Ethiopia is one of the countries I like most, the culture is absolutely amazing particularly the black genuine African culture at Lower Omo Valley in the south. I experienced kind of culture shock on my first approach to them, but I was excited! The communication was the main obstacle. Their living is simple, primitive and majority uneducated. The tourists to them are additional income resources, Bir 2 should be paid for each photo taken. Otherwise visitors are not welcome to them in general. The modernization is pacing fast, have seen the youngsters wearing modern design T-shirts and listening pop music.

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. Surprisingly they have a beautiful modern airport which is not cheap definitely. The aerial view from the plane provides a good view over the highland terrain. Climate is absolutely refreshing even in the summer. The city is rolling up and down. It is developing but no short of luxurious hotels, restaurants and shops, many homeless and beggars are seen in contrast. It is not touristy but the food is good. Merkato market is huge, and the coffee Macchiato is excellent. Should try the avocado fruit juice, delicious and cheap!

The historical route to the north is less interesting to me except the marvelous Lalibela. Majority Ethiopians are Christian Orthodox, they are faithful and devote to the religion. The atmosphere is completely different to the south, more civilized. The land is barren and infertile, almost any available land has been converted for agriculture use. No forest is seen.

The transportation system in Ethiopia is OK but not good quality. The long distance buses are not comfortable but strictly no standing passenger. It is common to see passengers carrying their poultries along and every passenger would close their window tight, hardly air circulation inside the bus. The straight back hard seat was a torture. I spent 20 hours (split in 2 days) traveling from Lalibela back to  Addis Ababa, was not fun at all. The good news to the foreigners is, you are given special privilege to look for your bus and select your seat 15 minutes before the bus station open the gate for the public.

The Ethiopians are friendly. Their staple Injera is delicious if you get used to it. My visit coincidently fell on the fasting month before Easter. Strict vegetarian diet in most places, no chance to get a piece of meat out of Lalibela. Injera and spaghetti had been my main diet for2 weeks.

Hope to visit Ethiopia again.