A Snapshot of Ethiopia

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I have been in Ethiopia as an International Reporting fellow for a little over a week now and it has been an amazing, eye-opening trip so far. I have learned so much about this beautiful landlocked country of 90 million people. I have been warmly welcomed into their lives and have enjoyed the curiosity of the children at my blond hair and light skin.  I am sure I will have stories and photos to share for months.

In the meantime, I would like to give you a snapshot of Ethiopia: The beautiful countryside, the warm geniune smiles of the children, the mix between tradition and modernity that encapsulates every aspect of Ethiopian life.

Mosebo village Ethiopia

Me with the children of Mosebo village.

Children watching us leave Mosebo village as the downpour arrives.


Curious boy at Mosebo village gives me a warm smile.


Little girl watching me at the Health Post in Mosebo Village


Women waving as we drive by en route to Hawassa.


Scenery of countryside from car


Lake Tanu in Bahir Dar


Fisherman on papyrus boats in Bahir Dar


Monk at island monastery in Bahir Dar


Priest showing us the amazing artwork at island monastery in Bahir Dar


Traditional weaver at island monastery in Bahir Dar. We gave her a polaroid picture of herself and she loved it.


Vendor at island monastery in Bahir Dar


Child at island monastery in Bahir Dar

I am reporting from Ethiopia as a fellow with the International Reporting Project (IRP). You can follow my trip on social media via #EthiopiaNewborns. 

56 thoughts on “A Snapshot of Ethiopia”

  1. jules – Western Australia – I am an educator and published writer. I am a fully qualified Emmett, Reiki, MSTR (Scar Therapy) and AromaTouch practitioner. I am an active member of the Greens party and I believe we should be transitioning to a more sustainable and equitable world.
    jules on said:

    Some lovely images.Looking forward to hearing more of your impressions of the place. It’s a place I will definitely return to.

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I’ve been adding more lately…..

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  2. I think the work you do is so amazing. Looking forward to hearing more about your stories and you’re definitely an inspiration for me to go out and see more of this world!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Your comment makes me smile. The world is a big place and there is so much to see!!!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
  4. Nina Pearson – Bristol, UK – Retired Architect | Photographer | Traveller | Dog Sitter | Gardener Wannabe |
    Nina on said:

    Beautiful pictures…. we are planning to go to Ethiopia the end of the year, any suggestion where should we go?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I loved Bahir Dar. You can stay right on Lake Tana and see Hippos and also go tour the island monasteries. There are so many places to see! You can also head south to see the tribal people who wear the plates in their mouths and to the north is lots of cool places too! You will love it!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I loved Ethiopia. A wonderful place and the people are so warm and kind.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! It is beautiful and despite the hardships people still smile.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓
  9. ramblinginthecity – I am an architect and urban planner, a writer and an aspiring artist. I love expressing myself and feel strongly that cities should have spaces for everyone--rich, poor, young, old, healthy and sick, happy or depressed--we all need to work towards making our cities liveable and lovable communities.
    ramblinginthecity on said:

    Lovely pictures! Made my day to look at the kids especially 🙂 Hope you have an exciting and fulfilling time!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  10. loca4motion – Phuket, Thailand – Travel feeds my soul. The kick of living in foreign cultures keeps me awake. Photography, writing and the great outdoors are my passions.
    loca4motion on said:

    It looks an incredible country, Nicole! I especially love your photo of the monk in orange robes! Keep posting!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lucy. I loved it there. There is something so magical about Africa. I need to see more.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Glad you enjoyed Amy! More to come!

      Reply ↓
  12. Madhu – Madhu is an Interior designer turned travel blogger on a long sabbatical to explore the world. When not crafting stories on The Urge To Wander, she's probably Tweeting @theurgetowander or sharing special moments on instagram.com/theurgetowander
    Madhu on said:

    Beautiful photos and heartwarming story Nicole. The reflection of the fishermen in Bahir Dar is a standout! Look froward to more.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Madhu! There is something so magical and special about the African countryside. It really is truly an amazing place.

      Reply ↓

  13. Definitely on my list of places to visit and volunteer. I didn’t realize the population was 90 million. Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures over the coming months.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Yes there is so much to see, do and help in Ethiopia. A truly magical place with so much need too. There are lots of organizations where you can volunteer. One I enjoyed is called Project Mercy. I will write about it in the coming weeks.

      Reply ↓
  14. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Such stunning photos Nicole. Wonderful to see you as well. What an experience and so glad you can share it here with us.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! More coming soon! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  15. slpsharon – Pacific Northwest of USA – I have farmed, worked in 2 cafes as cook, microfilmed for the state of WA. And written some books, poems and short stories.
    slpsharon on said:

    Wonderful set of story and photos. We were there in 1953. I’m sure it has changed a lot now.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow, I can only imagine what Ethiopia was like in 1953. What were you doing there then? I bet mostly the roads and infrastructure has changed. A lot of building is going on now so even in ten years from now it will look a lot different.

      Reply ↓
  16. jaime perez – Maracay, Estado Aragua, Venezuela – Born and stablished in Maracay, Venezuela, I´m a teacher and a passionate about photography. The idea of this blog is to share my vision of the world trough my pictures as welll as enjoying the views of the rest of the Wordpress comunity. Feel free to take a look and coment any post in my blogs; I'll appreciate it and I´ll take your feedback into consideration.
    jaime perez on said:

    That’s a great photo of you Nicole; that face, beaming with joy, may summarize your experience in Ethiopia so far!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jaime! I love that photo too with me surrounded by the kids. Every time we pulled over kids would come running to greet us. They loved our unusual look and now being back home it seems strange!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!!!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Kathy! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  19. thetantalk – South Korea – Hello there, This is Kohinoor. I am an amateur fashion enthusiast trying to understand and explain the multi layered zone of the fashion culture in my tone. Having born and bread in India, I have the connection to diversity, contradiction and drama that has been running through our culture. A commoner looking for an Uncommon outlook - Kohinoor
    TheTanTalk on said:

    How was Ethiopian cuisine,, did u try any

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ethiopian food is delicious! Yes I ate lots and loved it. Hard to get used to eating only with your right hand and not using a fork but it was very good. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  20. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Wonderful photos of such beautiful people, NIcole. I love the photo of the waving, smiling women. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia! What was hard to get used to in Africa is how everyone including children walk on the street. It was quite the obstacle course. They always waved at us too when we went by in our big white cars. It was really neat.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  22. Wonderful post Nicole! The smiles on the children’s faces are so heartwarming.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn!

      Reply ↓
  23. Emma – Mum of 3 who loves languages, reading, volunteering, and exploring the world. On a life long journey to learn Russian...
    Emma on said:

    Just found you blog while looking for more info on CCS Morocco. It’s wonderful, and I’m very inspired reading everything! Beautiful photos as well. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 🙂 Glad you enjoy the blog!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! More coming soon! I have a lot of photos to edit. I found Ethiopia to be fascinating and very beautiful.

      Reply ↓

  25. i’ve been with a tour group, which departed earlier this morning to go down the coast.. i’m about to go ‘up’ the coast to my home.. it’s so great to bask in the beauty of these photos.. the personalities of all come through.. it was also great to see you in that first shot!

    you’re so very dear and special! z

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lisa as always for stopping by. Glad you liked the pictures. Do you moonlight as a tour guide? If so I didn’t know that! That would be really fun. Thanks as always for the inspiring words and comments! 🙂 It means a lot!

      Reply ↓

      • ja! i help my good friend who is a co-owner in the expat journey tours! i enjoy spending time with them (they tour my house!) and after several days, they head south and i return home!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Ah, that sounds really fun Lisa! Do you get a lot of tourists in your part of Ecuador? Where are most of them from?

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks TA! Yes, my hair did happen to attract some attention. The kids loved it and I was really able to get a lot of photos of them. It was quite the eye-opening trip. I loved it there and have to see more of Africa. It is a fascinating place!

      Reply ↓

  27. I particularly liked the photo of the woman who had received a polaroid photo of herself – it´s always so great to be able to give something (besides money) to people that you´re taking pictures of!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I think I am going to have to buy a polaroid camera for my future travels (my friend is the one who had it on this trip) because it had such an amazing impact and way to get to meet people especially the women and children. Everyone loved it and was so excited to have their photos especially since many have never had their picture taken or even owned one. Really cool.

      Reply ↓

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