Arriving in Addis Ababa, I quickly realized that I was no longer in familiar territory.  We have just survived a long-haul flight from Austin and to combat our jet lag, my travel partner Elanore and I stumble along the streets of Addis Ababa and discover some amazing sites!

• Goats, both their milk and meat, are used in abundance in Ethiopian cooking. This small herd was shepherded along headed Namibia Street, and into the slaughterhouse, just down from our Hotel Aya.
• This is the real definition of “shared ride” as we observed a long line of people waiting to pile 15 into a van to pay less than 50 Birr for a ride.
• A beautiful mother and child begging on the streets.
• Coffee is Ethiopia’s number one export and a staple of life here. Small cups of smooth, dark brew are served up on almost every corner.  And just like a call to prayer, the faithful consume it morning, noon and night. Elanore, Kaleb and I enjoy a cup at Unity Park.
• Ethiopian Orthodox church service – an outdoor church service with the Mendanole Ethiopian Orthodox church. Note that men and women are on separate sides of the aisle.
• Roses are Ethiopia’s second largest export. These arrangements are a common way for roses to be displayed and gifted.