Ramadan has Arrived!


This month the holy month of Ramadan begins for Muslims around the world.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar and contrary to popular misconception, the fast that occurs during this month is not called Ramadan, but Sawm. Ramadan is the name of
the month.

The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which a raised level of closeness to God is sought. The act of fasting is meant to redirect the heart away from worldly activities; its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. Properly observing the fast induces a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, as well as sympathy for those who are less fortunate, intending to make Muslims more generous and charitable.

The fast begins when a new moon is sighted and the month of Ramadan begins. It ends with the festival Eid ul-Fitr which marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the month Shawwal.
The month of Ramadan is also the month when the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Apparently, he was sitting alone in the wilderness when suddenly the angel Gabriel came to him with a golden tablet in his hands. The angel told Muhammad to read what was written on the tablet. What was on this golden tablet is said to be the essence of the Koran.

What makes the month of Ramadan really special in Addis is the fact that it is not only the Muslim community that celebrates. Christian friends are welcome and often break fast together. And it works the other way too Muslim friends often join in celebrating Christian holidays. Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims!

 

Safe Horizon was founded in 2006 by Victor Ozeri. For four years prior to that, Mr. Ozeri had been traveling to Ethiopia regularly in order to lend assistance to children (mostly girls), for the purposes of continuing their education.
At Safe Horizon, children from the streets of Addis Ababa are given breakfast, sent to private school with lunch and they return after school for dinner (they are now having 3 meals a day instead of one)!
During free time and weekends, the children enjoy basketball and soccer, watching movies, playing board games and using the compound’s library.
Many of the children that come to us have to be “trained” in being children. With the burdens of having to make a living for their family, they have never known the joys of a true childhood. Now, Safe Horizon prides itself in having some of the best-dressed children in Ethiopia!
When a child comes to Safe Horizon, they come with only the clothes on their back, an empty stomach and a deep desire to become more in their lives.
Safe Horizon provides by cooking over 1,000 meals a month, providing each child with several sets of clothes and shoes (in many cases, the first they've ever owned) every year and providing access to medical care.
Safe Horizon is currently working with Safe House Ethiopia, its legal office in the United States, to lend its hand to more children who live on the streets of Addis Ababa.
Donations of any kind are welcome, and if you would like to help, visit www.safehouseethiopia.org
Story written by Ashenafi Nigussie,
Program Director – Safe Horizon
 

Every month, What's Up! takes a look at a person or organization working hard to improve the condition of those in Addis Ababa and the rest of the country.
 

In Town
THE ART OF LIVING
Course Now in Addis


“Existence is a fact, living is an art”.
The ART OF LIVING course offered in 145 countries around the world is now available in Addis. The 6 day interactive course introduces techniques that relieve stress and increase energy and enthusiasm.
Every emotion is linked with a corresponding breathing pattern and this link is used to eliminate negative emotions like depression and conflict.
Working with the breath leads to greater focus of mind
Through some basic yogic stretches we are able to rid the body of stresses and strains, tensions and toxins, thereby improving both the mental and physical health.
A unique way to harmonize and energize the Body, Breath, Mind, Emotions & Spirit.
Scientific research on these processes reveals that the techniques boost the immune system and increase your ability to fight illnesses like depression, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, etc. In those who are generally healthy, it increases one’s sense of calm and inner tranquility.
Upcoming courses: September 18-23rd and October
16th to 21.
 

Hot Spot Fahrenheit
Music Jazz - Hip hop and modern
Lighting Dark red and light blue
Drinks Complete bar including cocktails
Attracts Ethiopian and foreigner crowd above 25
Service Good
Washroom Nice but small
Setting Wider and relaxing
Highlights Jazz on Sundays
Drawback No food or snacks served
Location Opposite bole Medhanialem
Open 7days a week
 

Kids Corner

Color fill

Here is to Health
A holistic guide to your emotional, physical and spiritual well being

Meet everyone you encounter with an open heart and a warm smile.
Inspire yourself and others to be the best you can be.
Love unconditionally.

Let go of past sorrows.
Enjoy each moment as if it were your last.
Notice the little things in life which make each day a blessing.
Invite family and friends over often.
Unite in your differences as well as your similarities.
Make each day a celebration of love, life, health and happiness.

 

Tea with Jean-Pierre Manigoff of the Sheraton Addis
Interviewed by Yasser Bagersh

Yasser Bagersh recently had a chance to meet M. Jean-Pierre Manigoff, General Manager of the Sheraton Addis to have a little chat about the hotel’s plans for the future, the Millennium and more.


How are you? What’s new?
We are very busy as everyday brings something new. We are currently working on extending the hotel to meet ever-growing demands. The extension includes additional rooms, suites, a spa, several function rooms, additional parking and much more. All very exciting!


Everybody’s talking about the Millennium. What are the preparations taking place for the Millennium?
We have a great team of people under the leadership of Sheik Mohamed working on the exciting festivities coming up for the Millennium. The team is divided into separate task forces, each responsible for their respective areas – i.e. construction, entertainment, food & beverage, recruitment, security, and so forth.


Tell me about the construction on Bole. How is it going? Will it meet the deadline?
Building a facility that will accommodate 20,000 guests is a major project in itself. Facilities such as power supply, sanitation, food service, a large stage to accommodate both international & Ethiopian artists, safety & security are all equally important. This is done to ensure the maximum comfort for all guests to be able to enjoy the event. Having said that, all the teams are working very hard and we shall be ready on time.


What kind of activities/events do you have running for this major festival in our country?
We have several events that will run before and after the Ethiopian New Year both in the hotel and in the Millennium Hall. Many of the festivities are happening outside the hotel due to the sheer number of people expected to attend. At the Sheraton Addis, we will have “Splash Parties” organized by Jambi & Mulle taking place from Friday, August 31 through the middle of October. There will be live music including an international DJ.

We have increased the JAZZPlus evenings by Abegaz during September on Wednesdays. MSM (Teddy Mak & his band) are performing every Thursday & Friday at the Office Bar, which is a popular and well attended event at the hotel. Anna Getaneh will do her world-renowned African Mosaique show on Sept 4th. Gaslight will open as usual on Friday, Saturday & Sunday with an international DJ from the US. In addition, we will have Comedy nights in the Gaslight. As for the Millennium Hall, the Millennium shows will take place on September 11, October 20 and December 31, 2007. As it is important that the whole nation is part of this celebration, we are hoping to broadcast live to the nation.


Tell me more about the performances.
For September 11th, we have received confirmation that Black Eyed Peas will be performing along with Ethiopian celebrity artists. As for the shows of Oct 20th & Dec 31st, it is still a secret!


How many people are you expecting to attend this event?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on how many are coming from abroad to attend these festivities. Right now we are expecting about 20,000 per show.


How do you think the Millennium will affect this hotel and the country long-term?
These festivities will create a positive image for the country. Therefore, it will attract more people to visit Ethiopia which in turn will benefit the nation. We must all be ready to welcome them in the very best tradition of Ethiopian hospitality.


What does Ethiopia need?
To modernize the tourism industry in all its aspects throughout the country, making Ethiopia a prime conference and tourism destination in Africa. This will create job opportunities and have a positive impact on the economy. The three most important key words for the tourism industry are ‘Training, Training, Training.’


What is your idea of a great day’s work?
Busy and happy guests!


What is your Millennium wish for Ethiopia?
To use this opportunity to display an image of ‘togetherness’ for the benefit of the whole country.


Thank you, Mr. Manigoff. As always, a pleasure!
The pleasure was all mine!

 

Addis Moments


Children play in Meskel Square as the city prepares to celebrate the Millennium
 

Fun Facts About Dogs
The Dog Star

The Dog Star
Sirius, the Dog Star, is the brightest star in the sky and was particularly important to the ancient Egyptians. Part of the constellation Canis Major, it rose over the horizon during the annual flood of the river Nile. This made the land fertile again, so the Egyptians worshipped this star for its life-giving properties.

It’s called the “dog star” because it was said to have an influence on the canine race.
 

Housekeeping Tips
Patent Leather Shoes

To keep patent leather shoes from becoming brittle, treat them with vegetable oil once in a while and polish with a soft cloth when dry. A little castor oil will prevent the new patent leather from creasing.

Lessons for Success

Your goal should be out of reach, but not out of sight.
Anita DeFrantz,
Olympic medalist in Rowing (b. 1952)
 

The Wisdom of Africa

Travel makes one a stranger.
Kenya