Addis Ababa

Two days and a lot of walking was enough to cover the main highlights of the capital.

The must see museum is the National, which houses the bones of 'Lucy' the skeleton of a bipedal ape around 3mill years old. Although the original bones lie out of sight in the basement the reconstruction is around 3 feet high and has some real human characteristics.

National museum 

Lucy

The lion of jeddah seemed like a good thing to take a look at on the map, however having found it it was a bit of a disappointment. But, not too far around the corner was another, much more impressive lion, next to the national theatre. 

Lion at the national theatre

We also stopped in at the stamp museum, located by the main post office it appeared to be shut. Thinking they must have closed for an early lunch we were about to leave when a chap came out of the toilet and reopened for us. Needless to say we had the place to ourselves for our entire visit. The place was essentially a collection of overseas stamps in one half, including some French islands I'd never heard of, and original artwork of Ethiopian stamps in the other. 

The most interesting part was speaking with the curator to learn that only businesses had deliveries. Everyone else has a PO box and has to just check every so often to see if they have any post. 

The final place worth a mention on our educational tour of the city is the red terror museum. A privately fund d enterprise, referred to by one local as propaganda. It houses the story of genocide during the time of the Derg (military government '77 - '91) in which up to half a million people were killed. Estimates vary wildly from 30,000 - 500,000 but the museum are continuing to compile names. The story is brought to life by one of the two guides that work there. One of the leaders of the regime is still hiding out at the Italian embassy in addis & has now been there over 20years without being brought to justice.
Addis was also the spot for a bit of nightlife and decent restaurants. There's been little to write home about with regard to the food so far, suffice to say I won't be frequenting many Ethiopian restraints back in London to often. Our last group meal at an Italian restaurant was notable for the Italian godfather sat at the front desk speaking mainly Italian to his staff he certainly hadn't been short of a meal or 2 as the proprietor. 

I also added Ethiopian jazz to my musical experiences with an upmarket club providing the entertainment on Christmas