Ethiopia

[Gesheft]

My input.

I am often requested to show the yellow card on entry to African countries.

Now you don't have to renew the jab for yellow fever every ten years:

http://www.who.int/ith/updates/20140605/en/

G.

[Naked Gunz]

So just polling to see if anyone has been asked for it when entering Nairobi. Or headed back home.

Emirates made a big deal about having my shot record while departing Nairobi. I was flying from there to Thailand. Its a Thai requirement. The girl seemed disappointed when I whipped it out. Why are people such haters?

I had no idea Nairobi was so high. Am never out of breath there. I take a med that supposedly lowers my immune system. It has almost kept my from getting many jobs, but I always get a pass. Never been sick going to the third world other than hangovers!

[SceticoBlu]

...any travel, not only to African countries exposes you to many germs where your immune-system does not have an adequate response to....

It starts in the aeroplanes, where there is the risk of droplet infections. These plus crazy airconditons spoil the holidays of many people afterwards.

[ElephantBeer]

Commercial aircraft must be able to maintain air cabin pressure not less than the pressure at 2400 m altitude. Most modern aircraft maintain a cabin pressure equal to about 1600 m altitude. It is known however that older aircraft and aircraft flying for budget airlines will reduce the cabin altitude prressure and remain much closer to the "max" of 2400 m.

Thanks for all the useful feedback.

When I said immune compromised I should have been clearer. I live in Asia (the third world) so yeah I understand the germs. However I've always had a low white blood cell count (since a kid), I just have a somewhat lower immune system (will get upper respiratory infections, thrush, tonsillitis) pretty easily. But they're always treatable. I'm mid 40's and am only sick on average twice a year and I'm sleeping with new girls (and dining at Y) a few times a week (lots of new bacteria etc) for last decade. Part of it has to do with carrying too much weight and eating too much sugar, not enough exercise. Trying to fix this.

I just don't like the idea of a live-virus inoculation (Yellow Fever), since there have been almost no cases of YF in Nairobi or Addis in last 20 years I don't see the rationale for getting the jab. So just polling to see if anyone has been asked for it when entering Nairobi. Or headed back home.

Regarding altitude. I got sick twice, once when I first came to Denver and once in Dalat. I lived in Denver 3 years and obviously acclimated (rode my bike 10 m RT two work each day no probs). In Dalat I literally freaked out badly. Anxiety, paranoia, couldn't breathe, total panic attack. Had to call a taxi and head back to Saigon 24 HR after arriving. However in retrospect it could have been another issue (I haven't had caffeine in 24 years (allergic) - and I think they served me reg. Coffee instead of decaf) - ha. (3 cups within 40 min).

The end result is that I'm now paranoid about altitude. Sometimes the 'worrying' will do more harm than the physical ailment.

I might head to Nairobi first (5,900 ft) and after a week head to Addis (7,700 ft). Or might just chuck the whole Addis / Nair thing, or go only to Mombassa, Dar es Salaam and Zanzi. Along the coast.

Anyway, thanks.

[Wolvenvacht]

Have a week in Addis planned in Oct before a week in Nairobi.

Two travel related questions:

1) Anyone have experience at other borders (like Nairobi) asking for yellow fever certificate coming from Addis? I'll only be in the city and there appears to be little danger and as someone with low immune function I don't want to take the live-virus vaccine. I do have a sham copy I can show on my phone. But no actual card.

I wouldn't be worried about the documents as much as I would be worried whether travel to foreign countries is advisable at all in your condition. Mongering is not without risks and travel (any travel, not only to African countries) exposes you to many germs where your immune-system does not have an adequate response to. It is a question only a doctor can anwer.

2) Altitude sickness: Both Addis and Nairobi are freaking high (2,300 m / 1,800 m) - In the past I've gotten sick traveling to Dalat (1,500 m) - first manic, then inability to sleep, paranoia, racing heart, irritability. (which quickly diminished on ride back to Saigon). Anyone experience problems in Addis?

I read that cabin pressure is the same as being at 2,500 m. And the most I get is a little anxious. And some flights are 22 HR. So wondering if it's all just mental.

Thanks!

Commercial aircraft must be able to maintain air cabin pressure not less than the pressure at 2400 m altitude. Most modern aircraft maintain a cabin pressure equal to about 1600 m altitude. It is known however that older aircraft and aircraft flying for budget airlines will reduce the cabin altitude prressure and remain much closer to the "max" of 2400 m.

Altitude sickness is directly linked to the amount of oxygen in the air. At 2400 m there is about 25% less oxygen in the air compared to at sea level. By exerting yourself at higher altitudes the effects of lack of oxygen will be acute. Sitting in an aircraft chair does not require much oxygen, hence symptoms will be much less. If you are indeed very prone to altitude sickness, it would be wise to speak to your doctor. There are some drugs (acetazolamide) that helps your body to adapt to a higher altitude. Otherwise you will have to arrange for a few days of rest before you exert yourself. Usually the body adapts itself to the higher altitude after a few days.

[SceticoBlu]

At the beginning of this year I flew from Addis to Mombasa and back from Nairobi to Addis. I had the Yellow fever certificate but it was noz checked at neither of the airports.

As to a weak immune system I would ask a doctor if it is advisible to go to a third world country at all.

[ElephantBeer]

Have a week in Addis planned in Oct before a week in Nairobi.

Two travel related questions:

1) Anyone have experience at other borders (like Nairobi) asking for yellow fever certificate coming from Addis? I'll only be in the city and there appears to be little danger and as someone with low immune function I don't want to take the live-virus vaccine. I do have a sham copy I can show on my phone. But no actual card.

2) Altitude sickness: Both Addis and Nairobi are freaking high (2,300 m / 1,800 m) - In the past I've gotten sick traveling to Dalat (1,500 m) - first manic, then inability to sleep, paranoia, racing heart, irritability. (which quickly diminished on ride back to Saigon). Anyone experience problems in Addis?

I read that cabin pressure is the same as being at 2,500 m. And the most I get is a little anxious. And some flights are 22 HR. So wondering if it's all just mental.

Thanks!

[Mushamisi]

Thanks Musha.

So you think its possible to finalize with Afrointro / Badoo girls usually at the second date, right?

I have read mixed reviews about the openness of non-pro Ethiopian girls. It seems most of them are quite conservatives.

Only saw this now. The forum is pretty accurate concerning the moods of women this side. The problem is that even the men are conservative (they do like or want BJ's, different posiitons etc). It is the strangest things. That said unlike other places you can judge things on surface value much more. A girls with a wild haircut by Ethiopian standards (Think a mohawk or something else) who speaks good english is going to be a lot more open to western tastes. That said all pros a mechanical. Thankfully the conservatism also provides a shield since mongering is legal. If they threw a fit or get crazy you can go to the police. While open and legal there is still both sadly and gladly a great deal of shame if you are considered to engage in that.

[Claudio]

Hi all,

I never went to memo. And I never will go there. Like H2 O etc. Etc. Its a scam place. Girls are 180% in the business.

Addis is not good for a short time stopover. At least. You need one week.

All in all I had only good experience, etc. See my reports.

T. C.

Claudio

Thanks for the heads up report. I monger quite often next door in Kenya. Was considering a change of pace to Addis. This type of crap is total bullshit, and I have seen the fake shit from Ethiopians worldwide. In my home town of Wash DC my cousin and I went into a Ethi bar and they refused to serve us! Ethiopian women are quite attractive, but have the attitudes of world class (B) itches. It makes sense the more attractive ones are OUT of their own country selling pussy. The negative and sporadic posting in this forum makes Ethiopia a no-no. I will just pay the fare at York in DXB as usual.

.

[Jamestwo]

Really need a recent recommendation for a reliable massage place. Here is my experience with the ones mentioned here.

Wow massage, mentioned earlier in the forum as a reliable spot, does not exist any longer. I walked around the area and didn't see a single massage sign. Lots of recent construction in the area that may have forced them out.

I checked out the few massage places off of Mike Leyland St and passed. None of the girls were at all attractive on the night shift.

I finally went to the place mentioned just south of the Getu commercial center (walk south on the road, turn left at the sign after the petrol station). There, at night, there were a couple of girls that were cute enough. However, the one I chose demanded 1000 for sex and starfishes. Worst service I've ever experienced with a SW.

I'm sure someone that visits Addis regularly has a reliable massage spot. Any tips would be very appreciated.

[Sunny Snow]

Hi guys,

I will settle to Kombolcha for long time period, soon.

I almost read the whole forum but couldn't see any information about Kombolcha.

Are there anyone to give advice about Kombolcha?

I won't be able to visit Addis too much, maximum 2 days in a month.

Thanks.

Hello,

I used to work in such places like Kombocha in Ethiopia. From my view, even everything is behind modernization there, but the girls are much easier to communicate. However, it could be much better if you can speak some Amharic. Try to be friendly to them, and I am sure they will response kindly. It is your big advantage that you are working there for a long term.

[Naked Gunz]

It was the first time I visited Addis Ababa, and I must say I didn't like the place at all. Rip-offs everywhere. I do like some of the other countries in Africa, but Ethiopia is different, culturally it is more similar to Western Asia,This whole thing was very unpleasant of course, and I am a bit worried. So I quickly pack my things, head out to the street and hail a taxi to another hotel.

Thanks for the heads up report. I monger quite often next door in Kenya. Was considering a change of pace to Addis. This type of crap is total bullshit, and I have seen the fake shit from Ethiopians worldwide. In my home town of Wash DC my cousin and I went into a Ethi bar and they refused to serve us! Ethiopian women are quite attractive, but have the attitudes of world class (B) itches. It makes sense the more attractive ones are OUT of their own country selling pussy. The negative and sporadic posting in this forum makes Ethiopia a no-no. I will just pay the fare at York in DXB as usual.

[Lammtarra]

I'll be there next week. If you up for a beer just PM me.

Thanks.

Unfortunately Ethio Telecom, does block this site among other Adult sites, so if you want to access this site in Ethiopia, you would need a VPN app or application on your computer / browser or phone. A free and reliable one is Surfeasy, another one is Betternet.

I'll be in Addis for a few more months. I'm not a local, I'm watch they call a Diaspora. Visiting old friends & Family members.

[Lammtarra]

Hello,

Will be in Addis Abeba for 5 days between 8 and 13 June. My first time there so would love any suggestion, FL contacts (OK PM), bla bla bla. And of course if any fellow is around a beer wouldn't bother.

Cheers mates!

[LexMark1180]

I am landing in Addis this evening for two weeks. Looking forward to some mongering. I am staying near the airport in the Bole area. Any help and advise will be greatly appreciated.