Category: Around the World

One of the things that drew me to Ethiopia was the Rastafarian community. For Rastas, Ethiopia is Zion, the motherland. I heard that there’s no serious “Rasta activity” in Ethiopia, but I was curious enough to check it out.

 

 

 

Haile Sellasie I granted the Rastafaris land in Shashamene, about 300 kilometers south of the capital. But like us Jews, most Rastas stay in the diaspora: Jamaica, Britain and elsewhere. 

Lonely Planet scared me about the visit: it says that Shashmene is a hostile town, and that there’s nothing to see there. Most of the people that visited this town were passing by (it’s a main junction), and confirmed that the town isn’t pleasant.

Well, I can’t say anything about the city center, since the bus dropped me off straight at the “Jamaica” community, north of town. What I can say, is that visiting the community was very interesting, and not scary at all.

First I visited the Black Lion museum. An old man showed me around, stopping his guidance from time to time to praise Jah. It was both amusing and interesting.

 

 

 

Afterwards, I continued to the community nearby, seeking some food. I was welcomed by very nice people, that didn’t try to sell me drugs (contrary to LP again).

Sister Bev Reuben, originally from England, told me about their agricultural projects: growing organic vegetables, fruits and spices. They donate some of the products to a number of other projects going on in Shashamene.

While eating Caribean spicy beans with rice, she told me how she felt discriminated as a teenager in the 70s, in England. Becoming a Rasta was for her a way of gaining an identity. She feels at home in Ethiopia, although still being Faranji – foreigner. If anyone is interested in more information about the community and the projects, you’re welcome to contat her through this mail or by phone: 0251 912 06 64 72.

After another short walk around, I got back to Addis, happy that I got the chance to visit the community, and sad that most travelers skip it.

 

 

 

More pictures from Shashemene’s Rastafarian community.

The highlight of my trip was walking in Ethiopia’s nature. I think that these treks are always the highlights of my trips. It’s always fun walking for a few days, discovering new land by foot, and experiencing the journey with fellow travelers.

The first and major trek was in the Simien mountains, northeast of Gonder, in the Ethiopian highlands. I traveled with 5 of my countrymen to the dramatic mountains, with strange rock formations. I haven’t seen anything similar anywhere else.

Continue reading “Trekking in Ethiopia”

I’ve returned from a 3 week trip in Ethiopia – the proudest country in Africa. It was an amazing trip: the landscapes, ancient and unique culture, great coffee and food, and interesting people, though annoying too many times.

This is a snapshot post – only slightly touching each place. It took me a very long time to write this post. Routine life, and non-routine just catches you and doesn’t let go. I’ve been following the American elections,  been very active in the local elections, and also work hasn’t been so routine lately. I’ve promised to publish it earlier to several people. Sorry.

Here all the pictures from Ethiopia.

I hope to write more detailed post about specific places, or special stories, but I fear that it’ll also drown…Let’s start

The first impression of Ethiopia was strong – I had a truly great coffee, as I had waited for. Then, Addis Ababa’s market kept it’s promise – many poor people, lots of beggars and many other disabled people. Since I was warned of these sights, I wasn’t overwhelmed. Later, the massive religious celebrations of the Meskel were very impressive

The next thing on the journey was Bahir Dar, on the shores of lake Tana. Aparat from the monasteries and churches on the lake’s islands, the Blue Nile falls were an excellent surprise:

The next part of the trip was the best – a six day trek in the Simien mountains. Their strange shapes, the wild animals, and the experience of trekking together with great people was fabulous., but it was quite cold… I hope to write more about this experience:

Next came some historic cities: Gonder and Aksum. Castles, churches and obelisks dominated the next two days:

Spontaneously, I chose to see the churches of the Tigray region – a combination of walking in the countryside and seeing some ancient churches in remote places, that even demanded some rock climbing.

After a long night in a truck (long story…), I reached Lalibella, the Petra of Ethiopia, with mighty churches carved from one stone. This is the highlight -Saint George:

I then went off my plan, and joined a group that went to an ecological trek in the Mesket escarpment. This was an easy walk, with beautiful views, and comfortable conditions.

After a little bit more time in Lalibella and it’s surroundings, I flew back to Addis and went south to Shashamene, the home of Ethiopia’s Rastafarian community. The museum was very interesting, and so was visiting the community

And at the end of my trip, criss-crossed Addis Ababa, visiting museums, viewing the city from the top and some last minute shopping…

That’s it for now!