On the off chance that any of you might get to Ethiopia and on the even more off chance that you'll want a fancy hotel while in Addis Ababa, I thought I should tell you about my experience at the Hilton there.

The first thing you'll notice about the Addis Hilton is the security. When you first approach the hotel, before your vehicle can get to the parking area you'll be checked by a guard at the gate. There is also security when you enter the hotel with a guard, metal detector and an x-ray machine for your luggage. While this may seem a bit excessive to some of you, I personally felt very good about all this. Of course, since I live in Israel this type of security is an every day thing for me, making me feel right at home. Don't get me wrong, the security here isn't due to political unrest within Ethiopia, but rather is due to this quiet, growing country being neighbours with such volatile ones. Taking a "better safe than sorry" attitude seems only sensible and for me, reassuring. Of course, that it happens to be right across the street from the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs could also have some bearing on the security levels as well!

That aside, the Addis Hilton is located very near to the centre of town, and therefore very convenient for visiting the sites. While I was there with a group which took care of all my destinations, I did feel just how well located it was - especially when we had our free shopping time. Within a few minutes of leaving the hotel, we were in the heart of the tourist catering district, and even when we travelled from or to the airport it only took about 15-20 minutes - 30 during rush hour. So as far as location is concerned, there couldn't be a better spot for a hotel.

Even with it being right smack dab in the city and not that far from the airport, the Addis Hilton is also built on a slight rise, as well as being set behind the main road. This is what keeps the street sounds away at night, and the whole week I was there I didn't hear even one aeroplane over head - so apparently it isn't in any of the flight patterns either. Being on that hill also allows for good views from almost all the rooms, and while my room faced the back of the hotel, I think I got the better view since from my balcony I could see the tennis courts, swimming pool and garden restaurant - which I think might be nicer than seeing the entrance, main road and Foreign Ministry, that the other rooms would have. What's more, if I put my head just

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