Aspire Ethiopia is an excellent organization.

Aspire Ethiopia is an excellent organization. Just writing this review is a pleasure because it recalls memories of a great trip and what a warm, friendly and experienced guide Gashaw is. My wife, our two teens and I arrived in Addis Ababa two days in advance of a medical mission we were joining. Gashaw and his excellent driver met us at the airport, took us to our hotel, were our tour guides for our one full day of sightseeing, and delivered us back to the airport (very early) in order to meet up with the mission. Gashaw was a great guide to be sure, but he was also mindful of our jet lag, newness to the culture, etc. As a guide, he clearly had options rea dy for all types of interests and experience levels. When he learned that we were already experienced Ethiopian food lovers and coffee drinkers he knew just where to take us for both. (If you love coffee be sure to go to Tomoca Coffee.) Addis, like many African cities, is a city with both extreme wealth and poverty - sometimes in the same block. To Westerners on their first trip to Africa, there is something to see everywhere you turn. Patient with our many questions, Gashaw spoke openly and knowledgeably about contemporary Ethiopian history, politics and culture. Addis warrants far more time than we were able to spend, but that just means that we’ll be back. When we do, Gashaw at Aspire Ethiopia will be the one we call.