The amazing Horn of Africa.

I’ve been down many roads since you’ve last heard from me, but I haven’t forgotten you! Got your passport ready?

This past year I planned on exploring outside of Mamma Africa, and Turkey was at the top of my list. Old world meets new world was always a big attraction, not to mention Turkish cuisine, the Mediterranean sea, and spas. Unfortunately my visa application got lost in the paperwork (Hello? Istanbul?). I got the travel bug so bad I couldn’t wait to voyage, so I decided to explore a country on my own continent (we’ve got over 50 to choose from.

Friends of mine raved about Ethiopia, so I decided to book my flight and brush up on my Amharic (actually, with more than fifty languages spoken—including English and Arabic--there’s many dialects to learn). Just a two-hour flight from Entebbe, the city of Addis Ababa is an emerald metropolis. My eyes sparked at the sparse and wide-open terrain as our flight touched down, with big, beautiful mountains welcoming my arrival. Once the airplane hatch opened I was so excited—and then I was cold! Didn’t expect it to be so cool, but no matter.
I hauled my luggage to the curb and attempted to hail a cab. To my surprise they were all colored blue and old-fashioned looking. I wondered if they still imported cars. I met a good cab guy and attempted to haggle a price. In Uganda you haggle everything except at the supermarket, and I thought it would be the same here. It worked.

The picture doesn't do it justice. Better on the eyes.

The next day I had to go to the North since I was gonna spend most of my holiday here. Ethiopia is such a big country that if you don't have much time, it’s best not to use road transport. The bus takes an eternity, and if you’re not prepared, you could spend all of your holiday on the road. I did not have much time, so I traveled using domestic flights from one town to another. The first area I had to go to was Lalibela, known for the holiest and most ancient rock-cut churches in the nation.
Ethiopia is so rich in culture, religion, and history. It’s one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity, with the lineage going all the way back to the first half of the fourth century. Its history dates to the time of the apostles. What’s impressive is that this history is virtually untouched through the ages. Can you name the only two countries to never have been occupied? If you guess Ethiopia (or Russia), you’re right. And oh by the way, did I mention the food?

The north of Ethiopia is very hilly with amazing landscapes. I was awed by everything. Before I went to look at the churches that afternoon, my host and his friend took me to a butchery restaurant to eat raw meat. We got to this open compound, there were men sitting with plates filled with chopped raw beef. I was terrified but my host said you have to eat it with chilli to kill of the bacteria. I had to give it a try with a very small chunk, the chill was very hot but the meat was chewy, it was not that bad like I expected.

Raw meat with Chilli.

The people in Lalibela were nice to me, they always thought I was black American because they never see fellow Africans coming to their country for tourism. Once I told them I am Uganda, they would lighten up, smile, call me their sister and also strike a conversation. It was such a wonderful feeling. It was so great to see the rock churches which are very old but all of them are still standing still. How could King Lalibela have possibly made such perfect structures without an iPhone or any modern technology?

The famous Church of Saint George.

I did some hiking at Abuna Yosef mountain where Asheton Maryan Monestry is located. It was hectic but my guide was really patient with me and explained a lot more. I was surprised  people go there to pray as it lies on an altitude of 4000. The church is carved out of a cleft into a cliff face, and the execution is rougher than at most other churches around Lalibela. The views here were spectacular. Despite the heat and fatigue, it was well worth it.

A orthodox priest holding 800 year  old golden crosses.

Beautiful view from Asheton

Lalibela town.

My other highlight of the trip was my four day Danakil depression tour. I saw things beyond my expectations. I heard this tour is one of the best but I did not know I would be wowed this much. On this trip I was able to sleep on one of the lowest point on earth and as well as the hottest. I had never been that hot in my life. Our first night in Afar, we were handed our beddings and we had to spend the night outside because you can not sleep under a roof in that heat. That night temperature was 43 degrees all night and probably dropped on the last hour before we woke up. In the next three days, I was able to see the salt flats where we took lots of pictures and we had a dip in a small salty pond which is supposed to have some benefits. We took part in mining salt with the miners which is actually not an easy task because the temperatures are very and the working conditions are unbearable. I loved the colourful water at Dalol, that was such an amazing sight! Mother nature has got so much for us to see. The water was sulfuric with mixed colours like yellow, maroon and white, we had to be careful in that area because of the strong chemical. Driving around the highlands of Ethiopia was amazing but my highlight was the Art ale volcano. It was the hardest route on the way there because the roads are covered with dry lava hence being a little uneven. We reached our camp in the afternoon but we had to wait till sunset for us to take to the long walk to the mountain. Lucky for us it was a full moon, we did not need our lights that much. Most people did the walk for about three hours but I did mine like for two hours and 15 mins, It was so tiring but when we got there, it was worth it. The volcano was so wide and full to the brim, and the lava was boiling with different colors. I was wowed with what mother nature has got for us. Sleeping up there with the sound of boiling lava was the best thing I have ever experienced. However, this four day trip would not have been great without Ethio Travel and Tours (ETT) and Kaleb Teklu our wonderful guide.

Colourful Dalol.

Boiling lava at night.

The morning sunrise over the Volcano.

My last days were spent in Addis Ababa, such a big and busy city. My only problem was communication because few people would speak English. On one incident someone ignored me when I wanted to ask him something, he just walked past me so quickly. He was not being rude but he could not help me If I spoke English. They speak Amharic and they have their own dialect as well. My first day in the city I went to see the biggest market in Africa called Merkato. It is so big and crazy busy, I did not think I would make it out of there and let alone do some shopping, but I managed. This market is a must see for everyone who goes there. I visited the National Museum of Ethiopia and was able to witness the skeleton of Lucy, the earliest human ancestor which is three million years and above. I learnt about the emperors of Ethiopia from these museums and more history about Ethiopia.

Colorful Injera baskets on sale in Merkato

Crowdness in Merketo.

Mules are used all over Ethiopia for transporting merchandise.

I was not able to see all the things I wanted but I hope to go back some day to visit historical Axum and Gondar. There are these amazing mountains of Simien that I want to hike and also spend time with the tribes in the South.

Lucy, the 3.2 year million old skeleton.

Ethiopia is one of the best countries in Africa that everyone should have on their bucket list. It will provide you with rich history which is not altered and it will give you the nature too. If you have plans of going there or want to organise a trip there, just reach out. I am aware of good companies with the best deals and great service that I deal with.

Fun Facts about Uganda

Here are some of the interesting things you should know about Uganda. I have learnt quite a bit during my tours and I thought I should jot some things on my blog. You do not have to take it personal. Live a little and laugh more.

• In Uganda all the manicure and pedicure is performed by male counterparts and they are so good at it! 

• Only in Uganda do they eat a Rolex and a Commando.

• In Uganda people will lift there brows up if they are meaning to say "yes" without saying a word.

• We say sorry even if it is not our fault.

• Some Ugandans are somewhat inaudible. Have you been to a shop or pharmacy and the person behind the counter doesn't feel like talking you but you keep asking them to repeat themselves? Me neither. 

• Some are really slow walkers. Have you walked behind some people on Kampala road or some street? Its like people are on holiday. The walking pace is Zombie like.

• We have over 50 languages spoken in Uganda. We are pretty ethnic.

•  Uganda is the country with the youngest population in the world.

• Uganda has got about 6 banana species/types. Yes, you heard me right.

• I don't know if its the same in other countries, but in Uganda you are punished in school for not speaking English. We learn the hard way, no wonder most Ugandans speak English hence making it easy for foreigners. 

• We have the most boda bodas (Motorbikes) on this continent. Use that helmet often when you use one.

• Uganda has manufactured bark cloth for centuries hence this being mentioned on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.

• There is more of a "bromance" in Uganda. This is where you find male friends holding hands together or shoulders without being sexually involved. This is very common, don't be surprised when you see this.

• Uganda is one of the biggest coffee growing country in the world, but here people prefer to drink "chai" tea to coffee.

• Uganda's capital Kampala, is one of the busiest and safest city in Africa. 

• Kampala, Uganda's capital is among the top 10 cheap cities to live in as a foreigner in Africa.

 To be continued. If there is anything that you want to be added on here, inbox me and I will do it.
     
     

Foodie?

Are you a foodie? Do you seek out any new culinary adventures where your tastes buds come alive? Well this post is for you! WARNING: Do not read this on an empty stomach.

It’s been suggested by many clients that I do a food tour. “Zulaika,” they say, “Kampala is such a unique place. The sights are good, the people are friendly, but what about food? I want something yummy for my tummy. What do you suggest?” After about a year of planning, I’ve cooked up a plan.


How did I do it? Well, I’ve conducted meticulous research, consulted market trends and organized focus groups before determining that…okay who am I kidding? I ate. Yes I ate. I admit it. I sampled and I snacked, ‘cause this girl loves to eat. You see, dear reader, I myself am a foodie. If it’s unique and safe to digest, I’ll give it a try. And this past year I’ve opened my mouth to many a delectable treat.

Did you know Uganda's biggest export is coffee? Look at these smiles after a cup of Java!

Of course we Ugandans are known for not being shy when it comes to satisfy our appetites. How does grasshoppers fried with onion sound? What about white ants? Not appealing? Don't worry. My tours are not like an episode of "Survivor". If you don't have an appetite for it, neither do it. However many are curious to try something unique to our country. To that I say, put down that energy bar and crunch a grasshopper. It is 100% protein!

Now if you have a weak stomach, that's ok. I will try not to laugh as I pity you with sad eyes. Grasshoppers are really healthy and good to eat. Still don't want any? Then more for me!
However these delicacies of insects appear seasonally, not through out the year.

White ants! Yes, she ate them and liked them!

Mother nature is good to Uganda. She has blessed us with so many yummy fruits. How does a sun kissed mango sound right about now? Good, huh? Let me show you how we prepare it with a knife. I am sure you don't know how peel it our way. Voila! You are also allowed to do it by yourself.

Mango Mania!

UK's got bangers and mash, Thailand has got Pad Thai and Uganda has got a Rolex. No, not that expensive Swiss watch; I am talking about our fast food delight or street snack. It is a rolled chapatti filled with eggs, onions, tomatoes, green pepper and cabbage. Now we are talking, right?

Uganda's legendary Rolex.

Capturing the making of a mouth watering "Kabalagala"-Ugandan pancake.

You also have to try a 'Kabalaga" a Ugandan pancake! It is a mouthful, just saying! No one has tried it and didn't like it. I know, I am on a ROLL with this post.

Enjoying a local lunch.

Good snacks, happy faces!

So bring an appetite when you walk with me.It will be my pleasure to take your taste buds on an adventure. There is more to sample, don't worry about skipping some items. And of course let me know about any food allergies beforehand. I'll make sure this journey is safe. Your tummy will thank you! Now let's eat! BON APPETIT MY FRIEND!

Mother nature calls you!

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”
-Henry David Thoreau, American Poet-

Listen...do you hear that? The birds sing for you. The rain washes your frustrations away. The sun bathes your skin in a wondrous glow. It is the sound of Mother Nature calling. If you’re a ‘city slicker’, you probably don’t hear her voice, but if you listen deeply, beyond the sirens, honking cars, and car exhaust, lies a place of complete and total serenity.

Mountain Rwenzori beneath the clouds.

My job takes me all over the big city of Kampala. I know every nook, every corner of this vast place, and I love it. But I also love the reconnection with the Earth. Being immersed in a forest brings me to the deepest essence of life. Recently during Easter weekend I had a chance to exhale and breathe deeply, voyaging to a wondrous paradise called Fort Portal. Located in Western Uganda, this small town lies right up there with Zanzibar as one of most unforgettable trips of the past year. We stayed in the picturesque village of Kifuruka. The area is colored emerald green, with the wondrous Mount Rwenzori (third largest in Africa) always hovering overhead. It acts as your north star, a big brother looking out for your well-being. The air is fresh and crisp, and as the sun sets, wisps of lavender ribbons paint the sky.

My friends and I enjoying the view of one of the crater lakes.

One of my friends getting immersed in the Mahoma waterfall.

When night falls, as the stars awaken and the cloud mist clears, a crescent moon bathes you to sleep. My very first night there, I was deeply moved by the sound of silence. Utter and complete stillness. So still, I could hear my own heart beating. I wanted to hold my breath, as inhaling and exhaling made too much noise. There was absolutely no movement, no breeze, no recognition of air even. It was the sound of nothing, and everything. It felt like all life, and death, and beyond, was contained in one space. This was the most peaceful, knowledgeable, coherent moment I’ve ever experienced. It was heaven on Earth, the absolute bliss of nothing at all. Upon the dawning of a new day, I was immediately comforted by the cheerful hellos from frogs, insects, and birds welcoming me to a new beginning. Behold, the nurturing power of nature!

My friend and I jumping away in the nature.

The benefits of reconnecting with the natural world are well documented, and I can vouch for its incredible rejuvenation. The Japanese call it “Shinrin-yoku,” or a ‘forest bathing trip.’ Richard Ryan, lead author and professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, says: “Nature is fuel for the soul. Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature.”
I can’t agree more professor!

“People with a greater sense of vitality don’t just have more energy for things they want to do,” he adds, “they are also more resilient to physical illnesses. One of the pathways to health may be to spend more time in natural settings.”

A beautiful crater lake in Fortportal.

So if you are feeling the stress of big city life, peel back the layers, the frenzy, and the noise. Reconnect with the Mother who gives life to us all, Mother Nature. There have been moments upon returning to Kampala where my mind has wandered back to that simple place. Whenever the traffic frustrated me or the boda bodas assaulted my ears, I have just exhaled, and pictured myself back on that road, that mountain, those clouds, that gorgeous crescent moon. Stillness. Peace.

All green everything.

I was very excited to go on walking tour in the nature.

                                                     Mother Nature calls you! Embrace her!