If your parents have seen Ethiopia on the news lately, chances are you’Otilde;ll need an alternative destination for spring break. Africa’Otilde;s oldest independent country and arguably the cradle of civilization, Ethiopia is famous for its gourmet coffee but perhaps better known for its periodic droughts, famines, long civil conflict and border wars with neighboring Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan. But for those with a sense of adventure and thirst for new cultural experiences, my recommendation stands strong.
Despite its political unrest, life in Ethiopia remains family-oriented and built around tribal societies. Locals are hospitable and friendly ‘Ntilde; foreigners are often treated like celebrities. At the marketplace, you will be considered a curiosity, often followed more closely than the Pied Piper by both children and adults.
Seeing as it’Otilde;s one of the world’Otilde;s poorest nations, accomodations within Ethiopia are extraordinarily inexpensive. Nicer hotels in the capital city of Addis Ababa run from $10 to $20 a night. As for food: Normally, tourism boards recommend you bring a strong appetite, but in Ethiopia, bring a strong stomach. However, if you like sourdough bread, the local version ‘Ntilde; injera ‘Ntilde; is a slice of heaven with every meal.
For photographers, Ethiopia provides a wide array of landscape opportunities, but none that overshadow the beauty of the people. Energetic, wide-eyed and all-around colorful characters paint the streets in their proud culture.
However, the eagerness of the locals to have their photo taken is not shared by military and police; it is with a cautious slight of hand that you should turn a camera in their direction. It’Otilde;s also important to ask before taking photos of villagers, as many carry machetes.