Piazza: The Heartbeat of Addis Ababa

• Helloሰላም
  [sälam]
• Goodbyeዋላ ለሁላችሁ
  [walä lähulachihu]
• Yesአዎ
  [aw]
• Noአይ
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeእገልገለሁ
  [egelgelehu]
• Thank youአመሰግናለሁ
  [amäsägənalähu]
• Excuse me/Sorryበዚህ ተቀብሎ ማለት ነው
  [bəzih täkäbälo malät näw]
• How are you?እንዴት ነህ?
  [əndät näh]
• Fine. And you?ጠብቀህ አሰራለሁ. እንዴት?
  [täbäkäh asäralähu. əndät]
• Do you speak English?እንዴት እንፈታለን?
  [əndät ənäftalän]
• I don't understandአልተኛም
  [alənä'm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseመኪናው እየለም ለመመለስ ብለህ
  [mäkinaw yälem lämämläs bäläh]
• I don't eat meatአልምታውን አልመጋ
  [aləmtawän alämäga]
• Cheers!ሃሪብ!
  [hari'b]
• I would like to pay, pleaseብቻ ብሎ እየለም
  [bicha bəlo yälem]

• Help!እንዴት!
  [əndät]
• Go away!እኩሌ!
  [əkule]
• Call the Police!ፖሊስን አውጥቷል!
  [polisən awət'äl]
• Call a doctor!ስራፍን አውጥቷል!
  [sarafən awət'äl]
• I'm lostእኔ ተመሳሳይ ነኝ
  [ənä tämsasay näg]
• I'm illእኔ ተጋለጥሁ
  [ənä tägäla'təhu]

• I'd like to buy...ለማወቅ ለእስራኤል...
  [lämawäk läəsra'äl]
• I'm just lookingየምንደኛውን
  [yämändägänawän]
• How much is it?በእስራኤል ሁለት ማምለክ ነው?
  [bäsra'äl hulät mämäläk näw]
• That's too expensiveእንስራኤል ነው
  [änsra'äl näw]
• Can you lower the price?ምንም ማምለክ በትን ቀረብ እንድን?
  [mänäm mämäläk bätän kärab əndän]

• What time is it?ሰባተኛው ሰዓት ምንድን ነው?
  [säbatänaw sä'at mindän näw]
• It's one o'clockአንድ ሰዓት ነው
  [and sä'at näw]
• Half past (10)ሐሙስ ሰዓት እንዴት
  [hamus sä'at əndät]
• Morningጥምቀት
  [t'ämäqet]
• Afternoonማርያም
  [mariyam]
• Eveningማታ
  [mata]
• Yesterdayትናንት
  [tanat]
• Todayዛሬ
  [zarə]
• Tomorrowነገ
  [nägä]
• 1አንድ
  [and]
• 2ሁለት
  [hulät]
• 3ሶስት
  [sost]
• 4አራት
  [arat]
• 5አምስት
  [amsost]
• 6ስድስት
  [sodost]
• 7ሰባት
  [säbat]
• 8ስምንት
  [sämənəst]
• 9ዘጠኝ
  [zätänä]
• 10አስር
  [asir]

• Where's a/the...?ምን አድራገኝ?
  [män adäragän]
• What's the address?አስተምህርህ ይሄ ነው?
  [astämhärh yih näw]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ምንም አሳምሮኛል (በመረጃ)?
  [mänäm asaməro'nal (bəmärajä)]
• When's the next (bus)?የኛው ባህር ምን አበባዕ?
  [yänaw bahar mind abäba'i]
• A ticket (to ....)ትኪት አገር (ወይም እንዴት)
  [tik'it agär (wäm əndät)]

Piazza is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Addis Ababa, founded shortly after the establishment of the city in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II. The area was initially a bustling center for trade and commerce, attracting merchants and settlers from various regions. Its strategic location made it a pivotal point for economic activities and cultural exchanges, laying the groundwork for Addis Ababa's urban development.

During the Italian occupation from 1936 to 1941, Piazza underwent significant changes as the Italians sought to modernize the city. They introduced new architectural styles, transforming the neighborhood with the construction of modern buildings, roads, and public spaces. This period significantly influenced the aesthetic of Piazza, blending Ethiopian traditions with European styles, which can still be seen in the neighborhood today.

In the mid-20th century, Piazza emerged as a cultural hub in Addis Ababa, hosting numerous cafes, shops, and cultural institutions. It became a meeting ground for intellectuals, artists, and musicians who contributed to the vibrant cultural life of the city. The neighborhood is renowned for its role in the development of modern Ethiopian music and art, with notable figures such as the celebrated singer Mahmoud Ahmed performing in local venues.

During the Derg regime (1974-1991), Piazza experienced significant turmoil as political repression affected daily life. Despite this, the neighborhood retained its cultural vibrancy, becoming a focal point for resistance movements. The resilience of its residents and the importance of Piazza as a cultural and social hub allowed it to maintain its identity amid adversity.

In recent years, Piazza has experienced revitalization efforts aimed at restoring its historical charm while accommodating modern development. The neighborhood has seen an influx of cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, attracting both locals and tourists. However, this gentrification has also raised concerns about the displacement of long-time residents and the preservation of its unique cultural heritage.

Piazza is centrally located in Addis Ababa and is easily accessible from various parts of the city. From Bole International Airport, taxis are the most convenient option, taking approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a blue minibus (taxi) to Piazza from other neighborhoods, with routes available from places like Meskel Square and Merkato.

Piazza is a walkable neighborhood, and many attractions are within close proximity. Public transport options include blue minibuses that connect to various parts of the city. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps like Ride or Zayride for more convenience. Bicycles are also available for rent from local shops, providing a unique perspective of the area.

Piazza is generally safe, but like any urban area, it is wise to stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places, particularly near markets. Areas with higher crime rates include parts of Merkato, so it's best to visit during the day and stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police assistance or 944 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available, but having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is advisable. For minor health issues, pharmacies are scattered throughout the neighborhood where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious settings. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches, cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake; a nod is also respectful. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, and graciously accept food offers. Don't refuse hospitality, as it’s considered rude.

To experience Piazza like a local, visit the bustling markets to try street food and shop for local crafts. Engage with vendors and locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories. Don't miss the historic sites like the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the National Museum, which provide insights into Ethiopia's rich culture and history. Try attending a traditional coffee ceremony for an authentic experience.