Reflections After Seven Months in Ethiopia

After spending more than seven months in Ethiopia, I feel it’s finally time to share a few reflections about this ancient and remarkable country.

One of my most memorable moments was visiting the museum dedicated to Emperor Haile Selassie—the last emperor of Ethiopia, a close ally of Yugoslavia, and a friend of Marshal Tito. Walking through the museum, I was struck by how different his bedroom was from that of his wife. It made me wonder: could our generation ever imagine having completely separate bedrooms like that?

Ethiopia’s story is one of pride and profound complexity. Once stretching all the way to the Red Sea, the country became landlocked after Eritrea gained independence. The conversation—sometimes the tension—around reclaiming access to the sea still lingers today.

This land is the cradle of humanity, the birthplace of coffee, a former communist state, and home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations—Abyssinia and Axum among them. Ethiopia sits at the crossroads of the turbulent Middle East and the strategic Horn of Africa, shaped by a unique blend of ethnicities, languages, and religions. Living here, you don’t just hear about conflicts; you feel the weight of a nation constantly navigating its identity and future. It leaves you wondering when calm will finally settle.

And yet, despite everything, life here grows on you. Home is always home (Zimbabwe I miss you), but I don’t mind being here at all. The Italian influence is woven into everyday life—ironically strong for a country that defeated Italy at the Battle of Adwa and was never colonized. And when you’re craving a good meal, trust me, you’ll find one.

If you ever want to know more about Ethiopia, feel free to reach out (It's not for free). One love, always!