What I remember most about my guide Maereg was his diligent service, promptness, efficient time-management, and impressive knowledge of Ethiopia - the ancient and the new. During the trip, Maereg made sure that I felt at ease, safe and secure as a female traveler. And that meant a lot.
For eight days Maereg got to know me and I got to experience the wonders of Ethiopia.
Firstly, the capital, Addis Ababa, the highest elevation of a city in Africa, which was more like a state than a city, boasted national/ state museums, cultural centers, numerous universities/ UNESCO World Heritage Sites, churches, cathedrals, cafés (the origin of coffee began here in Ethiopia), memorials, financial, telecommunications, infrastructures, shop centers, outdoor markets, etc.,.
Then there was the massive rock-hewn monolith churches of Lalibela, (woa!) which is home to the oldest Christian communities in the world (as well as for Maereg, his lovely wife, and adorable children who were kind enough to have invited us to their home to meet the family & served us a delicious authentic Ethiopian dinner complimented with Honey wine). Also, Lalibela is known as Ethiopia's "New Jerusalem" because it holds religious importance and the opportunity to pilgrimage for there Orthodox Christians.
And lastly, Gondar, once the capital of the former Ethiopian Empire, showcased palaces, castles, churches, fortified walls, built by each royal successor beginning the 17th century and has been called the "Camelot of Africa," idealized as in a place of high-level culture with a purpose/ belief of what community with a shared purpose can achieve.
Since returning home, the trip to Ethiopia has stayed with me like a hum, tune or song which reminded me that for eight days I was in paradise. I hope to carry this happiness in me forward until I can get back to that happy place, Ethiopia ???????? . Thanks, Maereg for all that you did to make this experience possible.
Sincerely,
Romanáh H-B