Arat Kilo: The Heartbeat of Addis Ababa

• Helloሰላም
  [sälam]
• Goodbyeደህና ሁላ
  [dähena hula]
• Yesአዎ
  [awo]
• Noአይ
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeእባኮ
  [ebako]
• Thank youአመሰግናለሁ
  [amäsägänalähu]
• Excuse me/Sorryስለስለኝ
  [säläsäläg]
• How are you?እንዴት ነህ?
  [endet neh?]
• Fine. And you?ጠንካረኛ. እኔ እስምም?
  [tenkäräg. ene esmäm?]
• Do you speak English?እንዴት እንተኛ እንዴት ነህ?
  [endet entäg endet neh?]
• I don't understandአልተወኝ
  [alätwän]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseማንዳም እንዳይመለስ እስከሚወልድ
  [mandam endayimäläs eskämiwäld]
• I don't eat meatአስቀምጠኝ አሉ
  [asqämtän alu]
• Cheers!ሰላም!
  [sälam!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseእንዴት እንኳን እስከሚሸጥ
  [endet enkan eskämesh]

• Help!እርምጃ!
  [ermja!]
• Go away!ተቆም!
  [tek'om!]
• Call the Police!ፖሊስ አስከብር!
  [polis askäbär!]
• Call a doctor!ዶክተር አስከብር!
  [dokter askäbär!]
• I'm lostስም ለማድረግ ነኝ
  [säm lamädäräg näg]
• I'm illተላላፊ ነኝ
  [talalafi näg]

• I'd like to buy...ማንዳም እንዳይገምበም
  [mandam endayigämbäm]
• I'm just lookingእኔ በቀኝ ማወያያዉ
  [ene bäkän mawayawayu]
• How much is it?እንዴት መጠን ነው?
  [endet mätän new?]
• That's too expensiveእናንት ብዙ ነው
  [enantä bzu new]
• Can you lower the price?መጠንም ከፍተኛ ነው?
  [mätm käftäng new?]

• What time is it?ሰዓት ማን ነው?
  [sä'at man new?]
• It's one o'clockአንድ ሰዓት ነው
  [and sä'at new]
• Half past (10)አንድ ስኖ ሰዓት
  [and sänö sä'at]
• Morningጥምቀት
  [timqet]
• Afternoonከመይ ቀን
  [kämäyi ken]
• Eveningማታ
  [matä]
• Yesterdayትናንት
  [tanat]
• Todayዛሬ
  [zar]
• Tomorrowነገ
  [nägä]
• 1አንድ
  [and]
• 2ሁለት
  [hulet]
• 3ሶስት
  [sost]
• 4አራት
  [arat]
• 5አምስት
  [amsot]
• 6ስድስት
  [sidost]
• 7ሰባት
  [säbat]
• 8ስምንት
  [simnot]
• 9ዘጠኝ
  [zätän]
• 10ሃያ
  [häya]

• Where's a/the...?ወደኛው ስፍራ ማን ነው?
  [wedänaw sifra man new?]
• What's the address?አድራሻ ማን ነው?
  [adrasa man new?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?እስከ እስከሚ እንዴት ለእኔ ነህ?
  [eskä eskämi endet läeneh?]
• When's the next (bus)?ቀጣይ ቀጣይ ብስ ነው?
  [k'atay k'atay bis new?]
• A ticket (to ....)መጠን (እስራኤል)
  [mätn (esrael)]

Arat Kilo is situated near the central part of Addis Ababa, which was founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II. The establishment of the city marked the unification of Ethiopia and served as a strategic location for the imperial court. Arat Kilo, meaning 'four corners' in Amharic, was one of the initial neighborhoods developed during this time, reflecting the urban expansion of the capital.

During the Italian occupation from 1936 to 1941, Arat Kilo underwent significant changes. The Italians aimed to reshape the city in their architectural style, leading to the construction of various public buildings and infrastructure. This period is marked by both resistance from local populations and the imposition of colonial structures, which still influence the neighborhood's layout today.

Arat Kilo has long been associated with education and cultural development. The establishment of Addis Ababa University in the vicinity in 1950 further cemented this reputation. The university has produced numerous influential figures in Ethiopian politics, arts, and sciences, making Arat Kilo a hub for intellectual growth in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Revolution of 1974, which led to the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie, had profound effects on Arat Kilo. The neighborhood witnessed significant political upheaval and a shift in cultural dynamics as the Derg regime took control. This period saw increased state intervention in cultural and educational institutions, impacting the neighborhood's historical identity.

In recent years, Arat Kilo has experienced rapid urbanization and gentrification, becoming a desirable location for expatriates and affluent locals. This economic shift has led to the renovation of historical buildings and the introduction of modern amenities, while also raising concerns about the preservation of the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage amidst ongoing development.

Arat Kilo is accessible from various neighborhoods in Addis Ababa. From Bole International Airport, you can take a taxi or ride-hailing service, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. If you're coming from the city center, public buses and minibuses (known as 'blue donkeys') are available, heading towards Arat Kilo. The bus journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes, while a taxi ride from the city center will take about 10-15 minutes.

Arat Kilo is well-connected by public transport, including buses and the Addis Ababa Light Rail. The light rail has a station in Arat Kilo, making it easy to travel to other parts of the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available and affordable. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the neighborhood at your own pace.

Arat Kilo is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is wise to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit areas. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded markets or public transport. Areas to exercise caution include some side streets after dark and around major bus stations.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police assistance or 998 for medical emergencies. The local police precinct is located nearby, and there are hospitals and clinics in and around Arat Kilo. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies, and pharmacies are available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious or cultural sites. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting churches or mosques, and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and a warm smile. Don't initiate physical contact with the opposite sex unless you know them well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept offers of coffee or food. Don't waste food or refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as rude.

To experience Arat Kilo like a local, visit the local markets and coffee shops where you can enjoy traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies. Engage with locals, as they often share stories about the neighborhood's history. Don't miss the nearby National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous fossil 'Lucy.' Also, explore the beautiful parks and green spaces in the area, such as the Meskel Square, which is a hub for local events and gatherings.