RASTA’S ETHIOPIA AND RECYCLING: The Green Report
Addis Abeba is looking pretty much the same as when I left. Its now the rainy season
and very wet with a shower or two everyday, but a lot of things have change since
I was here a year ago at this time. For one Addis has broadband all over the place
and wireless internet, I bought from the government phone company the new 3G sim
card for my mobile, but the 3G only works in Addis for now. The price of fuel has
gone up like the rest of the world, but still cheap compared to Australia, it’s only
about .90 cents a Lt. Cars have drop in price with some starting as low as $10,000
AUD on road, and if you don’t mind a three wheeler you can go cheaper. While in Australia
we pay for cable TV here in Ethiopia you can pay one off $100 AUD get a dish and
take a choice of two satellites and get on each one over 200 channels. They get Fox
movies free with a few other movies channels I have not heard of before, and so many
sport stations that I cant number them. You can get more stations from the South
African satellite but their is a monthly charge so most people go for the Free ones.
Like everywhere in the world the price of food has gone up but with so many Ethiopia’s
returning from the west many little super markets have open up and are everywhere
selling everything from %100 beef hotdogs American style, RC cola, to French mustard’s
and cheese with lots French and Italian Foods. But one thing you notice here is how
the Arabia countries produce so much of America foods, you would almost think you
are in a 7/11 somewhere in the states. So what does it cost to shop in a Ethiopia
supermarket today?
I shopped for: 1/2 Liter milk, loaf of sliced bread, some luncheon sliced chicken
meat, a can of Ripples Chips, Jar of Strawberry Jam total cost in Birr $45.40 in
Australia dollars about $4.80 ! Pretty cheap you may think but in a country where
most people make only about $1.50 a day most people don’t get to shop at the super
markets. With all this talk in the news of people going hungry somewhere in Ethiopia
I have notice a big drop in beggars in Addis and this city still has almost a nil
crime rate and is one of the safe’s cities in the world and listen to this, NO GRAFFITI
anywhere. The UN has set teams of people to find out why Ethiopians don’t steal,
rape (this crime is almost unheard of in Ethiopia, ‘0.07% a year’ except during wars)
or harm each other and they put it down to the Ethiopians strong belief in God wether
a Muslim 35% or a Orthodox Christian 39%. For me I think it is also because they
were never colonized by the west but for one short period by the Italians who invaded
Ethiopia twice in the last 150 years, the last time during World War Two and did
not learn all our bad habits. The Ethiopians don’t seem to hold grudges against defeated
enemies as they invited the Italian prisoners of war to live in Ethiopia and many
did, and today you can find Italian pasta in most Ethiopian resturarants and Pizza’s
shops all over Ethiopia as they love it. There is a lot of dust in the city but not
much trash as the Ethiopians recycle everything and waste nothing. All soft drinks
like Coke, Pepsi, 7up still come in returnable glass bottles, and that also helps
keep the price down, with all juices and sauces at the markets, coming in glass or
paper card board also. The only product that comes in plastic is the water bottles
but even they are recycled as kids in the streets will gladly take a empty bottle
off a person to take to a recycle center for money.
Water Conservation to a new level: The other day I was driving along this main road
and saw these two men washing a car in a puddle that had formed from the afternoon
shower in this city street. With plastic bags to pick up the water, it may have taken
them a bit longer but it was a free car wash, and any city should be proud to have
citizens that dedicate to water conservation and keeping there cars clean. I been
staying in one of the many middle class suburbs that have sprung around the city
with a Jamaican and British family. They have two dogs that guard the yard even though
a house brake in just don’t happen much in Addis, as well as a man living on the
property to do work around the place. I have noted that the two dogs understand Americ
the main lauguged of Ethiopia and English very well as do most young people in Ethiopia
because English is taught in schools from a early age as well as Amharic. I have
been trying to relearn my Amharic that I have forgot from my last two visits here
but its hard, as most Ethiopians want to speak to you in english if they speak it
and they think you do. But it is not unusual to meet Ethiopians from overseas that
cant speak Amharic and for the ones who come from Europe and can’t speak english
it is even harder for them to talk to there own people then for me. I missed out
on a free party held at the Australian embassy for all the Australians living in
Addis these days but being a New Zealand citizen and having only Australian redencey
for the past 10 years I wonder if they would have let me in. Well going out in Addis
is always fun as you feel safe and can enjoy a real African night out on the town
with music blasting out from every club and bar and out of the many shops with the
latest European copies of leather shoes to Nikes for only $20 AUD’s, and everyone
you meet in the streets seem to have a big smile as they enjoy the city vibes of
a truly African city. And when you park your car the meter maids come running up
to you to get about 0.10 cents parking fees for every hour much nicer then paying
a machine and they will watch your car for you also, not that anyone is going to
steal it, like most crimes, car stealing is almost unheard of in this African country.
You see lots of European tourist here as most cities in Europe have direct fights
as low at $450 return with many business people and diplomates flying back and forth
to Addis because its the home of the African Union and the diplomatic capitol of
all of Africa. Addis also has hot pools right in the city center, and some great
public pools with steaming water to wash away your jet lag, My favorite pool being
the one at the Hilton hotel that was designed by Emperor Haile Selasse in the shape
of a Ethiopian Cross it is open to the public for about $10 dollars for the whole
day, a bit high priced for Ethiopia but with fantasist faucities including food and
drink served pool side it is a great day out and a good treat once in awhile. Addis
is a city of learning with schools everywhere and museum and Churches open as museum
in the day and churches in the morning and afternoons you could spend weeks learning
about African, Ethiopian and European history. From the oldest human remains to the
latest computer technology Addis Ababe seems to have it all, even the shoe shine
boys and girls (starting to see some girls now) can tell you about Ethiopian history
and are proud of their country and its many different peoples.
Reggae and Rastas; Ethiopians really love the Rastas from around the world who are
visiting and making Ethiopia home. If you are a Rasta you will get first class service
here in Ethiopia from cab drivers calling you to the front of the line while angry
looking Europeans looking at you as you take cuts in the line, to when you walk into
a bar or restaurant the music suddenly change to reggae, I have even had people call
out to me from office building windows as I walk by just to get a wave from me. The
fact that Rastas love Ethiopia seems to make Ethiopians very happy, and thousands
have come to live here and many more coming everyday. So far the Ethiopians people
seem to be very welcoming and have learned that their are different types of Rasta
and because the Twelve Tribes of Israel Rastafarian organization is the largest group
living here, and see Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as all Christian Ethiopians
do they seem to get the best welcome from the locals. Well this ‘Rasta In Ethiopia’
will be heading out of the city to the country soon to go stay with some friends
on a farm so till then, Jah Lives!
TRAVEL TIPS
Location: Ethiopia is located between latitudes 3º and 14.8º and 33 and 48º longitude
in the Eastern part of Africa (horn of Africa) covering an area of 1.2 million square
kilometers, bordering Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya and Eritrea with border length of 5.311
Kms.
The city of Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa is the federal capital city founded at the foot
of the Entoto hill and is surrounded by mountains. It is situated at a height of
an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level and annual average temperature around
15º c. Addis Ababa is a big, sprawling city with three million inhabitants million,
and grows annually by 3%.
Accommodation: Ethiopia has international class hotels as well as budget hotels that
cater to the needs of all travelers.
Airport: Bole Airport is the main airport with worldwide connections. It is 8km from
the center of Addis Ababa. Domestic flights are available to all regions and most
tourist sites of the country.
Airport Tax: A $20 departure tax will be paid at the airport on departure (payable
in USD cash only). As it is often difficult to change large notes at the departure
tax office, it is advisable to bring as $20 note.
Entry Requirements: A valid passport is required by all visitors and a visa is required
for all foreign visitors. Please ensure that you have a valid entry visa prior to
arrival. Visas can now be issued upon arrival for visitors coming from countries
that are listed here Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korean
republic, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Russian federation, south Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United
States,
Customs: Personal effects are admitted free. Personal articles and samples including
those by businessmen and business travelers,Camera, computers and other high-tech
gadgets should be declared on arrival. Visitors are allowed to take with them souvenir
not with more than 500 birr. To get permit to take wild life and wild plants, Please
counsel the Ethiopian wildlife conservation organization.
(Tel: 00251-1-517922/514389 Fax: 00251-1-514190. P.O.Box 386, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Vaccination and medical assistance: All Visitors must be in possession of valid vaccination
certificates against yellow fever, and vaccinations against hepatitis and cholera
are recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is not needed in Addis Ababa. However, malaria
precautions should be taken before visiting the lowlands.
Banking: At Bole Airport, and in all major cites and many towns, there are branches
of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). There are around six private banks in Addis
Ababa with branches in major towns in Ethiopia. Foreign Exchange: Foreign currency
may be exchanged at the CBE, Hilton Hotel and Sheraton Hotel. Current exchange rate
is approximately 8.60 Ethiopian Birr for one USD. In Ethiopia it is not lawful to
exchange money at unapproved location. There is no limit of the amount of foreign
currency imported into Ethiopia, but it must be declared on arrival.
Climate: Ethiopia has two main season, the dry season from October through to May,
and the rainy season from mid –June to September. Temperatures are pretty pleasant
all year round. However, during October to December it can get chilly in the evenings
and early mornings. What to wear: Light clothes are recommended during day time in
the dry season. For the rainy season a light raincoat and umbrella are essential
and a sweater for chilly evening. The sun can be strong in high latitudes, so a strong
sunscreen is important.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +2
Ethiopia is 2 hours ahead of GMT. However, apart from a different calendar, a day
will be in two 12-hour cycles ( as in much of East Africa). Therefore midday could
be 6 o’clock.
Communications: Telephone, postal, fax and email services s are available in Addis
Ababa and other major towns of Ethiopia. The IDD code for Ethiopia is +251, followed
1 for Addis Ababa.
Weight and Measure: Metric
Travel to and in Ethiopia :
Air: Ethiopia’s national flag carrier is widely recognized as one of the world’s
best airlines, with a net work covering 50 destinations. Visitors are encouraged
to use ET for their international flights since priority is given to these clients
when flying on the domestic circuit. Most travel between major towns and sites is
easily accessible by air and prices are relatively cheaper by international standards.
ET has an excellent safety record and is noted for its excellent services.
Land travel: Addis Ababa is connected to most cities and towns by road. Buses run
to most major and small towns in the country every day.
Driving: Driving in Ethiopia is on the right. A valid international driving license
is required. Car hire (with or without driver) is available in the main centers.
Taxis: In Addis Ababa the NTO (National Tour Operators) provides taxis at the main
hotels and the airport, although independent an communal cabs are available. Always
check the fare and the destination before you travel NTO taxis have fixed rates and
can issue receipts. However the communal cabs all coloured blue with white tops do
not have receipts. The mini van communal cabs do not negotiate prices, they have
fixed prices from one destination to the other and are the cheapest taxis, fares
ranging from 0.75 to 3. Saloon taxis (also all coloured blue with white tops) can
be contracted just for yourself or your party, on either an hourly basis for Birr
20 to 25 or a flat rate of Birr 25 to 50 depending on distance of the destination
and time of day. In the evenings, especially late at night prices tend to go up slightly.
Language: The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic, with its distinctive alphabets,
although over 80 local languages are spoken. English is understood in most hotels
and major towns. Arabic, French and Italian are also understood.
Food: The Ethiopian staple food consists of injera, a flat, rounded pancake made
of Teff, the only grain to have symbolic yeast. It is a nutritionally high quality
food. Various side dishes of meat, pulses and vegetables along with sauces which
are generally spiced are also served with injera. The injera is either topped with
these side servings or it can be torn off and used to pick up the sauces and fillings.
Restaurants: The restaurants catering for all tests: Indian, Chinese, African, Italian,
Mediterranean and different European dishes. Restaurant prices vary from area to
area. There are Ethiopian traditional buffet restaurants with national music dancing
shows.
Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants have a service charge, however depending on
the size of the bill visitors might want to leave a small tip for the service. It
is customary to give tips up to 10% of the value of the bill.
Crime: Addis Ababa is considered to be one of the safest cities in Africa but pick
pocketing and petty crimes may occur. Please do not leave you valuables unattended.
It is advisable to leave your valuables at the hotel’s safe-deposit box in your room
or at the reception.
Traditional courtesies: Recognition of traditional courtesies is important when visiting
another country. When greeting a handshake is common, often followed by pleasant
discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea
or coffee is normal. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional people, or in front
of priests. Shoes are often taken off on entering churches, and always on entering
mosques.
Understand: With 4,5 million people, the city is located in the geographic center
of the country. Many of the wealthiest people live in the Southeast (Bole), Southwest
(old airport), Semis, Ayat and Lamberet parts of town. There are more than 120 international
missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy
concerning Africa. The headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa can both be found in the city. The United States and the European
Union both have two delegations in Addis Ababa, one for bilateral relations with
Ethiopia and one for the African Union.
Climate: Temperatures in Addis Ababa are remarkably constant from month to month
due to its proximity to the equator. The average highs are between 63°F(17°C) and
71°F(22°C). The average lows are between 51°F(11°C) and 58°F(14°C). The warmest months
being Feb through May. Temperatures and climate can vary due to elevation. Due to
altitude there is a huge day to night range of temperature: it is often 27C at lunchtime
and 3C at night: In the Addis evenings always take a second layer with you.
Get in... By plane: Bole International Airport (IATA: ADD), the busiest airport in
East Africa and the hub of Ethiopian Airlines, is serviced by several international
airlines with daily flights to Europe, United States, and Asia as well as inter-African
destinations including Accra, Bamako, Brazzaville, Cairo, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti,
Khartoum, Harare, Johannesburg, Nairobi and many more cities in Africa. There are
two terminals, but as of 2009 the domestic terminal is being refurbished and all
flights use the same one. No departure tax is charged.
By train: Arrive via Djibouti. Over 700km trip that takes approximately 24 hour trip
from point to point, stopping about halfway in Dire Dawa. Reservations are strongly
recommended.
By car: Some of the roads are in poor condition, so keep this in mind when estimating
time between destinations, but most of the roads are in good condition. The worst
is the heavily potholed northeast road to Debre Birhan.
By bus: Bus terminals: Autobus Terra near Mercato. This is the main bus terminal
where most of the national buses arrive and depart. Ras Mekonin Avenue near the railway
station. Buses to/from Adama (Nazret), Debre Zeyit, Dire Dawa, Nairobi, Lalibela,
Shahemene, Awasa and Bahir Dar are here.
Get around; Very few streets have names and when they do, they may not be named correctly
on a map; use landmarks to navigate the city. Blue and white minibuses travel quite
efficiently around the town. To catch a minibus stand on the side of the road and
hail it. This can be done anywhere it is possible for the bus to stop. The conductor
inside will call out the destination, and you get on. You pay the conductor after
you get on. To get out say "woraj alle" It is worth having an Ethiopian guide with
you if it is your first time using these taxis. Small blue coloured Lada taxis are
more expensive. Negotiation is the norm and you often have to press quite hard to
get a bargain as a foreigner. They can be contracted for a single trip,an hour, or
a full day, just negotiate.
Walking in Addis Ababa is a pleasant and sensible way of getting around, however
beggars and other hangers-on will most likely bother you.
See: Ethiopian National Museum. See a plaster replica of Lucy, an early hominid.
The museum is located between Arat Kilo Avenue and the University of Addis Ababa
Graduate School. Walking along the street starting from Meskel Sq. to Sidest Kilo
is very comfortable and entertaining. It will give you the chance to see the Africa
Hall, the palaces and the Parliament building, the Hilton Hotel, the marvelous architectural
adventure of a building hosting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Sheraton Hotel,
the first modern school (which Menelik the II built in the 1880s), the Trinity Orthodox
cathedral, the National Museum, and the Addis Ababa University (which also hosts
a former palace and museum). Arat Kilo Avenue is marked by a statue built in commemoration
of the Ethiopian V-day during the Second World War, while Sidest Kilo Avenue is marked
by a statue commemorating the ~39,000 residents of Addis Ababa killed by Italian
fascist troops. Around Arat Kilo, you will find part of an old town known as Serategna
Sefer (literally, the residential area of laborers). If you want to proceed past
Sidest Kilo, the road becomes steeper and much of the attractions will be on the
right side of the road. The Entoto college (previously Teferi Mekonnen School) and
the American Embassy are found on this side of the street. After the American Embassy
there is an open market called Shiro Meda where traditional craftsmen sell their
home made fabrics, pots and other crafts. The market place is at the foot of the
Entoto Mountains that rises up to 3,300m above see level. You can take a taxi or
a bus to the mountain unless you are of a mind to try it yourself. On the mountain,
you will find the first churches of Addis Ababa called St. Mary and St. Raguel as
well as smaller palace of Menelik the II. Walking on the mountain, especially between
the churches is refreshing and gives you the chance to see rural life, the city itself,
forest and unbelievably beautiful landscape intersected by farmlands and trails of
farmers. It is from here that Menelik II and Queen Taitu conceived of the establishment
Addis Ababa. You can get a sense of the city plan yourself by looking from here at
the current city. Africa Hall is located across Menelik II avenue from this Palace
and is where the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa is headquartered as
well as most UN offices in Ethiopia. It is also the site of the founding of the Organization
for African Unity (OAU) which eventually became the African Union. Near Holy Trinity
Cathedral is the Parliament building, built during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie,
with its clock tower. It continues to serve as the seat of Parliament today. Shengo
Hall, built by the Derg regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam as its new parliament hall.
The Shengo Hall was the world's largest pre-fabricated building, which was constructed
in Finland before being assembled in Addis Ababa. It is used for large meetings and
conventions. Near Bole International Airport is the new Medhane Alem (Savior of the
World) Cathedral, which is the second largest in Africa. In the Merkato district,
which happens to be the largest market in Africa, is the impressive Anwar Mosque.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family is also in the Merkato district.
Other features of the city include the large Merkato market, the Jan Meda Race Ground
racecourse, Bihere Tsige Recreation Centre and a railway line to Djibouti, while
the Entoto Mountains start among the northern suburbs. Suburbs of the city include
Shiro Meda and Entoto in the north, Urael and Bole (home to Bole International Airport)
in the east, Nifas Silk in the south-east, Mekanisa in the south, and Keraniyo and
Kolfe in the west. Menelik's old Imperial Palace which remains the official seat
of government National Palace formerly known as the Jubilee Palace, built to mark
Emperor Haile Selassie's Silver Jubilee in 1955, which is the residence of the President
of Ethiopia. The Hager Fikir Theatre, the oldest theater in Ethiopia, is located
at the Piazza district.
Ethiopian National Library, Ethiopian Ethnological Museum, Addis Ababa Museum, Ethiopian
National History Museum, Ethiopian Railway Museum , National Postal Museum.
St George's Cathedral, North end of Churchill Road. Built in 1896 to commemorate
Ethiopia's victory over the Italians. Open 8am - 9am, Noon - 2pm. The cathedral is
a circular building that does not look very impressive when you approach it. As you
walk around the building, you will notice people praying besides the walls, but it
is unlikely that you will find an entrance. The Catherdral houses a small museum
and close to it you will likely meet one of the archdeacons of the Cathedral. If
he offers to be a guide, take his offer and visit the Cathedral with him. The interior
is beautifully decorated with huge paintings and mosaics, and will make the trip
worthwhile. It is worth visiting the museum with a guide as well to see ceremonial
clothes and ancient manuscripts. Holy Trinity Cathedral. The burial place for many
famous people and once the largest Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral. Built to commemorate
the country's liberation from the Italians.
Do: Jan Moda Race Ground, Bihere Tsige Recreation Center, Addis Ababa Golf Club.
Entoto Mountain: walk from St. Marry church, the first church of Addis and St Urael
church and see the city itself from the top of the mountain.Lion zoo: near to Addis
Ababa university
Learn; Addis Ababa University is the largest and the oldest university in Ethiopia.
It was originally named "University College of Addis Ababa" at its founding, then
renamed for the former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I in 1962, receiving its
current name in 1975. Although the university has six of its seven campuses within
Addis Ababa (the seventh is located in Debre Zeit, about 45 kilometers away), it
also maintains branches in many cities throughout Ethiopia, leading to the claim
of being "the largest university in Africa." The government assigns qualified students
to these universities upon completion of secondary school. Students also attend other
private colleges, such as Unity College. Addis Ababa University was founded in 1950
at the request of Haile Selassie by a Canadian Jesuit, Dr Lucien Matte as a two-year
college, and began operations the next year. Over the following two years an affiliation
with the University of London was developed. There is also Theological College of
the Holy Trinity, a theological school of higher education located in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia. It provides religious and secular education to both clergy and lay members
of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, as well seeking to be a center of theological and
ecclesiastical study for all Oriental Orthodox Churches as well. Originally founded
as a high school by Emperor Haile Selassie in 1942, the college division was added
in 5 October 1960, and the elementary education section eliminated on 18 December
1961 and the college became one of the chartered units of this first National University
of Ethiopia.
Work: There is a high demand for IT professionals. Many start-up companies search
for individuals with computer networking and consulting background. Addis-Ababa has
the highest number of NGO's in Africa, and possibly in entire third world countries
in the globe. They are well known for paying good salaries for their employees. The
unemployment rate in Addis is low according to the Nazret.com (8% of the population
in Addis Abeba are currently unemployed) (2008) .Many expatriates work in NGOs and
small start-up IT companies. Comparing to other African cities, Addis-Ababa has a
high number of big, medium and small sized computer training schools, governmental
and private learning institutions. Many students who attend there hope to land an
IT or consulting job, in the very scarce job market of the city.
Buy: Merkato. The merkato is the largest outdoor market in the world, and you can
get anything from tourist goods (t-shirts, wood crafts, etc.) to fabric to metal
goods there. Haggling and bargaining are standard procedure, and foreigners (especially
those of European ancestry) should expect to be charged higher prices. To ensure
a positive experience, maintain a sense of humor, don't be afraid to negotiate aggressively,
and above all don't let yourself be bullied by the many "brokers" who frequent the
market, and will try to steer you towards certain stores in exchange for a kick-back
from the merchant. You will be able to negotiate lower prices if you can avoid brokers,
and especially if you have a local friend or guide to buy things on your behalf.
(165 stores)
Friendship Supermarket. Bole Road (airport end). Well-stocked western-style supermarket
- and they accept Visa. (225 stores)
Edna Mall. Bole Road (109 stores) ,Dembel City Center (132 stores) ,Getu Commercial
center (105 stores) , Addis Sheraton Shopping (84 stores) ,Loyal Shopping center
(120 stroes) ,Arat Kilo Shopping center (98 stores) ,Piassa Shopping center (67 stores)
,Bambis department store (3 stores)
Get Money ; ATMs/Cash Machines - are still rare in Addis. Found at D.H. Geda Tower
(next to Friendship City Center and doesn't always work; accepts Mastercard too),
Dembel City Center (quite hidden, use the main entrance, than to the left, at the
window), in some hotels (Hilton, Sheraton, Wabi Shebelle Hotel, Ethiopia Hotel, Semein
Hotel). Also near the National Museum (Lucy Gazebo Restaurant) and some branches
of Dashen Bank. [1] They ONLY take VISA DEBIT/CREDIT cards. Do NOT depend on them
as your only source of cash as sometimes they can be out of order. Cash on Credit
Cards at Dashen Bank in Sheraton but at 6% and US$ 500 max per day. Best place to
change Travelers Cheques and Cash are the two private enterprise banks on Hilton
Ground Floor, Nib and United. Travelers Cheques in USD are well accepted, in EUR
there are sometimes problems. Abyssinia Bank at Filwoha/Stadium and city end of Bole
Rd are also good. UK Travelers recommended to use Nationwide Debit Card - NO commission.
Avoid branches of CBE or Awash Bank on main roads - take ages. There is a black market
where you can get a slightly better rate, especially if you bargain. Most souvenir
shops off Churchill Rd and Zambia St do it. NO ATMS at Bole Airport but it will come::::
Dashen Bank is the one setting up the ATMS so see their website to keep up to date
At airport CBE bank is in BAGGAGE CLAIM Area for ARRIVERS.
Eat Budget ; Addis has hundreds of Cake and Coffee cafes. They sell various coffees,
tea - black unless you ask for "machiatto" - and sometimes fruit juices. There are
also juice beits .The cafes along Bole Road and around the Piassa area are of a high
standard and relatively inexpensive. Most are very similar to each other. Most cafes
serve the common drink called 'sprice juice' (which just which is fruit pulp served
in layers in a glass). There are usually 3 layers from a selection of avocado, mango,
papaya, banana, guava etc. The juice is eaten with a spoon. It is colorful and tastes
delicious. Single fruit juices are also great = orange, papaya, mango, pineapple
- beautifully fresh. 7 birr up to 25 birr in Hilton..... Cafe Chocolata on Victory
Road (near Shoppers Mart supermarket) serves drinks and snacks and is very nice.
All the staff are former street girls and prostitutes who are trying to make something
of their lives. City Cafe on Bole has delicious cakes and pastries as well as high
quality Ethiopian espresso coffees. You can sit on the porch and watch the activity
on one of the main roads in Addis. Restaurants that do not have an English menu are
cheaper. Example: Connection between Bole Road and Tele-Bole, next to Bole roundabout,
at NOC-Fuelstation, close to German Kantine. You can have lunch (local food, spaghetti)
for less then 20 birr. If you don't have a translator, ordering is a lot of fun.
Mid-range - Habesha Bole Road. This cultural restaurant has traditional singing and
dancing at night. If you're feeling brave, try the gored gored (cubes of heavily
salted and spiced raw beef). Waiters are well mannered and kind, and most are very
talented dancers. Team Mini Bole Road. This friendly, high quality "cultural" restaurant
serving traditional Ethiopian food. Be sure to try the mesir besiga (ground meat
with lentils). At night, Team Mini features performances by traditional singers and
dancers. The entertainment is not as good as that at Habesha, but the food is generally
better. The Limetree Bole Road, Boston Partners Building. While Ethiopian food is
delicious there comes a time when you will crave western fare. The Limetree provides
a beautiful range including gourmet sandwiches, pasta and arabic beef. A favorite
hangout of ex-pats and NGO workers, the Limetree is nevertheless one of the best
(and surprisingly affordable) resautrant/cafes in Addis. Addis Cuisine. Wollo Sefer.
Bole end of Ethio Chinese Friendship Road,on the north side of 6 lane road. Good
western and Ethiopian food. Canaan - from Airport-Roundabout down bole road, take
small road on the left (before Bole Mini). Very nice pizza. Less then Mid-range,
a bit more than Budget .Pizza Deli Roma - Deli Roma is a chain. Locations are: Bole
Road, coming from airport, go to the right (pass Alizee Club), after about 50m on
the right side; Bole Road on the left side on the way from Demble building to Meskal
square; there is a 3rd location (I do not remember it). One of the best Pizza in
town.
Splurge ; Fisherman Restaurant Mickey Leland Street, Near Atlas Hotel. Is a half-Chinese,
half-Tibetan restaurant serving an excellent range of Asian cuisine and specializing
in seafood. Aladdin Restaurant Bole Rwanda. Serves Middle-Eastern food. Very expensive
but authentic and delicious. Castellis in Piazza. Top Italian restaurant here since
1942. Top View Restaurant. Past Bole airport near gutara. Very good food but can
be expensive for a dinner meal. Serenade Restaurant. In the Amset Kilo area, close
to Nazareth School. Will need a reservation. Probably the best food in town, Middle-Eastern
influence.
Nightlife ; If you want to drink the national drink of Ethiopia, you have to try
the 'tej' which brewed from honey. You can also try 'tela' which is like a beer.
All kind of drinks are available in all the bars, from blue label to vodka. Champions
is the lounge across the street from Limetree building. Hookah and drinks are modestly
priced and the atmosphere is very "turkish". Gaslight is the fancy nightclub at the
Sheraton. If the famous owner Al Moudi is in town, you may catch a glimpse of him
here. Inside, it feels like an upscale Western disco. Be sure not to wear jeans or
sneakers, as they have a fairly strict dress code. Memo is a seedy nightclub with
a pretty good dance floor. Be sure to try the bozena shiro in the outdoor courtyard.
Club Deep is the best in Addis. There is a cover charge but the drinks inside are
very inexpensive. The music and dancing is great. Like usual, the main problem is
the bathrooms. Meda Sports Bar and Grill has a large, spacious bar which is comfortable
for chatting or watching a game. The downstairs lounge provides a more intimate setting
for quiet conversations. And upstairs, the loft has a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere
– all the best of Ballston, VA in one convenient stop! The Black Rose The energetic
atmosphere is both comfortable and fashionable, and the bar serves a variety of drinks.
The bartenders mix the best Cosmo this side of the Nile. The live jazz jam session
in Addis every thursday night. Divine On Bole Road on the top floor of Sheger House,
is currently one of the coolest clubs in Addis. It features a very western-oriented
playlist along with ample space for relaxing and a pumping dance floor on weekends.
Bailamos On the top floor of the Novis building on Bole Road is a new (2007) club
which features a surprisingly vibrant salsa scene in the Weekends. The club also
offers salsa classes.Bailamos has live music every Saturday (Soft rock, salsa, R&B
etc...) .Dome Club (Concorde) Debre Zeyit Road, Addis Ababa.
Lodging Budget; Park Hotel, a cheapy starting at 20 Birr, the rooms aren't exactly
clean. Filwoha Hotel, near the hot springs, tel 511404. Fin-Fin Hotel, opposite the
Filwoha Hotel. Hawi, Debre Zeit Road, south of the city center. Holiday Hotel, Haile
Gebresilassie Road near the Plaza Hotel. Yordanos Hotel, Haile Gebresilassie Road,
tel 515711, fax 516655. Taitu Hotel, Piazza, opposite the National Lottery Authority
Head Quarters, they have an annexe with cheap rooms (doubles from Birr 45), but you
have to explicitly ask for it. Excellent value for money, very quiet, but toilets
and shower are in despicable condition. Worku Bikila Hotel [2], about 20 kilometers
south-west of Addis Ababa, in Dukem, thriving hotel for budget to mid-range travellers.
Baro Hotel, Piazza, from Birr 95 (single) 130 (double), a genuine travellers meeting
point (whoever happens to travel through Addis Ababa will sooner or later show up
there...) and a marvellous courtyard, very friendly staff, restaurant on site, and
hot water mostly in the mornings. Old decor and cramped, but decent value. They now
take VISA without commission. Wutma Hotel, Piazza (across the Baro Hotel), from Birr
100 (single), not much better rooms than the Baro and less company. Abrehams Hotel,
Piazza, from Birr 25 (single), a dump but has rooms when the others are fully booked.
Mid-range: Axum, Haile Gebresilassie Road, tel 188832. Balu, Near Piazza. Beer Garden
Inn, Near the airport, Its menu specializes in German delicacies such as Cheese Noodles
and grilled chicken washed down with wheat beer. A half litre cost 11 Birr about
one euro. Buffet de la Gare, tel 517888, 517125, fax 515959. Ethio Comfort Guest
House, This newly built modern guest house has excellent large clean rooms with balconies,
delicious home cooked food and extremely friendly and welcoming hosts who made our
stay in Addis both comfortable and memorable. Tel: +251 11 629 5546 Mob:+251 91 166
2894 Email: contact@ethiocomfortguesthouse.com Gerji Area, Bole Sub-City, House No.234
.Desalegn Hotel, tel 1624524, (email: desalegn@telecom.net.et). Maskal Flower Hotel,
near Debre Zeit Road, tel 517187. Tourist, near the Grand Palace and Trinity Cathedral.
Martin's Cozy Place: German Guesthouse Located near the Atlas (almost opposite the
side of the hotel) is a favorite for business people or expats having to base themselves
in Addis. Martin offers a range of services for tourists and it is a homey place
to shack up for a few nights. It costs around 100 ETB a night for a single. Yilma
Hotel, in the "Mekanessa" area of Addis. This hotel is about $25 USD per night for
tourists. They have an excellent restaurant/cafe with cable television that plays
news and sports channels and serve food until 10PM-11PM. The staff is very nice and
friendly. They have room service for no added charge. The rooms are minimal but have
decent bathrooms with hot water heaters for the shower, flush toilets, and tiled
floors. Ask for "Fish" the manager and you will surely be treated well. Z Guest House,
This a nice family-run bed & breakfast in a quiet residential area of Addis Ababa
offering clean rooms and beautiful furnished apartments with fully-equipped kitchens
and satellite TV. Starts at $29.95/night for a Single Suite. It’s located less than
one mile from Piassa, only about 12 minutes from the airport. The RAS - see Splurge
- should really be here ...if not in Budget. Single rooms c 120br Damu-Damu Hotel.
Hotels ; Addis Ababa Hilton central Menelik Ave, tel. 518400, fax 510064. The Hilton
has many of the amenities you'd expect at an international hotel (airline agents,
money changing, restaurant, bar, gym, sauna, swimming pool, high speed internet access),
but it's rather mediocre, so you never forget you're still in the developing world.
Sheraton Addis , central Yohanis St, tel 517138, fax 514029. This obscenely luxurious
hotel was built by a Ethiopian billionaire, who is also Ethiopia's largest employer
after the government. This is the place to go for 5-star opulence. It also one of
few places in Addis where you can get cash from an ATM or credit card. Carrera Lodge,
Rossevelt St, tel 517400, 447400. Ghion , central Menelik Ave near Maskal/Abbiott
Square, tel 513222, 443170. it is not on Menelik Ave. It is on Ras Dasta Damtew just
out of Maskal Square. Ras, Church Rd just North of the railway station, tel 517060,
447060. One of the oldest hotels in Addis. International Hotel, downtown near beginning
of Bole Road. About $40 USD per night. Clean and rooms are HUGE with living room,
separate bedroom, many bathrooms include large tub. Staff is very nice and rooms
have enormous balconies overlooking the green open areas of the Sheraton hotel as
well as views of Mt. Entoto. A great place to stay if you need easy access to the
Bole Airport without risking traffic delays. [Note: if this is the Atlas International
Hotel, the rates as of May 2008 are now higher -- $65 USD for a single, $85 USD for
a small double -- cash only, no Visa] .Faro Hotel, Tel +2511-0116-621186. Brand new
Ethiopian/Euro-style "boutique" hotel just minutes away from Bole Airport, Bole Rock
Gym, Boston Day Spa, Friendship Center and Lime Tree restaurant -- a great location
to base yourself from. Woman-owned, with a welcoming staff. Features Internet in
each room, kitchenette in each room, with brand new bathrooms that include modern
steam shower units and very comfortable new beds with duvets. Priced $100 USD per
night plus 25% tax and service charge. Has full dining facilities; a bar & juice
counter in the lobby and will soon have a swimming pool on its roof. Request a room
with a view -- a breathtaking sweep of southern Addis Ababa with the mountains in
the background. Many smaller hotels require you pay in cash -- Faro takes cash or
Visa.
Stay safe; Addis is safer than most cities in Africa. Gang violence is unusual. However,
you may encounter some pick-pockets and con-artists around and inside Bole Airport,
Mercato, Piazza areas. Keep your belongings close, and pay attention to your surroundings.
The good news is most of these pick-pockets are unarmed and very young boys. If they
know that you are aware of what they are up to, they get intimidated and go away.
The major and important roads and areas are patrolled by the 'Federal Police' or,
as the city residents refer them Federal. They have a reputation of being merciless
with suspected criminals. In contrast, the Addis-Ababa city police, who most of the
time patrol the less important city streets, markets and neighborhoods are more tolerant
and less respected police officers. There is also, a phone emergency line in Addis.
For a traveler from US, it is easy to remember the emergency line, because it is
9-1. (Compares to US' 9-1-1) Major streets are generally safe at night. If you see
anything suspicious or threatening, notify a city policeman. In a total difference
of other African cities, in Addis-Ababa, police officers NEVER approach foreigners
to ask them to present a passport, ID or "legal" papers. Once you show your passport
at the airport, you are free to move around pretty much anywhere. The only time you
need your passport or ID is, for hotel registration (booking) and other similar and
few instances. (It is important to have your ID with you at all times, however) Many
visitors appreciate that they don't have to be questioned who they are or where they
are from by a police officer who wants to extract bribe money from them, every time
they turn around. This could be one of Addis-Ababa's appeal.
Cope; Watch what you drink or you can fall sick! It is important to remember to only
drink bottled water- There are many brands to choose from Ambo, Real, Highland but
Aqua Safe brand is most trusted. ALWAYS check the plastic seal on all bottles before
paying any vendor. Most travelers should be warned against eating vegetables such
as those in salads that may have been washed in water. Try limiting fruits and vegetables
to those you "peel" such as oranges, mangos, etc. Be prepared for culture shock -
If you take photos of the people, ask first and offer to show them their picture
if you have a digital camera with a display screen. Children enjoy seeing their pictures
a lot of the time! Your emotions are real- it is okay to feel overwhelmed if you
have not experienced this type of culture difference before. If you are NOT affected
by the poverty, then there is something wrong! Be polite but not intrusive. It is
OK to ask questions of the locals, but you should be prepared to be hassled a LOT
of the time if you are white. Additionally, for foreign travelers who are black,
especially American, although possibly able to "blend in", precautions are the order
of the day (depending where you are, in Addis on Bole road they are used to seeing
foreigners compared to the country side). If you prepare your mindset before arrival,
you will be better able to cope.
Telephone ; The country code for calling Ethiopia is 251. The Ethiopian dialing plan
changed on September 17, 2005, such that the two-digit city code changed to three
digits (or, from outside the country, one to two digits) and six-digit telephone
numbers changed to seven digits. The city code for Addis Ababa, as of Sept. 17, 2005,
is 011 (or 11 from outside Ethiopia). An on-line telephone number converter, which
will convert an old number to the new number, is available here: [11].
Mobile ; Ethiopia uses GSM network and operated by Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation.
Currently there are decent coverage around big cities such as Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa,
Harar, Dese, Gonder, Mekele, and Nekemete. It is expanding into small cities. Roaming
charges are very steep. For a short visit, your best option for mobile access is
to rent a SIM card with a phone. Only a few stores rent SIM cards: You can rent SIM
card and phone inside Addis Ababa Sheraton hotel but is it very expensive. Another
option is to rent a SIM card and mobile phone from local stores (for example Red
Zebraes, [12]).
Internet ; In Addis Ababa, especially in Bole Subcity, you can find quite much internet
cafes. Some cafes still use Dial-Up connections, but broadband becomes more popular.
A general problem about Internet in Ethiopia is the unstable international high-speed
connection. If it is not working, even broadband cafes only delivers Dial-Up speeds
and less. Arkies Business Center, Piazza, next to 'Taitu Hotels' .Broadband Internet
in DH Geda Tower, next to Friendship City Center / Bole Road. 128kbps, many seats,
but mostly completely occupied. The good thing is, that is is easy to find. Nina
Internetcafe, across from Baro Hotels, inside Wutema Hotels
_________________________________________________________
Ethiopia: Condos worth nearly 1 Billion Br being built Near Summit Factory; by Ethioplanet
Three districts have started mega projects of condominium construction on 188hct
of an entirely new development site about 13Km from downtown Addis, near Summit area,
in the south east part of the city.The over 942 million Br worth of condos construction,
which started last month, is still in its initial stage on the wide plot stretching
from right beside Summit Soft Drinks Factory in Bole District to the south eastern
edges of the area closest to the city’s boundary with Oromia Regional State.Out of
the total 15,000 houses planned for the new big condos village, the construction
of 8,000 houses is currently ongoing, alongside the land clearance and preparation
works for the remaining ones. The project involves about 250 contractors and 92 micro
and small enterprises, according to Tsedale Mamo, general manager of City Housing
Development Project Office. The three districts, each owning 5,000 of the condos,
are Arada, Kirkos and Kolfe-Keranio.Summit is the largest condos construction site
in the city, followed by Jemmo; the latter hosts 10,000 houses. Upon completion after
a year, the 500 blocks new site will be inhabited by 15, 000 households.Currently,
the project office is handling the ongoing construction of more than 28,000 condominium
houses. In addition to this, the construction of more than 43,000 condos at a cost
of over 2.7 billion Br, including the 15,000 owned by the three districts is on progress.
The condos will be erected on 522hct. The construction of these condos will add some
1,432 four-storey blocks to the Addis landscape.When Ali Abdo was Mayor of Addis
Abeba from 1998 to 2002, the third after the ascendance to the power of the EPRDF;
there were 350,000 houses in Addis Abeba, according to a strategic document prepared
by the city administration. Only 112,000 of these were used for residential purposes
by the then 2.3 million residents of the city. The rest were streamlined for commercial
business. From the total number of residential structures in the city; close to 65pc
are over 23 years old, the document reveals. Data compiled in 2004 after a housing
sector development program study conducted by Central Statistical Agency (CSA) indicates
that the housing shortfall stood at 337, 700. A similar study done by the Ministry
of Works and Urban Development (MoWUD) in 2007 places the number at 400,000. An estimated
1.5 billion Br was set aside by the Provisional Administration of Mayor Arkebe Oqubay
in 2005 towards implementing an initial plan to construct 50,000 condominium houses
every year for three consecutive years. The ultimate goal of this plan was to successfully
end the overwhelming demand for housing by the lower income group of city dwellers.
Subsequently, the 2005/2006 budget year saw the construction of 9,958 houses at a
cost of 306.2 million Br. This was made possible through the support of GTZ, a German
Cooperation Agency. That same year, the city housing project office further launched
the construction of 30,719 houses. Although the Caretaker Administration of Mayor
Brehane Deressa had planned to complete 19,361 condominium houses in the first six
months of the 2007/2008 budget year, only 6,776 were successfully finished. Kuma’s
administration has made plans to finalize the previously planned and some already
started construction of 73,000 houses, and to construct a further 55,000 during the
2008/2009 budget year. The project office requested 5.5 billion Br from the City
Council for the construction, but only 2.5 billion Br was approved. Of the total
54,000hct size of Addis Abeba, 62pc has been used for various constructions, while
the rest are green areas and expansion plots. Addis Abeba has currently consumed
more than 75pc of its potential area for development. According to the city development
plan for 2001-2010, the potential expansion area of 10,000hct within the administrative
boundary could be exhausted by 2010.
__________________________________________________
Construction sector creates jobs to 170,000 people
Addis Ababa, August 22, 2009 (Addis Ababa) -The Ethiopian News Agency
Ethiopia/Addis Abeba ; Nearly 170,000 people embraced under 4300 enterprises have
got access to jobs following launching of integrated housing development program,
the Ministry of Works and Urban Development said.The ministry and regional and city
administration work and urban development bureaus held a three-day meeting to evaluate
performance during the previous budget year and discuss plan for the current budget
year. It was disclosed at the meeting that the effort of building capacities of the
construction sector has registered encouraging results. The construction sector has
contributed a lot in creating more job opportunities in the country next to the agriculture
sector, the ministry told ENA in a statement on Saturday.The statement said the ministry
has also made an effort for increasing number of contractors. Currently, over 1700
contractors have been operating across the country. There are also 50 organizations
for consultancy service. Activities in supplying logistics to construction sites
were successful, the ministry said.The meeting evaluated that satisfactory works
were executed to create ties with suppliers of construction materials. In addition
to addressing shortage of residential units, the ministry said, the integrated housing
development project has been contributing a lot in creating jobs, change look of
urban areas to the better.The meeting agreed that there were limitations in finalizing
some of housing projects as per schedule.
________________________________________________
Addis Ababa City Transfers To Residents
Addis Ababa, August 8, 2009 (Addis Ababa); The Ethiopian News Agency
The Metropolitan Housing Development Agency transferred here on Saturday over 7,000
condominium houses built in areas known as Gofa and Gotera here in the capital to
the respective owners.The houses were transferred to the owners in the presence of
City Mayor Kuma Demeksa and other city government officials.The houses were built
at a cost of 600 million Birr.Speaking on the occasion Kuma said the city has constructed
the houses under difficult circumstances.Speaking on her part Housing Development
General Manager with the City Administration Tsedale Mamo said the federal government
has extended a substantial support to the construction of the houses.She said the
houses would minimize the housing problem in which the city residents have been facing.
_____________________________________________
Metropolis to complete construction of 18,000 condos
Addis Ababa, August 4, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - ENA Tuesday
The Addis Ababa Housing Development Project Office said the construction of 18,000
condominium houses launched in the concluded Ethiopian budget year is nearing to
completion.Public relation expert with office, Kassa Woldesenbet told ENA that the
construction of some 18,000 houses was launched in 2001 E.C. He said the office has
constructed 78,000 condominium houses out of which over 60,000 houses have already
transferred to beneficiaries over the last five years. More than 32,000 houses were
given to women.The construction of condominium houses at five sites in the fringes
of the city is well underway, he said.Besides, addressing the shortage of housing
in the town the construction, is creating jobs for dozens of youth organized in small
and micro enterprises, he said.The construction of condominium houses is changing
the sceneries of the slum areas in the metropolis.
_______________________________________________
New Designs for New Condos, Shops.
*Tax Breaks, Land Subsidy for New Homeowners by Addis Forutne
Addis Abeba Housing Development Project Office constructed 7,154 condominium houses
and 642 shops at a cost of 683 million Br at Goffa and Gotera sites which it inaugurated
August 8, 2009. These constructions were supervised by the City Housing Development
Project Offices of the Kirkos and Nefas Silk Lafto District branches respectively.
The government subsidized the condominium project by offering tax breaks on imported
construction materials, covering the cost of infrastructure and granting free land,
according to Tsedale Mamo, general manager of the City House Development Project
Office. The construction of the buildings cost 500 million Br, while the rest was
spent on infrastructure development. Construction at the Gotera site was delayed
until the site, which used to be a military base, was confirmed clear of ammunition,
according to Mulat Tegegn, general manager of Kirkos District branch manager of the
city house development project. The construction at the Gotera site followed several
different designs. One major difference with previous trends is that the stairs are
now built inside the building. There is also a kindergarten at this site. It took
200 million Br to construct 2,153 houses and 288 shops on eight blocks using 39 structure
contractors and 91 small micro enterprises, which together employed 5,000 people,
according to Abdela Akemel, site manager, coming from the Addis Ketema Disitrct office.
Selamawit Abebe, a woman who obtained a house at these condominiums, said that she
was happy not to have rent anymore.“I used to rent a house and now I am going to
be a house owner,” she said.The Goffa project, by far the larger, sprawls on 42hct
of land. It holds 180 buildings, of which only 167 were completed for the inauguration.
The condominiums here hold 5,001 houses and 354 shops, with 10Km of pavement and
19.5Km sanitation pipes. The total cost of the Goffa site was over 487 million Br.
Seventy four contractors and 203 small and micro enterprises were involved in the
construction of this site employing over 7,000 employees, according to Mulat Tegegne,
one of the site managers. Currently, the City Cousing Development Project Office
has constructed 78,180 houses, out of which 51,367 houses are distributed to residents
in four different lottery programmes. The construction is not going as planned due
to shortage of construction materials and finance. This has disturbed the city’s
original promise to hold house allotment lotteries every four months.The Oromia regional
state is offering gravel to the city while the city government is importing cement,
iron, sanitary and electric inputs from abroad to speed up construction, said Tsedale.
The office will allow for the housing to be in the lottery when it is 80pc complete.
Tsedale also announced that her office has no plans to register new applicants to
condominium houses. By Misrak Adugna-Fortune Staff Writer
______________________________________________
by Glenn Farley - KING 5 News Aviation Specialist -EVERETT, WA. -- Outside of Boeing's
gigantic factory, the company reached a milestone Wednesday. Boeing delivered its
900th 777 airliner.The buyer of the 900th 777 (and four other 777-200LR's) is Ethiopian
Airlines. The east African country is the link that connects Africa to the rest of
the world. The LR in 777-200LR stands for "long range," and the planes Ethiopian
Airlines bought should do the job, for example, connecting Washington, D.C. direct
to Addis Ababa, the airline's hub.Ethiopian Airlines already has a sizable Boeing
fleet, with 737's, 757's, and 767's. It has standing orders for 787 Dreamliners and
more 737's, in addition to the big continent-connecting 777's. Their fleet is one
of the world's youngest.Most passengers carried by Ethiopian Airlines are not going
to or coming from Ethiopia. Most are going through, as the country has made itself
a center for air travel. "Basically, we serve the whole continent and we are connecting
the continent to other continents," said Girma Wake, Ethiopian Airlines CEO, in town
to pick up his newest jet. Wake said while the airline is the state-owned flag carrier,
it is operated as a business and has been profitable for a decade. Ethiopian Airlines
has been a positive exception for much of Africa. By reputation, Africa's airline
fleets have been characterized as old, inefficient and unsafe. That, however, is
changing.Both Boeing and Airbus make forecasts as to how many planes the world and
its various regions and countries will buy. Much of the focus has been on the wild
growth in Asia, specifically China. Read the rest..
