Journal

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — 2355m Above Sea Level

Street view, Addis Ababa Ethiopia — Wibke Deertz, A.D.Deertz Berlin

I was in Addis Ababa to visit a friend, and started the trip with a visit to Mercato — said to be Africa's largest market. After the initial excitement I realised that a lot of what is sold there are imports from China. As a consequence, I focused more on local culinary specialties and amazing coffee.

Drinking coffee in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

I got the chance to visit a workshop for traditional fabrics, garments and other traditional products. Seeing the master weavers in action was very impressive — weaving these multicoloured geometric patterns takes massive skill.

Mercato disappointed. The weavers did not.

Men preparing thread for weaving, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Traditional weaving workshop, Addis Ababa Ethiopia — geometric pattern textiles

Master weaver at the loom, Addis Ababa Ethiopia Geometric pattern fabric from traditional Ethiopian weaving