Spot Light - Awassa (aka Hawassa)

Surrounded by the absolutely stunning Lake Awassa (aka "Lovers' Lake" - a perfectly fitting name for the purpose it serves most) with Tabor and Alamura mountains as its backdrop, the town is nothing like any other city that you come across in Ethiopia. Undeniably, Awassa is the most beautiful city in Ethiopia.. Period!

The Beautiful Lake Awassa

Awassa serves as a capital of SNNP region and is a home to nearly 300,000 residents. The city officials have been doing an amazing job at maintaining the beauty of the town as the number of population rises. It is among  the top tourist destinations with fabulous resorts and hotels always ready to give you an excellent service. Come Friday afternoon, tourists flock to the town from all over the country for some Awassa Experience. In addition to the natural attractions, the city is also well known for its night life.

P.S- If you haven't had a fresh  fried fish sitting on the fallen branches at Amora Gedel by Lake Awassa yet, you don't know what you are missing out on.... BIG TIME! Proud to call this city my home.

Spot Light- The City of Adama (aka Nazaret)

The beautiful city of Adama (formerly known as Nazaret) is  located in central Ethiopia and ranks as one of the top among the list of cities that has shown progress in the last couple of decades. The city served as the capital of the Oromia region and is a home to over 225,000 people.

* Spot light is a section featuring beautiful pictures highlighting parts of Ethiopia. Just letting the pictures speak for themselves and inspire you to go out and discover more.

A little positivity: Dendinam!! (Yes We Can) - Dr. Bogaletch Gebre and KMG, Ethiopia

Dr. Bogaletch Gebre, a woman on a mission

President Obama wasn't the only one shouting those powerful three words. Somewhere across the globe, a sensational woman is echoing 'Dendinam' while leading, inspiring and challenging other women to better themselves and their community.

Dr. Bogaletch Gebre is what I call the epitome of a chic woman. A true example of never forgetting where you came from despite how far you moved up on the ladder and never underestimating your power to make a difference. Having earned a PhD from UCLA in Epidemiology, she could have lived comfortably working in US; but instead, she chose the high road.  Her story is a tale of pure determination and strength which inspires many.

Born to peasant parents in a small village near Durame (the capital of Kembatta region) in southern Ethiopia, Dr. Gebre has developed  tenacity to overcome challenges and achieve the unthinkable early on in life. In a society where parents are acknowledged by the name of their first born son as a sign of respect, women's needs and basic rights were never given any attention. The majority didn't believe in the significance of educating a woman. They even say it will reduce her chance of finding a man to marry her. Girls, until they reach to puberty and given off to arranged marriage, remain home helping their mothers while boys go to school . That was a norm no one has dared to question. Thus, Bogaletch's fate was not far from the other girls in her neighborhood.

Spot Light - Alongside the Omo river

[source ]

The beautiful Omo river and its surrounding  in southern most region of Ethiopia is not only a home for what is believed to be over forty five different tribes such as Mursi, Hammar, Suri, Karo,Bodi, Niangatom, Dizi and Me'en to mention a few but also a huge attraction to tourists from all around the world.

* Spot light is a section featuring beautiful pictures highlighting parts of Ethiopia. Just letting the pictures speak for themselves and inspire you to go out and discover more.