Addis Ababa is a beautiful, crowded city. We enjoyed riding around in the van on our excursions to see more of the city. As it was Holy Week, there were lots of sheep and goats that had been herded to the city to be sold for Easter dinners. Donkeys carrying loads were quite common too. We got to go shopping in the tourist district, run errands all over town, drive through the Mercato (huge shopping district), and go out on foot in the neighborhood.
People in Addis are hardworking and so kind. We were always treated kindly and felt safe. It was so neat to be able to go out walking with SJ in the Ergo (again, thank you Dave!), we'd buy some bananas and take some photos. There were many beggars out too, but we found a way to handle it that we were comfortable with. On the way to the store, we would decide who was in the most need and purchase something for them at the store. On the way home, we would discreetly hand them either bread or bananas or money. We tended to give to the very old, mothers with children and the infirmed. It's also easier to give to someone sitting alone as you're less likely to be swarmed and run out of cash. The one that broke my heart was a mother with 4 kids who looked to be all under 4, the youngest were twins she was breastfeeding. We gave her quite a bit.
On the bright side, the weather was wonderful! It was high 70's and dry in the day and got down to the mid 50's at night. We only had one day where we found ourselves hot and sweaty. Also, there are beautiful trees and flowers everywhere.
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