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ADDIS ABABA

Visit to Addis Ababa University

After a warm welcome given at the Department of Linguistics, Addis Ababa University, we all geared ourselves up to carrry out more on-field research for our specific projects. Teaming up with enthusiastic Ethiopian students was so much fun. This allowed more intensive investigations to take place efficiently and effectively. Various departments on campus, including the Department of Linguistics and the Center for African and Oriental Studies, provided assistance to us. We all benefitted from the very generous support from the faculty and students. The most important part, after all, was the bonding we forged during the visit. We definitely look forward to having another educational trip in the future as the connection goes on.

Addis Ababa University

Visit to Chinese Embassy 

Chinese Embassy

We had the pleasure of meeting the Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, La Yifan. After a brief tour in the Chinese embassy, several issues revolving around Ethiopia-China relation was discussed. We had deepened our understanding of the exchanges going on in Ethiopia, including the new potentials under "One Belt, One Road", educational activities under the Confucius Institutes, and economic cooperation in general. We were very thankful to Ambassador La for his time in receiving us.

Ethiopian Airlines

Visit to Ethiopian Airlines

While Ethiopian Airlines was celebrating its 70th anniversary, we were invited to visit the headquarter at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. During the tour led by Ms. Seble Wongel Azene, we learnt much more about the airline's operations. We even had the privilege of visiting their brand new Boeing-777 flight simulators. We were all thrilled to experience a pilot's training routine. We also had the chance to visit the training facility for the cabin crew, where the simulations for in-flight emergencies were performed. Observing the fast growth of Ethiopian Airlines on the ground, we were able to understand the meaning behind the company's motto, which is "the New Spirit of Africa". 

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Since we had just come back from the Northern part of the country which is mostly rural, this visit gave us a more balanced understanding of the diversity in contemporary Ethiopia. Getting the old stereotypes rescinded, some parts in the country were clearly showcasing the dynamic image of modernity.

Visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia

National Museum

In the Paleontology and pre-history section, it was exciting to witness the preserved skeleton of "Lucy" - one of the most well-known hominids. A very detailed introduction was also given to explain the methodology of carrying out archaeological research in several historical towns in Ethiopia. In the modern art section, we had the chance to understand how artwork became an expression of politics, espeically for the artists working under the strongly suppresive military regime, the Derg.

 

After visiting the museum, our curiorsity was deeply enhanced by peeping into the sophisticated culture and civilization in Ethiopia. An important lesson was highlighted by Dr. Tesfaye that "there is more story to tell in the story. It never ends." What made history complicated and yet fascinating, was again the nuances in each historical event. Varying according to different perspectives, multiple  intepretations could be possible. 

Visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral

Holy Trinity Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral was constructed in the era of Emperor Haile Selassie. We were led to identify the trait in the architectural style, which combined Russian, Armenian and Vatican style in different parts. By visiting the interior, much more about the Ethiopian Orthodox religious practices were illustrated in detail. Having heard the stories and meanings behind the glass paintings, we began to get ready for the immersion into Ethiopian culture. 

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The churchyard houses memorial statues of the important contributors to the country. For instance, the Ethiopian music legend Tilahun Gessesse, and the Oromia National Regional State President Alemayehu Atomssa Mijena. On top of the sacred functions, we also found students scattered across the church area, who were enjoying the chat with teachers, and practising what they had just learnt. Occupying an important place in many Ethiopians' hearts, the church further provided an ideal setting for contemplation and meditation.

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