bahrainthismonth.com | FEBRUARY 2025 TRAVEL 32 After a very comfortable direct flight from Bahrain to Addis Ababa and a smooth Visa process thanks to the kindness of the Ethiopian Consulate General in Bahrain, I was taken directly to the nearby Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, the largest in Africa and owned by Ethiopian Airlines, and checked into my spacious room. After a brief nap and meeting my friendly tour guide, Abush, it was time to explore! The journey began at the National Museum, home to many treasures of Ethiopia’s past. The highlight was undoubtedly the fossilised remains of early hominids, the most famous of which is ‘Lucy,’ the partial skeleton of a specimen estimated to date to 3.2 million years ago. Another excellent exhibition was the section dedicated to Emperor Haile Selassie, one of Ethiopia’s most renowned rulers. It was an extraordinary experience to walk through the corridors of history and witness artefacts that have shaped Ethiopia’s identity. That afternoon, I visited Unity Park, a beautiful complex in the centre of the city. Its unique charm lies not only in its expanses of greenery and historical artefacts, but also in its stunning wildlife exhibits, featuring rare animals like black lions, wildebeests, cheetahs and meerkats. Day two began with a trip to Entoto, a mountainous escape offering panoramic views of Addis Ababa. As I stood at the viewpoint, the sprawling cityscape below with its towering skyscrapers, metro lines and bustling commuters showcased a modern, progressive city. Whilst we were here, we stopped at the nearby Entoto St. Maryam Church which added a spiritual touch to the morning. Even more memorable was that I happened to gatecrash a wedding taking place there, so it was with delight that I got to see the assembled party chanting and applauding the happy couple! Later, I visited the Ethnological Museum, an insightful repository of Ethiopia’s cultural diversity. Located within the former palace of Haile Selassie, the museum provided a look into the traditions and daily lives of the country’s many ethnic groups. The day ended with a delightful cultural shopping experience, where I picked up some colourful handcrafted souvenirs that encapsulated Ethiopia’s artistic heritage. HISTORY & HOSPITALITY Ethiopia is a land of profound history, vibrant culture and breath-taking landscapes. Kristian Harrison recently had the chance to visit the country, facilitated by Ethiopian Airlines, and explored the capital Addis Ababa’s treasures.
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