“As is our custom, I have to call my mum with travel details at least a few days before I travel. She has a general idea of how the year is mapped out, so throwing Ethiopia at her at the very last minute with only a few hours before my flight was nerve-wracking.
Our conversation went something like this:
Me: Hello mother, I am going to Ethiopia, and my flight leaves in a few hours.
Mama: Silence …………………..
Mama: More Silence …………………..
Mama: More Silence ………………………………..
Mama: Hmmmm !!!!!!!!!!! You are not serious.
You can imagine how strained the rest of that conversation was. But the bags were packed, the flight was booked and there was no stopping me.
I was particularly excited about this trip to Addis Ababa, the home of the AU (African Union), because Africa Day had a dedicated theme for this year: as the Acceleration of AfCFTA implementation, which holds tremendous promise for a young African female solo traveler on a mission to live and work in 10 African countries.
The acceleration of AfCFTA would open up a world of opportunities, making travel within Africa more seamless, affordable, and enriching. With the barriers to trade and movement being dismantled, I hope I can finally embark on my journey with renewed optimism, knowing that the future of travel in Africa looks incredibly bright and full of possibilities.
While exploring the wonders of Ethiopia, I took a moment to interact and learn from the amazing team at Samaritan Health and Education Support Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education in rural Ethiopian communities. It works closely with local communities to build schools, provide educational resources, and improve the lives of children and young adults.
“I somehow found myself at a vibrant Saturday market at the Greek Club in Addis Ababa, where I saw the most amazing colorful textiles and handmade crafts.
Quick Question: Have you ever felt like something is deeply etched in your soul and that no matter how far you travel? It will draw you in.
In my case, it is artisans, makers, and handmade. Maybe it is because my grandmother, Kandabu Philomena Mbambu, was a maker.”
Ps; I saw this mustard leather bag that still sits in my mind rent free.!!!!!
Of course, no visit to Ethiopia would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. I savored the flavors of injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, accompanied by a variety of delicious stews and spicy sauces.
Ps: I ate a tonne of flat bread at some point, I was ashamed at how fast I was wolfing it down.
And later as we wandered through Addis with my amazing host, Selam who made it her mission to ensure I would experience all the amazing things about Addis Ababa, the rich aroma of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee permeated the air and of course we couldn’t resist joining in a cherished coffee ceremony.
As I bid farewell to this remarkable country, I couldn’t help but reflect on how my search for #ABetterLife through the transformative power of travel has opened up a world of opportunities allowing me to explore and engage with different people. I left Ethiopia fulfilled and in awe and I gained a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of humanity and the interconnectedness of our world.
Till next week don’t forget to Embrace the Unexpected !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
