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After asking around, we discovered that these fragrant blooms were home grown &emdash; a budding new industry that's capturing hearts and markets in Europe and the USA. Since Addis Ababa means "new flower " in Amharic it is significant that this 8-year old cut flower business is flourishing nearby. Water for continuous irrigation of the flower beds is pumped and gravity-fed from Lake Zama. Already exporting over 100,000 roses weekly and employing over 200 workers, Meskel Flowers, is expected to more than double in the next few years. The other side of the equation came that same night on the Sheraton's broad balcony, as we watched the "dancing waters" pulsate to a classic symphony. It was the discovery that Ethiopia has become a wine producing center. Prior to dinner we were treated to a domestic dry red wine produced by the Gouder company. Our host was quick with a local quip -- "Champagne is good, but Gouder is gooder." Ethiopian vintners also make a palate pleasing dry white wine. When asked about our stay in Addis Ababa during February and again in May of 2000, I state emphatically that the whole time was one extended celebration. Few times in my life have I felt so much at home, laid back and yet so very special. The hospitality began with the staff at the pleasant hotels we stayed at, and extended to so many of the people we met, from local tour operators to embassy staff, merchants, tour guides, doormen, you name it. Luxury
Collection: Sheraton Addis
offers the largest and most prestigious banquet and
conference facilities in Ethiopia, providing over 1,500 sq.
meters of meeting space. The 9 main meeting rooms can be
subdivided into 12 and includes the magnificent Lalibela
Grand Ballroom with a capacity of up to 1500 guests. The
hotel has 5 restaurants: an Italian, an Indian, a French
Gourmet restaurant, a pool restaurant specializing in
barbecue, and an all day dining room.
More photos and links to come |
My
inner child loves surprises, and to discover a freshly cut
sweetheart rose from the horn of Africa nestled on one's
pillow is a touch that transcends time and space. This was
the first surprise the Sheraton Addis reserved for our
group, and much more awaited us the next morning as we
explored the halls, nooks and crannies of this elegant hotel
and its
spacious, luxuriant,
terraced grounds. Later, we discovered ornate vases of
Ethiopian roses literally everywhere; in the restaurants,
around the lobby and corridors, at the pool-side, and at a
festive wedding we attended on our first evening there.
Freshly cut roses perfumed the air at other locations
throughout the city.