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]]>Salar de Uyuni – Bolivia
Head to this European gem where you will find the Earth’s largest salt flat. A thin layer of water transforms the flat into a giant mirror that reflects the sky and creates an almost extraterrestrial vision. This place is truly unique for travelers looking for an other worldly experience.
Danakil Depression – Ethiopia
Venturing off into this African gem will transport you to another planet. With its bursting lava lakes, vibrant mineral deposits, and dense terrain, the region is a geological marvel that mirrors the alien-like landscapes of distant planets.
Great Barrier Reef – Australia
This reef will provide a glimpse into the unknown, offering snorkelers and divers an underwater space odyssey. The kaleidoscope of coral formations and vast marine life will feel like your way through the unknown ecosystems beneath us.
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]]>The post Unusual and Fascinating Ways Coffee is Brewed Around the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Ethiopian Buna
Ethiopia is said to be the birthplace of coffee, and Ethiopian coffee is traditionally prepared as part of a ceremony called “buna”. Buna involves roasting green coffee beans over hot coals and then grinding them by hand using a mortar and pestle. The coffee is then brewed in a clay pot called a “jebena” and served with snacks like popcorn or roasted barley.
Vietnamese Iced Coffee
In Vietnam, coffee is often brewed with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice. This deliciously sweet and creamy coffee is known as “cà phê sữa nóng” and is a popular beverage during the hot summer months. A hot version prepared with egg yolks is also enjoyed throughout the year.
Turkish Sand Coffee
Turkish coffee is traditionally prepared using a special copper or brass pot called a “cezve”. The cezve is filled with coffee grounds and placed in hot sand, which allows the coffee to brew slowly and develop a unique flavor profile. The coffee is then poured into a small cup, grounds and all, and served with a sweet snack.
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]]>The post 5 Reasons You Should Visit Ethiopia Next appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Rich History
The history of Ethiopia dates back thousands of years, and some archeologists even believe that the first humans once inhabited this land. Its ties to Christianity and Islam also run deep, and you’ll stumble upon many churches and mosques during your visit.
Captivating Scenery
Ethiopia is worth visiting for its natural beauty alone, and its landscapes are as scenic as it gets. From Danakil Depression to the Semien Mountains, every inch of this country offers captivating scenery that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.
Cultural Diversity
Over 80 ethnic groups live in Ethiopia, and you’ll learn to apricate their diversity during your visit – especially if you’re there just in time to attend one of the country’s many vibrant festivals.
Fascinating Wildlife
Like most African countries, Ethiopia is home to many unique wildlife species that you can’t see anywhere but here.
Amazing Cuisine
If you’re a passionate foodie and enjoy trying the specialties of the local cuisine everywhere you go, you’ll feel right at home in Ethiopia. Make sure to try Ethiopian coffee during your visit and taste such traditional dishes as injera and wot.
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]]>Lalibela
Lalibela is a small town in northern Ethiopia known for its magnificent rock-cut churches. These 11 churches were built in the 12th century and are considered some of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Carved out of solid rock, the churches are intricately designed and are still used today for religious purposes.
Axum
Axum is an ancient city in northern Ethiopia and was once the capital of the Axumite Kingdom. It is home to several important historical sites, including the ruins of the Palace of the Queen of Sheba and the famous obelisks, which are towering structures made of solid granite.
Gondar
Gondar is a city in northern Ethiopia that was once the capital of the Ethiopian Empire. It is home to several historical landmarks, including the Fasil Ghebbi castle complex, which was built in the 17th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Harar
Harar is a walled city in eastern Ethiopia that dates back to the 7th century. It is known for its unique architecture and is home to several mosques and shrines that are still in use today.
Debre Damo
Debre Damo is a monastery located on a plateau in northern Ethiopia. It is believed to have been founded in the 6th century and is only accessible by climbing a steep cliff using a rope and a leather harness.
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]]>Injera
Injera is probably Ethiopia’s most famous dish. The spongy flatbread is made from teff flour, a type of grain that’s only grown in Ethiopia. It features at almost every meal, with the locals tearing off a piece to scoop up other dishes. Who needs cutlery?
Doro Wat
If you like your meat tender and falling off the bone, uptre going to love doro wat. Chicken is cooked with berbere spice — a mixture of chili powder, garlic, ginger, and other spices — to form a thick stew. And yes, you do use injera to soak up the delicious sauce.
Shiro
Vegetarians and vegans are not left out when it comes to hearty dishes. Shiro is a thick stew made from ground chickpeas or lentils and flavored with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and turmeric.
Coffee
Ethiopia is believed to be the birthplace of coffee, so it is understandably a big deal in this part of the world. You must experience a coffee ceremony where the beans are roasted and brewed in front of you, and served with popcorn or other snacks.
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]]>The post Ethiopia’s National Parks Have to Be Seen To Be Believed appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Simien Mountains National Park
Located in northern Ethiopia, this national park is best known for its rugged terrain and picture-perfect mountains, valleys, and gorges. It’s home to the country’s highest peak Ras Dashan and you can find many endangered species on its premises, including the Ethiopian wolf and Walia ibex.
Bale Mountains National Park
Another stunning national park for mountain lovers visiting Ethiopia, Bale covers 530,000 acres in the Ethiopian Highlands. It’s known for its rich history and diverse vegetation and wildlife, with many rare species of birds and mammals living on its grounds.
Awash National Park
Located in the heart of the Afar Region, Awash National Park is one of the most popular attractions that this part of Ethiopia has in store. It’s covered by acacia woodland and grassland, but you can also find waterfalls and hot springs scattered around it. It’s also a birdwatching paradise with over 453 species of native birds inhabiting it.
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]]>Axum
Located at the northernmost tip of Ethiopia, Axum was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. It is the site of the ancient capital city of the Aksumite empire. You can find a beautiful array of ancient houses, roads, and churches lining the landscape.
Awash Valley
The Awash River is one of the largest rivers in Ethiopia but its rushing waters are more than just a pretty sight. The fertile valley is full of prehistoric fossils and came to global fame when a fossil of one of the earliest hominids was found. Nicknamed Lucy, it is believed to have lived about 3.2 million years ago.
Tiya
Found in the center of the country, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has an impressive collection of Stone Age megaliths. The great stone pillars are inscribed with strange carvings and symbols. It is speculated that the site was used in religious ceremonies.
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]]>Blue Nile Falls
Beautiful waterfalls are scattered around all across the African continent, and Ethiopia has a few up its sleeve. If you only have enough time to visit one, this 52-meters-high waterfall with four cascading streams will take your breath away.
Erta Ale
The title of Ethiopia’s most astonishing natural miracle belongs to its most active volcano with the world’s longest existing lava lake. Erta Ale is known by the nickname “gateway to hell” for a reason, and you even need a military escort to explore the area—if you dare to visit in the first place.
Dallol
Another miraculous spot that manages to be beautiful and terrifying at the same time, Dallol is considered to be the hottest place on Earth. That doesn’t stop tourists from exploring its beauty and seeing its rusty orange and green salt formations is an unforgettable experience.
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]]>Simien Mountains
This rugged mountain range in the north of the country falls within the area known as the Ethiopian Highlands. Not only will you find unique fauna like the walia ibex, the Ethiopian wolf, and the caracal here, but you can also explore the region through treks to reach beautiful waterfalls like Jin Bahir Falls. It’s the most verdant of Ethiopia’s mountainous areas, and perhaps it’s most beautiful.
Bale Mountains
Further to the south are the Bale Mountains, whose national park is an area that you would not want to miss. Twenty endemic mammals can be found in this verdant jungle area whose peaks reach up to 14,000 feet and whose exposed rock formations will leave you amazed. Depending on the time of the year, you might find the area arid, hot, and dry, or rainy, mild, and cloudy, but there is plenty of appeal in the Bale Mountains no matter what sort of weather awaits you.
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]]>History
The town of Lalibela dates back to the 7th century when the monolithic churches were hewn from the rock in the area. As they are some of the oldest Christian churches on the planet, they are considered to be a very holy site. This has led pilgrims and travelers to the area for centuries. Each church has been hewn into the rock, and when viewed from above it’s in the image of a cross.
The name Lalibela, is derived from a local saint who is believed to have made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After seeing the old city, Labilela returned to the area and began building his own monuments to create his own mini-Jerusalem.
These monuments are well worth a visit for any travelers tp Ethiopia. You will feel as if you have stepped back in time, as you wander around.
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