The whole trip was really special. On my list of favourites are Lake Tana, the Blue Nile Falls, the Simien mountains, of course Lalibela (truly astonishing!!!), Dorze and Konso villages and the Key Afar market (fantastic).

The steles scattered in the fields around Axum and the castles and churches at Gondar and the Mursi and Karo people were marvellous and unforgettable too.

Lalibela probably deserves a special mention: it is hardly known internationally, but it is a top-ranking town of art and history (and I should know, as I’m Italian). What really makes it different is that the art and history is still absolutely alive. You do not just do sightseeing, it’s not just a beautiful museum, it is part of people’s everyday life.

Our guides were also memorable, in the best possible way. Trust your guides, they are committed to show you how beautiful their land is. Ask and they will be happy to give information, explain and also just chat. Enjoy the moment, try out everything, don’t be afraid.

Let yourself be surprised by all the very unexpected and excellent things this land has to offer: a truly riveting history, breathtaking historical and natural treasures, kind and cultured people. Bring comfortable shoes as sandals might not be the best choice.

Read as much as you can about the country and it’s history. I found the Bradt guide to be very good, and while there I gave in and also brought and read “The Sign and the Seal” by Graham Hancock. The book is very informative, interesting and entertaining.

It surely benefited local people as many are striving to set up a touristic infrastructure, and mostly are succeeding very well. My impression is that right now tourism in Ethiopia has all the potential to become a very important source of income and of contact with the rest of the world.