Permalink Submitted by Ron Hendrix on 12 December 2025
Addis Ababa has indeed changed but I wonder whethr it is for the better. Yes, it looks all very modern - Dubai style, but is that what you want to see in Addis Ababa? If I want to see Dubai I will go there. But where is the charme of Addis Ababa gone, with demolishing Piaza and Kasanchis? I hardly recognise the areas any more having been away for more than a year.
Personally, I always joke with my Ethiopian family that if you are looking for the water and electricity which they don't have every day, go and find it in the city centre. Moreover, we had to change the colour of our house because it should be grey (and not red) following orders from the city government, as we want everything in grey. Well it is at least we could keep it, as it is better than being kicked out of your house without real compensation.
Addis Ababa has indeed changed but I wonder whethr it is for the better. Yes, it looks all very modern - Dubai style, but is that what you want to see in Addis Ababa? If I want to see Dubai I will go there. But where is the charme of Addis Ababa gone, with demolishing Piaza and Kasanchis? I hardly recognise the areas any more having been away for more than a year.
Personally, I always joke with my Ethiopian family that if you are looking for the water and electricity which they don't have every day, go and find it in the city centre. Moreover, we had to change the colour of our house because it should be grey (and not red) following orders from the city government, as we want everything in grey. Well it is at least we could keep it, as it is better than being kicked out of your house without real compensation.