Exploring our roots in Ethiopia

Africa » Ethiopia » Addis Ababa Region
September 5th 2008

Published: September 19th 2008

Africa - Ethiopia - Addis Ababa 09/05/08 - 09/15/08 Exploring our roots in Ethiopia Written by Mary Polytaridis (Nico's Mom) It all started as a joke as Nico and Hannah were prepping for their year-long adventure: “Why don't you guys meet us in Ethiopia and celebrate Mary's 50th birthday while showing us your native country?” Both Lakis (my husband) and I were born and raised in Ethiopia... Read Full Entry

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Nico & Hannah

Do It Like The Locals

I am no longer monitoring this travel blog on a regular basis. If you would like to send myself or Hannah a note, please send it to one of our personal email addresses or by using the messaging service from this site. Since I am required to review all comments before they are posted, if you post a comment on this blog, there will likely be a very long delay before that comment is published. For this reason, I encourage you to send a note directly rather than post any more comments. -Nico (December 03, 2009) "Who lives sees much, who travels sees more." And so we begin our jo... full info

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20th September 2008

Eric Kelley
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Happy Birthday and Travels
What a great post! Thanks for sharing more of your adventures. Happy birthday Nico and Mary. Eric

20th September 2008

Adam Mitchell
non-member comment

So happy
Shalyn and I are so happy (in tears actually) reading Mary's account of your time in Ethiopia. What a special joy! We have a very dear friend also from Dire Dawa, and can't wait to share this story and pictures with her. We'll be praying that the rest of your trip is safe and fruitful. We miss you all so much, and are so happy to know that you are well. God Bless!

21st September 2008

Blair and Amy
non-member comment

What a wonderful story!!!
Hello everybody!! Well, first of all, now I know where Nico gets his amazing gift for writing. We really enjoyed reading this post (all of them really). We are so glad that you all have this opportunity to spend time together and to go back to your roots. We can only imagine all the incredible emotions. We can't wait for the next dinner get together so we can hear all the stories first hand. Please travel safe and we miss you guys!! Love, Blair and Amy P.S. If you come across any more of those shoes made from tires....grab us some, we'll gladly pay you back. Those are a conversation piece to say the least. Amy is 6 or 6.5 and I'm 10.5 or 11.

24th September 2008

Alanna
non-member comment

Oh mann.....I have tears in my eyes after reading this entry. This was really moving and the fantastic pictures say it all as well. I still remember meeting Mary and Lakis in San Diego, along with Yaya and can never forget how unbelievably hospitable your family is. I just got back from trying Ethiopian cuisine for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's unlike anything I have eaten before but so tasty. The blogs are great and I will have to catch up on them again but I am so happy that the family was able to dig into the roots and heritage for it truly contributes to who you are. Also noticed that Peru is a potential future trip on your list. I am trying to book something in October/November timeframe for about 10 days so let me know if that coincides with your plans. Your journey is an inspiration to us all and I hope the messages you share will shed new light for readers who come across your words.

7th October 2008

Elias
non-member comment

thank you
I am an Ethiopian living in London and i just want to express my appreciation for your interest in Ethiopia, a poor but potentially rich country which unfortunately, and may be rightly suffers from bad image. But I found your story nonjudgmental well balanced unlike most travelers who are in the habit of making a mockery of other people's culture and misfortune! thanks for sharing your story any way!

23rd October 2008

Nicole
non-member comment

An amazing story!
Mary! I am so happy that you had the opportunity to celebrate your 5oth birthday with deer friends and family! Thank you for sharing this amazing adventure with us, going back to our roots it's a good way to find ourself deeply and appreciate ourself.... I read this message late (I don't know know why.) but sincerely... Happy Belated Birthday!

21st January 2009

maya
non-member comment

trip to my birth place
hi mary, thank u so much for ur lovely aritcle.. it took me back to my memories... i wish i can go back one day to DD, i left dire dawa during 1976 ie when i was 8 years old , my dad was a teacher there then. But it always thrills me to read anything about harrar, diredawa......may be b'coz thats my birth place... once again thank u for literally taking me to DD... God bless

28th August 2010

MIrella Phoebe Andrianopoulos Chavez
non-member comment

Greek from Ethiopia
I happen to come across your travel blog, and it gushed long forgotten memories to the forefront. I too am Greek born and raised in Addis Abeba and had a class mate called Michalis Polytaridis. Wondered if you were any relation to him? Would love to get in touch with him and other class-mates that he may still be in contact or know their whereabouts. Regards, Mirella Phoebe Andrianopoulos - Chavez

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Exploring our roots in Ethiopia

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