Email: Grandad’s 75th birthday. Loves travel, African cuisine. (S. Africa)
Happy Birthday!
Cradle of the human civilisation, Ethiopia is Africa’s most beguiling destination. Wears an ancient past with pride. Addis Ababa is home to world-class museums & bustling streets. The name means a New Flower, founded in 1887 by the Emperor Menelik II. Aksum, an ancient capital has charming churches & tombs. Castles of Gondar are the best-preserved archaeological sites. The town of Arba Minch is truly spectacular. Scenic Awash National Park hosts dry acacia savanna of the Rift Valley. Filwoha Hot Springs feed beautiful translucent blue pools & Lake Beseka. Bahir Dar – wide avenues of palms & a stunning lakeside. Bale Mountains National Park – high mountains, sweeping valleys, dramatic escarpment, expanses of forests.
Active volcanoes – Mount Ayalu & Erta Ale have large lava lakes. Dallol Sulphur Springs is a photographer’s dream. Lalibela, high up in the Lasta Mountains has incredible rock-hewn churches. Nechisar National Park supports wildlife like hippo, crocodile, Burchell’s zebra, waterbuck, gazelle & birds. Besides the colourful Ahmaric tribes, Simien Mountains are home to Gelada Baboons, Simien fox, bushbuck, Lammergeyer vulture. Dotted with wild coffee tree plantations sits the town of Yirga Alem.
Ethiopian food is distinctive & delicious with a cultural heritage that stands out from the rest of Africa. The mode of eating is communal with all gathering around a large circular metal tray of injera. An Ethiopian spice mix contains elements like chilli powder, fenugreek, ginger, garlic, cardamom & cinnamon. Incredible.