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A Journey That I Will Forever Remember And That Altered My All Walks Of Life
There are some journeys in the world which are so special that they, in fact, become a part of you and your perception of the world. Personally, for me, it was my experience in Addis Ababa, which is the capital of Ethiopia as well as a city with enormous historical and cultural relevance. In this paper, I will delve into the memorable events that this trip offered me and how it changed my life for the better, including the impressive buildings and scenery of the city, exotic climate and delightful food, as well as the kindness of locals.
Traveling to the airport was a mix of anxiety and thrill. After reaching my destination, I picked up my boarding pass and walked to the waiting lounge, which, due to the other passengers, only increased my desire to board. Before long, the Ethiopian Airlines plane came. I entered the plane, found my seat, and was impressed with its design and how comfortable the plane was. Flying was, in itself, a breathtaking experience. I was struck by the view of the clouds, which appeared as a white sea with no end as I looked down. This was the first occasion I had experienced such a view, with a great height above the ground. I could never have predicted how tranquil it is to be at such enormous heights above clouds. As they say, the two hours spent in the airplane were simply enchanting as they marked the beginning of the voyage that would turn out to be a defining experience.
Bole International Airport made its mark in my mind as impressive once I stepped onto the ground. It is, without a doubt, one of the best airports in Eastern Africa, and I could tell it possessed the active and developing character of the city of Addis Ababa. The city is also located at the foot of Mount Entoto and has a beautiful cityscape that consists of mountains and landmarks. Addis Ababa’s geography is quite mind-blowing as it is located at its lowest elevation of 2,326 meters above sea level close to the airport and then stretches beautifully above 3,000 meters at the peaks of the Entoto Mountains.
I found myself struggling to control my anticipation as the city came into view. Everything about the skyline impressed me. The spirited modernity of the high-rise buildings stood in stark contrast to the old establishments. I realized that this city managed to marry the new with the old, and I was enamored by it. The beauty of the city was something that I knew I could never forget.
During my second day, the day was punctuated by a trip to Friendship Park, which happens to be quite picturesque. It was a late Sunday afternoon, and the park was bustling with families and friends as they sat together to have some fun. The sight of rich grass and green flowers blended perfectly with the water fountains. As dusk started to set in, the warm colors of the sun began to lighten up the scenery, which was simply breathtaking.
My cousins, along with me, sat at a nice place. Amid shared stories and the peaceful surroundings, we performed our Maghrib prayers. Another interesting feature of the park was its main water body, surrounded by colored lights and also the colors from the dark evening sky. Overall, the nature and aesthetics made Friendship Park one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to. I would suggest it as an ideal location for any visitor coming to Addis Ababa.
No journey is complete without experiencing the local food, and there was no cause for disappointment when it came to the local cuisine in Addis Ababa. The Ethiopian cuisine is not only spicy but also has cultural significance. During my stay there, my most favored meal became the injera, which is a sourdough flatbread that is typically made out of teff flour and is a staple in some households. Of all the dishes I tried, beyaynetu was by far the most impressive. This colorful dish has injera that is served with meats, lentils, vegetables, and also seasoned wot.
Addis Ababa was not merely an area of road travel for me; it was a lifetime experience that changed the way I look at things. The city’s history, together with the present, offers many distinctive features. Its scenic landscape, rich cuisine, and the genuine love of the people all made the experience worthwhile. It made me understand the variations and the beauty of the terrain on this planet and the quest to unfold more and more of the country. I can’t wait to go back to this wonderful city and relive some memories while trying to create new ones in the process. If you really have the opportunity, I am saying this without hesitation—go, as you will not be sorry.