Ethiopia in the eye of an Eritrean | Eritrean Press
Eritrean Press editor is back from visiting beautiful Ethiopia
I am back from an extended visit of Eritreans’ second home Ethiopia.
Here are the places Eritreans should visit in Ethiopia beside the capital Addis Ababa.
Bahir Dar
Bahir Dar is the Asmara of Ethiopia. Beautifully planned city. Place to visit whilst you are in Bahir Dar are monasteries at Tana Lake and Tis Abay, around 30 km away from the city. The trip from Addis to Bahir Dar is recommended if you have a four-wheel car. On the way, you will visit the Abay Bereha and Abay bridge. Even though the road is damaged, it worth travelling by car to see the place. For night entertainment, Balageru bars near the region’s parliament behind Summerland Hotel are unique. Prepare to splash your money to the folk singers though.
On my way to Bahir Dar Airport, I was tempted to stop and say hi to Amhara Mass Media Agency but decided to take the photo of the building (pictured).
Debre Markos
Probably Eritreans would love to visit Markos due to the local deep rooted affection to Eritreans. I was emotionally touched when I arrived in the city after having lunch in Dejen, the ‘world head quarter’ of Teff. From Dejen to Markos is Teff as far as the eye could see. Amazing! Debre Marko is famous among Eritreans as several of the local residents had kept and guarded faithfully Eritreans properties when the Junta expelled them 22 years ago and returned when the Eritreans went back. Because of that I stayed for two night in Markos. I played a game of pool at Star near the roundabout next to FM International Hotel.
Adama (Nazareth)
Addis Ababa – Adama express road is the best smooth highway in Ethiopia. We got to Adama in just 40 minutes. Going back to Addis, I used the old road to see Mojo, Debre Zeit and Dekum cities. Adama (Nazareth) is a very big merchant city. I visited the whole city with Bajaj. From Bole to Saint Michael Church, Sodere direction. You should visit the nearby Sodere Resort whilst you are there. The beautiful new Haile Resort is in the outskirt of the City next to a small mountain. I stayed in at a newly built excellent hotel near the downtown. From all cities and towns, I visited Ethiopia, Adama is the Thailand of Ethiopia due to the night entertainments. Next Night Club is the best place.
Bishoftu (Debre Zeit)
Kuriftu Resort is a must to visit if you have children. However, if you are traveling alone or without children, stay in the centre of the city. Rosemary Hotel is the best. For night entrainment, Reggae Club beats the rest in the town.
Hawassa
The cleanest city I visited in Ethiopia. The roads are wide and green in this city, in the Southern Nation Region. I recommend you visit the famous St Gabriel Church in the centre of the city and taste the delicious fresh fishes with the source called ‘data’ at the Hawassa Lake. They called the area near the place ‘love lake’ or something like that in Amharic. Similarly built like the Adama’s Haile Resort, I recommend visiting the great Ethiopia athlete’s hotel in the city. A place to visit for night time is in Piassa Road/Avenue. Enjorini is the best club by far in Hawassa.
Shashemene
Burn down buildings are still visible since the killing of singer and activist (now, I know how to write Afaan Oromo) Haacaaluu Hundeessaa in Addis Ababa sparked violence in towns across Oromia region in August 2020. In Shashemene, I tasted qhat (chat) for first time. I was also given peanuts to go with it. Few hours later after I ATE the qhat unceremoniously, I said, “what is the fuss about this leaf?” Later, I ended up washing the whole night all my clothes in my hotel room instead of sending it as usual to the hotel laundry. Now, I get it why.....
Batu (Ziway)
The lakeside town of Ziway in Ethiopia’s Oromia region and I was not what I imagined the city to be in size. However, the Haile Resort made up to the lack of more activity to the night life. On the way to Addis, Shala lake to the left, and Langano and Koka lake to the right are visible.
Arba Minch
The green, green land. I booked the hotel where the Eritrean President’s family stayed. The hotel set up and surrounding areas are beautiful to see. I highly recommend it if you are not to night life entertainment, so I headed back to Kahsay Berhe’s night club in Bole Medhane Alem, Addis Ababa the following day.
On my next visit, Gondar (disappointed that I couldn't visit), Lalibela (gutted, I wasn't able to visit), Dire Dawa, Harar, Jigjiga, Jimma, Debre Birhan, Kombolcha and Dessie are my targets.
Peace be with the delightful Ethiopians especially to those that travelled with me inside the country but not knowing who I was.
I WILL BE BACK!!
CDE
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