ABOUT ADDIS ABABA
Ethiopia is a charming country with hospitable people. The capital, Addis Ababa, meaning ‘New Flower’ in Amharic, is large and has some must see places: The Ethnological Museum, the National Museum which houses the famous “Lucy”, the stained glass of the Giorgis Cathedral, Merkato market, the largest open air market in Africa which seems to sell everything and Piazza, Addis Ababa’s mesmeric old town. Ethiopia has the oldest coffee plantations in the world and there is high quality coffee to be found in all restaurants in Addis Ababa.
WEATHER
The average weather in Addis Ababa in May is mild at 15 degrees centigrade. Afternoons can be fairly hot with average high temperatures of 23 degrees centigrade. Night temperatures are cool with an average low of 10 degrees centigrade. Occasional rain showers occur in May.
ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The plug types used are: European plug.
BANKING
The Ethiopian currency is the Birr with an average exchange rate to the U.S. dollar is about 1USD = 22 Birr that can be exchanged at commercial banks according to the exchange rate of the day.
CATERING
Tea and Coffee Break will be provided during the event. However all participants are expected to cover their own lunch and dinner expenses.
Note that there is a restaurant in the AUC Compound (Congo Hall) that provides meals at a reasonable price. There is also a restaurant outside the Old Gate called ‘The Hub’ that provides meals at a reasonable price.
MEETING DOCUMENTATION
Documents and presentations will be made available on the website after the Conference.