Blue Lada

From Upon Mt. Ntoto...

2007-05-24T03:21:00.001-07:00

It's a marvellous experience, to go up Mt. Ntoto in the evening to catch the sunsetting over the city. Beautiful, simply beautiful...

Capturing the Event...

2007-05-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Another shot from the Timket festival. This guy was all over the place, doing his thing...

Looking out for any more passengers...

2007-05-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

A Peaceful Walk...

2007-05-06T04:35:00.000-07:00

African Pride...

2007-04-23T07:15:00.000-07:00

Everywhere you walk in Addis Ababa, you see the national colours of Ethiopia proudly displayed; not just as flags, but shop window displays, taxi cab stickers, particularly attire (writstbands etc...). I don't think it just for the tourist. I am, somehow, led to believe that there is a level of unrivalled patriotism and national pride when it comes to this nation.

The folk talk about their country in cafes, in the cars etc...with such passion and endearment, it's quite moving. I am now looking forward to visiting other African nations and tasting some more of this "African Pride".

Nigeria Street...

2007-04-18T04:05:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's a poster of my country, Nigeria on the bottom right of this shot. This road is in the Churchill Street district of Tikkur Ambessa, not too far from the Ethiopian Telecoms Commission.

I will be taking more shots along this road on my next trip. I'm not too sure why it has been named so, but there has been speculation that it's part of a government move to dedicate a number of streets to various African countries, or that it was part of a ceremony to welcome the Nigerian president Obasanjo on his last official visit.

Of course, I stand to be corrected.

In the Shade...

2007-04-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

January is a gloriously warm time to visit Addis Ababa. I loved every minute of my stay there..! I so wanna go again...

"Fly Ethiopian..."

2007-04-16T03:25:00.000-07:00

Waiting After School...

2007-04-14T00:31:00.000-07:00

Timket 2007

2007-04-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

Timket 2007

2007-04-10T16:34:00.000-07:00

Timket 2007

2007-04-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Really sorry I haven't posted for a few days...been busy celebrating Easter. But here a couple more images from the Timket Festival.

I must say, the security detail (police, soldiers etc) were quite accommodating and helpful towards us, despite having the huge task of maintaining an orderly crowd.

There were the usual brightly coloured umbrellas all over the place...

Timket 2007

2007-04-04T02:57:00.001-07:00

Timket 2007

2007-04-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

The procession begins...

...arriving at Jal Meda...

Delicious Kitfo...

2007-04-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

This dish must be tried out when you visit Addis. It took a while for me to get interested in it as all the other popular treats kept me distracted whenever we eat out; zil zil tibs, beg tibs, awaze tibs (did I mention that I love tibs!?!). But one day, we paid a visit to a very well known kitfo-bet in town. Can't remember the name, but it comes VERY highly recommended as do loads of others. And boy! What a dish! It's kind of like minced meat, cooked with Ethiopian butter and spices. It's delicious...I love this dish, really I do.

I promise, I promise, I promise (and I hardly promise): Food shots are on the agenda during my next trip. I admit I should've taken loads of food pictures, but I mainly got carried away with streetlife and the people doing different things. Next time, it'll be different.

Still, I'll try and dig up some more from the last trip later...

Priests walking by...

2007-04-02T03:29:00.000-07:00

This was taken on another one of those days at the Swiss Cafe, behind the big Medhanialem church. I miss that place. You can't go wrong with their butter crossaints and a cup o' ginger tea...

Back in Addis...

2007-03-30T02:47:00.000-07:00

Oh, the smell of livestock! There were usually various herds of livestock roaming certain roads in Addis, of course with their respective herders. Pockets like these, mainly ram/goats were paraded for sale in certain parts of town.

Another reminder of my childhood in Nigeria. I guess the various herds become more apparent as celebrations approach. Actually, on one occasion, I do vaguely remember haggling for one as an intended gift (much to the seller's amazement that I could actually speak/calculate a little in Amharic...that's always a joy to see). The prices were amazingly low!

Back in Addis....

2007-03-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

We got back to witness another beautiful sunset in town, I had capture this while I had the chance.

On the Way Back to Addis...4

2007-03-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

There are alot of cyclists in the town of Debre Zeyt. I enjoyed mingling with the people and the atmosphere is quite calm compared to the busy-ness one finds in Addis Ababa. I enjoyed my stay there and hope to visit again soon. Would be cool to do it all again. I bet the other proposed facilities at the resort'd be ready then as well.

Coming up: Back in Addis - everyone's preparing for the very much anticipated Timket Festival.

On the Way Back to Addis...3

2007-03-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

On the Way Back to Addis...2

2007-03-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

Seemed to me to be alot more horse-drawn carriages outside Addis, like it was a very popular form of transport. I actually wanted to get on one, ran out of time...

Another excuse to go back there.

On the Way Back to Addis...

2007-03-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

Yep, our four day weekend spoiling ourselves at the Kuriftu Resort had to end sometime, and so we reluctantly dragged ourselves back to the jeep and made our way through the calm town of Debre Zeyt once more and made our way to Addis Ababa.

Yup, that's me, kayaking in the lake - what an enormous amount of fun that was!

(ERROR ALERT!! I went into the town on the Saturday morning with a guide, actually we cycled into the town, loads of people and kids were all over the place playing chatting, some running with us, we stopped to rest, I got to see lake Hora, met some wonderful Oromo people gathered in a meeting, they were really welcoming, offering me some wine etc. I played table tennis, saw one of the oldest trees alive. Where's all this leading? Er... I forgot to take my camera with me! Big mistake!! Now I have to go all the way back and do it all again!!! Ha ha!!!)

Remember what I mentioned earlier about the warmth of Ethiopians...I really wished I could get down from the car and really snap away at these two friends/brothers/colleagues...still, I'm glad I could still capture the embrace between them.

So genuine, so real...

Kuriftu Resort & Spa...

2007-03-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Now, this was the main reason for the trip to Debre Zeyt - The Kuriftu Resort & Spa, what a place! Situated in a very peaceful location, right by the Kuriftu lake, the resort comprises of a beauty parlour, spa, swimming pool, fully loaded cinema, the meals are served either at the dining area or brought to you in your room.

All in all, its very serene, calm, very scenic with magnificient views. A place I'd definitely recommend anytime you visit Ethiopia - it's worth it!

For more info on the resort, visit: www.kuriftu.com

On the Way to Debre Zeyt....5

2007-03-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful church building going up...

I shall definitely be looking forward to seeing what it finally looks like. The church buildings here are always a sight to see, be it ancient or modern.

On the Way to Debre Zeyt....4

2007-03-22T04:06:00.000-07:00

No, we didn't travel up there by train. We were stuck in traffic and I happened to spot this scene from my side of the jeep. And since we were moving quite slowly, I decided to go ahead and capture. Didn't turn out too badly, did it?

On the Way to Debre Zeyt...3

2007-03-21T02:51:00.000-07:00

On the Way to Debre Zeyt...2

2007-03-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

On the Way to Debre Zeyt...

2007-03-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

We took a very memorable trip to Debret Zeyt on the outskirts of Addis Ababa (about 40km away), the following images were taken along the road we travelled. My advice: check out the sky!

Sunset from Mount Entoto ...

2007-03-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

It was kinda difficult manouvering to get a good spot for photographing the sunset, but I tell you, once you do find it, it's well worth the trek...Catching a sunset upon this mountain, overlooking the city of Addis Ababa is simply a breathtaking experience..!

Sibling Support...

2007-03-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

This is a scene I noticed everywhere...a very admirable warmth between siblings, friends, schoolmates, even co-workers. I'll dig up a few more o' these as I'm sure I took more than one. It's a very pleasant sight to see; the closeness amongst Ethiopians. Very encouraging.

Another Little Girl...

2007-03-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

Continuing my series on the young and innocent ones in Addis Ababa, this shot was taken whilst out shopping in the Piazza district of town. This little girl (ssoooo cute!) was running around freely playing while her mum in between shopping and picking up various groceries was frantically trying to keep her at bay...

Linked hands....

2007-03-10T04:47:00.000-08:00

Told you...

Off to School...

2007-03-09T03:03:00.000-08:00

I wasn't too happy with the outcome of this shot as it's kinda blurred. Again, I was in a moving car. I saw these happy little ones on their way to school one morning. They all looked really cute,forming a little chain by their hands - a very common sight here - kids are always holding hands! Cute, simply cute...

Keeping an Eye Out...

2007-03-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

Most of the parking attendants tend to double as Security guards as well at most of the popular coffee shops - or is it the other way around - the security guards at most of the coffee shops and restaurants tend to be very helpful when it comes to customer parking. This shot was taking as I sat outside Kaldi's Coffee shop...needless to say Kaldi's is a regular joint of mine.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...'

2007-03-06T02:45:00.000-08:00

I couldn't really take my camera into the night service during the Ethiopian Christmas, as I wasn't too sure if it was allowed. But I managed a few shots outside afterwards...this one being my favourite.

School's Out...

2007-03-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Kids at the Cathedral School breaking up to go home for the day...

Cross....

2007-03-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

I really can't remember where this was. I know it's not the Medhanialem church that I'm so fond of. Then again, I may be wrong. One thing's for sure - next time around, I'll be labelling all my shots.

St. Estifanos' Church..

2007-03-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

Church...

2007-03-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

Another one of the many churches that are literally everywhere in Addis Ababa. From time to time you can see various people, whether walking or even driving, bow as they pass by in an act of honour and worship to the saints...very moving to see.

Along the Bridge...

2007-03-02T02:37:00.000-08:00

This is the bridge just after the National Hotel, before the UN headquarters

"I See You, Snapping Me..."

2007-03-01T01:51:00.000-08:00

This is another shot from outside Kaldi's coffee. I was waiting to be picked up for a trip to Debre Zeit, couldn't take waiting any longer, so out came the camera...

Reflection...

2007-03-01T01:42:00.000-08:00

Shots like these don't really tickle my fancy as they depict the not so attractive parts of any town, Addis being no exception. I only posted this one because after processing it, I liked the colours that kind of jumped out.

On the Way to the Piassa 2: Zebra Crossing

2007-03-01T01:39:00.000-08:00

The zebra crossings in Addis Ababa are so long, you must make sure you walk/run across very briskly. On this occasion, we could obviously take our time in crossing, take pictures, even have a picnic if we wanted too as it wasn't too busy.

Upon Mount Entoto...

2007-02-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

This was taken on an evening when we were trying to capture the beautiful sunset over Addis Ababa from upon the Mount Entoto. We'd heard so much about it that we had to go see for ourselves! We weren't disappointed. I should be posting one of the sunset images soon...

On the Way to Piazza...A Very Cool Use of Space

2007-02-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

As I always attracted to this roundabout during most of my leisurely walks to the Cathedral district, I thought I may as well take a picture of it too for my journal. It's quite unusual to me in how it's been decorated. I really am fond of this spot...

Time Out....

2007-02-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

As the name suggests, this is a very nifty little cafe tucked neatly in a petrol station not too far from the airport (trust me, I do have a wider shot somewhere...)

Driver's View...2

2007-02-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

Lady in Yellow...

2007-02-28T06:38:00.000-08:00

Hardworking Boy...2

2007-02-27T15:46:00.000-08:00

Reeling in the Passengers...

2007-02-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

This shot of a bus conductor calling in passengers was also taken from within a taxi. I took a lot of shots from either in coffee shops or from in a car. I dunno, I guess I was concerned that if folk were aware of me, they may shy away and I won't get that candid shot I so crave...

Red Umbrella...

2007-02-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

I think this was taken not too far from the Ethiopian Communications Building, across the road where there are a number art n craft shops very popular with tourists. Zoomed from inside a taxi.

Friends...2

2007-02-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

Friends...

2007-02-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

Another Day at Kaldi's...

2007-02-27T07:25:00.001-08:00

You can't go wrong if you stop by at one of the many patisseries that line the main roads in town, and chill out with a latté, cake or a fruit juice or smoothie...or an Iced Cream (can you see what Mimi's got in the background??).

My personal favourite is the Mango & Avocado smoothie. Mmmm! You just haven't lived till you try this drink....

...I need to calm down...

Awaiting Arrivals at Bole Airport...

2007-02-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

One my many marvels every time I visit the country - the massively impressive Bole Airport. Neat, well organised, very cool inside, polite, peaceful and very helpful staff. I'm sure the country is very proud of this new airport. I think I have an exterior shot somewhere. Will post it the moment I find and process it.

Putting Up a Billboard...

2007-02-26T15:16:00.000-08:00

I decided this'd be one of my cherished shots, with an added twist of nostalgia, too. As when I was growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, I remember waking up on certain days and on my way to school, I'd see a brand new billboard up and sparkling and I'd also wondered how these things were put up - so rapidly too. Dunno why...

Funny how we think as kids, huh.

Very Popular Thirst Quencher...

2007-02-26T15:08:00.000-08:00

School Days...

2007-02-26T14:58:00.000-08:00

This is the famous Tikur Anbessa School. I don't know that much about the school, but I know a number of people that went here - with loads of stories to tell too. I didn't really get to snap the school kids at the school (Actually this shot was taken on a Sunday, I think) as I hardly went passed when the school was open, and when I did, silly me had no camera. The idea of using the camera on my phone is, all of a sudden, appealing.

Driver's View...

2007-02-26T14:47:00.000-08:00

Still Along "Bole Road"...

2007-02-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

Blue Lada...

2007-02-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

I guess by now, you may have figured out why this site is so-named. Being one of the few popular and well-patronised taxi organisations in town, there are loads of them all over the place.

Fruit n Veggies...

2007-02-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

I think the building in the background is Cheger House, can't really remember...

Sunny Day...

2007-02-26T09:15:00.000-08:00

Fallen Streetlamp

2007-02-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

Coming Home from School...

2007-02-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hardworking boy

2007-02-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

This was a very cheerful li'l lad outside the Boston Spa working hard at something (I'm not quite sure what he was selling/fixing). Looking back, I wish I'd given him a choccie or something as he really made my task of shooting him quite easy, he kept connecting with the camera and smiling and waving. Betam Amesegenalew..! Yeni Konjo!!

Across from the spa

2007-02-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

There's quite a heavenly outfit in town, known as the Boston Spa, which hosts a number of facilities where you can go and spoil yourself (mainly for women, I know; but do I care??). I took this shot of an apartment building across the road, from where I was sitting in the spa reception (waiting to be called in for my manicure/pedicure!!!).

I'll probably add more on the Boston Spa later.

From the Swiss Cafe Window...

2007-02-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

Shot from the "Swiss Cafe" window. I did quite a number of window shots like these...

Matching Colours...Purple

2007-02-26T08:27:00.001-08:00

Here, I was walking along...er...a road, can't remember the name, but its a very well known road that leads away from Kaldi's coffee and the Medhanialem church roundabout towards Gabriel Clinic and Zebra Grill (Oh the Zebra Grill...I just remembered the dishes from the Zebra Grill!).

Anyways, whenever I'm in Addis Ababa, I tend to stay in this particular area of Bole as I really get to experience the people and atmosphere; be it haggling the fares with the taxi drivers or even a friendly chat with little children, also I find it to be well-balanced in terms of it's location, (one of the more calmer parts of town -without being too excluded from the busy-ness of Addis).

For the most part, I usually walk along this road when out for strolls with my camera. I spotted this lady across the road and I remember liking her purple combination of colours. Her attire also reminded me of my native country, Nigeria.

I could walk in Bole for ages. There's always something interesting to see...

Bole Road

2007-02-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

Another busy section on the popular "Bole Road"

Four Shadows

2007-02-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

Waiting to cross safely...

Bus Route

2007-02-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

One of the many city buses that ply various routes through the city, this particular road is a very popular one that leads to the Addis Ababa Hilton. Fairly steep too...

Medhanialem Church Gate

2007-02-26T06:54:00.000-08:00

This is one of the entrances to the beautiful Medhanialem church building, situated in the city centre. I shall be posting more images of the church later on.

Hello and welcome

2006-07-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

I've come to realise over the years, that sometimes, the best way to learn something is to just jump in at the deep end. This time, my learning curve is in the art of Photography.

So here goes - splash!

It is hoped that my photos will improve on a regular basis and that one day, I may even possess eye-catching, jaw-dropping and even money-making shots!

Watch this space!

This particular weblog is dedicated to the tons of images I have collected over the recent months from my trips to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Feel free to look around, and leave a comment if you so wish.