that anyone who sees this pages and feels he can give any input not hesitate and post a comment all will be welcome.
In the following page you will find all kinds of information, history, facts, places to go, etc, obviously this is not a complete guide, it is not our intention, but we hope that it may be helpful to anyone who intends to visit Ethiopia and even for people who already know the country. We hope that anyone who sees this pages and feels he can give any input not hesitate and post a comment all will be welcome.
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