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Our
Days of 'Wine and Roses'
at the Sheraton Addis Ababa
by
Jerry W. Bird, Editor
My inner child loves surprises, and to discover a freshly
cut sweetheart rose 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 as we explored the halls, nooks and crannies of this
elegant hotel and its spacious, luxuriant, terraced
grounds.
 
Later, we discovered ornate vases of 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.
After asking around, we discovered that these fragrant
blooms were all 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.
Photo
of guard by Muguette Goufrani.
Luxury
Collection:
As one of Sheraton's "Luxury Collection" hotels, the
Sheraton Addis combines Ethiopia's richest cultural elements
and traditions with international and neo-classical
architecture. Aware of Addis Ababa's position as one of the
world's great crossroads of the aviation age, Sheraton
offers upscale banquet and conference facilities for up to
1,500. The hotel's state-of-the-art Business Center provides
secretarial and computer services, with e-mail and
fax-printout.
Location, Location, Location: The Sheraton Addis is
conveniently close to the Capital's key attractions and
historic sites, including Ethiopia's National Palace, the
National Museum, St. George's Cathedral and the "Merkato,"
Africa's largest open air market. For relaxation in soothing
waters, the famous Filwoha Springs thermal baths are nearby.
The United Nations Center is just 5 km from the hotel, and
it's a 7 km taxi ride to the International
Airport.
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 rom.
Contact Mrs. Ulrike Braun: Director of Sales and
Marketing.
PO Box 6002, Woreda 14,
Kebele 24, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia .
Tel: (251) 1 - 171717, Fax (251) 1 - 172727
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