bahrainthismonth.com | FEBRUARY 2025 TRAVEL 33 Dinner that evening was a particular delight. Traditional injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread, served as the base for an array of meat and vegetable curries. Bursting with flavour and a medley of textures, it was paradise in the palate, and even better when complemented by live performances of traditional music and dance. On my final day, I explored the Coffee Museum at Hadero. Learning about coffee’s origins and its significance to Ethiopian culture was fascinating. From the meticulous hand-sorting of beans to the intricate roasting and brewing process, it showed the getting the perfect cup is truly an art form. The museum also highlighted the discovery of coffee in Ethiopia and its evolution into a global phenomenon. It was a reminder of how much this beloved drink connects people across the globe, yet remains rooted in its Ethiopian origins. Whilst here, we also partook in a traditional coffee ceremony. Often accompanied by incense burning and snacks like popcorn, it remains a hospitality staple. One of the major highlights of my tour was the exclusive tour of Ethiopian Airlines’ state-ofthe-art facilities. Living its motto of Bringing Africa Together and Beyond, Ethiopian has created Africa-wide and transcontinental air connectivity networks linking its main hub in Addis Ababa to the rest of the world. The airline serves 141 international passenger and cargo destinations, including 66 African cities, with daily and multiple flights with a minimum layover in Addis operating the youngest and the state-of-the-art fleet types such as A3501000, B787-900, B777, B737 Max and more. As a veteran carrier serving a vast intra-African network, Ethiopian flies to more destinations in the continent than any other airline. Its four weekly flights from Bahrain offer a seamless connectivity to points in its vast networks in Africa, South/North America, Asian and Europe. The experience was nothing short of remarkable. I visited its training facilities for pilots, engineers, cabin crew and air traffic controllers (featuring an awe-inspiring room with 180-degree screens and cutting-edge simulations to account for every possible emergency and situation). The cargo warehouse and maintenance depot showcased Kristian sitting in the cockpit of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 Simulator the airline’s operational excellence as the largest airline in Africa, while the flight simulator training area allowed me to witness a simulated flight in action. The sheer scale of operations and the company’s commitment to being a hub of innovation and training, not just in Africa but the world, was truly impressive. Reflecting on my time in the wonderful country, a special mention must go to Abush and the team at Anbessa Travel, whose expertise and kindness elevated the entire trip. As I reflect on my incredible journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore Addis Ababa, especially to Redi Yesuf, Country Manager for Ethiopian Airlines in Bahrain. The city definitely left a mark on me, and I am already excited to one day return to Ethiopia to venture beyond its capital and discover more of its natural beauty and cultural wonders. If you’re interested in visiting the amazing country of Ethiopia, contact Ethiopian Airlines on 17208504. Scan to watch the video
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