"What I Love About Addis"
By Selamawit Gebre

Situated in the central part of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is a mix of tradition and modernity! Starting from its loud crowds, mud huts, popular nightclubs, boutiques, modern malls, cafés, and traditional Ethiopian cuisine restaurants, Addis is a city full of surprises and a delightful place to explore! I had the privilege to interview quite a few residents about the city and here are some of the things they revealed to me.

Early on Friday morning I was walking around the pavements of Addis for my interview. I stopped at an accessories shop. Blen (21), owner of the shop greeted me with warmth. I asked her what it is that she loves about Addis. Her reply “I adore Bole Road! since Bole road is the shopping venue with its lively lights, music, open air cafes and a young crowd. The area attracts the new generation.”

I asked Blen what would be the ‘must see’ place in Addis. She told me it had to be the hub of Addis, Piazza! “From jewelry shops to clothing stores, to cinemas, to restaurants and pastry’s, Piazza is the bubbly venue that everyone should experience. Especially in the evenings, the shopping area changes to an entertainment venue where cafés blare loud music”.

After my chat with Blen I rushed over to a bunch of shoe shiners around Edna Mall. I bought a tissue from Ibrahim (19), as a conversation starter. I asked him what it is that he loves about the capital city. “Addis has something for everyone”, said Ibrahim, the independent lifestyle, the opportunity to work and to make your own way. Above all the kindness of the people and the social life of Addis charm him.
Following my talk with Ibrahim I made my way up to Edna Mall and found myself in a book store. I converse with the owner of the shop, Ummed, originally from India, who says he enjoys the glorious weather of Addis.

Late in the afternoon I reached Bole road to meet up with a friend at Kaldi’s, a popular café in Addis. As I waited for my friend Luladay (21), to arrive I had the chance to talk to an old man named Eshetu. “Addis is the city of poverty and wealth! One place close to my heart is Merkato! In Merkato everyone is equal! Everybody shops for spices, jewelry, costumes, electronic items and much other interesting stuff. Merkato is an essential part of Addis Ababa, and is one sight nobody shouldn’t miss.” said Mr. Eshetu.

After my friend Luladay arrived I wanted to hear what she had to say about Addis. “Fresh air and quiet are the two things Addis isn’t known for. But there is a particular area in Addis that I enjoy the most… Entoto! With the fresh air and quiet that lets me hear myself and the voice in the wind, Entoto is my favorite place in Addis”, said Luladay.

Well, one thing is certain, Addis is truly special and has a place in everyone’s heart! Don’t miss the Addis experience, the one that offers something for everyone!