“Ethiopian Coffee with Ruthie (Tena Adam) is Just Different,” Jacopo from Italy

“Ethiopia is a unique mix of deep and ancient cultures and modern vibes,” says Jacopo from Italy who stopped by in Addis Ababa for a workshop but extended his stay to visit around stunned by the allurement of the city. In his sojourn he has observed so many things and recommends things to be done. The Ethiopian Herald has just a short stay with Jacopo about his impression.

The Ethiopian Herald : Could you tell us about your walk of life and how you came to Ethiopia?

Jacopo: My name is Jacopo Ottaviani. I am 32 years old. I am a Data Scientist who is a Bsc holder in Computer Science at the University of Rome, Italy, and MA in Natural Language Processing at Wolverhampton University in the UK. I have been working in the development space as a data expert during the last few years, where my technical expertise proved needed to improve the impact of development projects. In particular, I work with data, statistics and visualizations – which can be used to understand complex phenomena and make better decisions.

Herald : When did you come to Ethiopia? What was your purpose of your visit?

Jacopo : I came early in November this year. I attended a workshop on data visualization at the University of Addis Ababa, in cooperation with the Rift Valley Institute. But I managed to add a few days to explore Addis Ababa and enjoy its vibes as a tourist.

I tried Ethiopian food and it was great. Injera, fir-fir and shiro are among my favourite list. I had an excellent dinner at Romina in Arat Kilo,Jacopo

Herald : How do you compare your expectation before you came and the reality?

Jacopo : I am a big fan of Ethiopia – its history, music, cuisine and cultural scene. I had very high expectations and they have been met so far by the city.

Herald: Which parts of the city have you visited?.

Jacopo : My hotel was near the Istituto Culturale Italiano and the Italian school in Addis, on Belay Zelleke Street. So I have visited the most is Piassa. For example, I had a good time going to Tomoca Cafe .I had enjoyed excellent macchiato there. Also, I really loved to walk around the University of Addis Ababa, visit the monument of Yekatit 12 and had a look at the National Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. I also suggest following the cultural activities of the Italian Institute and the Italian School in Addis Ababa (https://iicaddisabeba.esteri.it/iic_addisabeba/en/), which are very interesting.

Herald: What do you think the peculiar thing in Ethiopia that cannot be found anywhere in the world but in Ethiopia?

Jacopo: In cultural terms, the history of Ethiopia is a unique mix of deep and ancient cultures and modern vibes. The alphabet is also lovely and I wish I could learn how to read it one day. Needless to say, the ritual of coffee is excellent. Not just the coffee itself – which is the best in the world – but also the use of Tena Adam, the herb of Grace. That herb lent the coffee in the cup a really different and unexpected taste for me that I’m an Italian espresso drinker.

Herald Am sure you tried Ethiopian food? Which dish is your favourite?

Jacopo: I tried Ethiopian food and it was great. Injera, fir-fir and shiro are among my favourite list. I had an excellent dinner at Romina in Arat Kilo. Ambience and food were so good! I also had a good lunch at Mamma Mia, an Italian Restaurant Mamma Mia in Kazanchis. Highly recommend!

Herald : What is the one place in Ethiopia you recommend other visitors to try and experience or drop in at?

Jacopo: I loved to see the remnants of the old town in Piassa, with its Italian architecture, and get lost in its streets. This time I could only visit Addis. But I am planning to come back and visit other destinations, such as Lalibela, Gondar and Axum.

Herald: What’s your impression about the Ethiopian cultural and religious holidays?

Jacopo: Religion seems to have an important role in the Ethiopian society. It is fascinating to visit the churches – such as St. George – and perceive the presence of religious functions and chants across Addis Ababa.

Herald : Which one do you like most and you think a must see?

Jacopo: Hard question. My favourite place in Addis is probably the University Campus, where the Ethnographic museum is located.

Herald : Most of the buildings in Piassa were built by Italians how did you feel when you visited them?

Jacopo : It is interesting to see what the Italian architects built during the short time they spent in the country. Some of the Italian buildings in Piassa look very beautiful from the engineering and architectural points of view. Some buildings, like those in De Gaulle Square, look similar to the buildings in the neighbourhoods in Rome or in other Italian cities. I also think that while the quality of those buildings was pretty good they need maintenance to be preserved. I suggest considering Piassa a historical neighbourhood. We have to try our best to preserve the Italian buildings in order to foster tourism in Addis.

Herald : How did you feel visiting Lucy?

Jacopo: It gave me a sense of how deep in time the presence of human beings is in Ethiopia and in Africa in general. Africa is the cradle of humanity!

Herald : How do you feel about the Ethio-Italian relationship then and now?

Jacopo : Italy and Ethiopia share a short yet dramatic period of their common history, because of the Italian colonization. Even in that historical context I wish that things were handled very differently from the Italian perspective, with no violence or bloodshed. Looking at the present, I believe that so much more could be done between Italy and Ethiopia in terms of partnerships and cooperation.

Italy and Ethiopia have a lot in common: amazing cuisine, music, culture, beauty and tourism. I also think that Italy has a lot to learn from Ethiopia and vice versa. The potential is huge. I would immediately suggest the need to broaden the channels of collaboration and facilitate the movement between the two countries to boost economic cooperation. I believe that the relation between Italy and Ethiopia could be expanded in the name of beauty and mutual benefit.

Herald :At last, is there anything you want to add to our readers?

Jacopo : I wish there will be more synergies between my country, Italy and Ethiopia. We share a short but tragic piece of our history and hope that the future will bring new positive collaborations between Italy and Ethiopia, not just in the name of economic development but also culture and beauty.

The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 17 November 2019

 BY FASICA BERHANE

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