Speaking on Saturday, September 7, 2024, we have :
1st: Chris Grant – Ethiopia – a land of extraordinary variety
Tucked away in the Horn of Africa lies extraordinary Ethiopia, a land with a truly ancient history, unique and hugely varied tribal cultures, amazing birdlife and a dramatic variety of other wildlife, with scenic beauties that range from the lofty Simien and Bale Mountains to the spectacular ribbon of picturesque lakes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, and so much else.
The east of the country has venerated and ancient Islamic cultures, including the fourth holiest city in Islam, Harar. But the north of Ethiopia is devoutly Christian, with its own Ethiopian Orthodox Church that has existed for nearly two thousand years and which has given rise to amazing architecture and stunningly colourful artwork.
The deep south of the country is home to numerous unique tribal peoples with colourful and truly fascinating individual cultures that are unmatched anywhere in the world.
And binding all of this together are the ordinary people of Ethiopia who, whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish or Animist, show an extraordinary warmth and quiet pride in everything they do. Their foods are unique, their clothes are unique, and they offer a genuine warmth of welcome to visitors. Ethiopia is by far the most varied and richly colourful country on the African continent.
Chris Grant has been associated with Ethiopia for over twenty-five years. His charity work has supported education and schooling in all sorts of ways during that time, and he has also led groups of visitors throughout this varied land for nearly fifteen of those years, continuing to learn about the fascinating history and cultures of these amazing people. I look forward to sharing some of my knowledge and my experiences with you and telling you about the sheer variety of this extraordinary country.
2nd: Jessica Finnamore – 10 weeks solo backpacking Central America
After graduating from uni last summer, I decided to take a year out to go travelling. I spent around 8 months in total in Central America, South East Asia, and India. This talk will discuss my favourite part of the trip; Central America, and what it’s like to travel there as a solo woman.
Date & Time: Saturday 7th September 2024
Doors open at 14:15 in London and on Zoom with the talks starting around 14:45 (London see Event Time Announcer for local times), please arrive early so we can deal with any issues with joining.
We would ask that anyone with respiratory symptoms participate via Zoom.
Admission costs:
- £7 for members. (Members can access a ticket code below or from the members area.)
- £10 for non-members. (save £3 if you join at this meeting)
- a recording to watch later will be available to members and non-member ticket holders.
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Tickets go on sale just before the meetings.