Addis Ababa (photos by Marc Dyer and Karen Cooper)

a d d i s a b a b a

Often referred to simply as Addis, the capital city of Ethiopia is a place of contrasts. While suffering from the related problems of overpopulation, poverty and air pollution, Addis nonetheless offers the visitor some unequalled opportunities to look into Ethiopia's past, all the way back to the origins of humans--the partial skeleton named Lucy is housed in the National Musuem, for instance. It is also is jam packed with incredibly friendly people, and a short ride out of town is rewarded with clean air, scenic landscapes and endemic wildlife. We were lucky to be in Addis for Timkat (Epiphany), celebrated throughout most of the country on January 19th every year with great fanfare and flourish.

Below are a smattering of photos taken either inside the city limits, or within a hour or two from it. We hope they give a broad idea of some of the travel possibilities that exist there.

Let's start with a look from the city's streets...

This taxi was part of a wedding procession.

The front of a Lada, the ubiquitous taxi plying Addis streets in various stages of disrepair.

Karen by a giant cactus

Karen dwarfed by a giant cactus.

Plaque in various languages, Addis Ababa

A plaque, in various languages, at the base of a statue in downtown Addis.

Just one example of the very friendly, outgoing people you're likely to meet on the streets of Addis, or elsewhere in Ethiopia.

And just outside of town . . .

A vervet monkey, Bihere Tsige Park, just outside Addis

A vervet monkey, Bihere Tsige Park, just outside Addis

A vervet monkey, up a tree at Bihere Tsige Park, just outside Addis...

And two more vervet monkeys, more interested in eating and grooming than a pesky camera-toting tourist.

Finally, back in town, six photos from Timkat (Epiphany):

Timkat (Epiphany), Jan. 19, 2004

Priests and other religious officialdom exiting a church after Timkat services, preparing to start the procession (attended by countless followers) to a nearby body of water, for the baptism-related celebrations.

Timkat (Epiphany), Jan. 19, 2004

Women covering their heads here is commonplace in Ethiopia, especially during religious ceremonies / celebrations like Timkat, and is definitely not a sign of the Muslim faith. Rather it's simply a public display of one's association with the Orthodox Christian church.

Timkat (Epiphany), Jan. 19, 2004

Some young Ethiopians adding the required rhythm to the proceedings.

Patriotism is a visible part of the Timkat celebrations, too.

More youngsters getting in on the act.

Church officials slowly making their way down Menelik Avenue, near Meskel Square.

These pictures remind us once again, of how lucky we are to see these places, and to be welcomed to take part (or at least take pictures)!

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