13 Hours in Traffic and Still Smiling: An Interview with Addis Taxi Legend, Ato Bekele

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In a city where “I’ll be there in 10 minutes” means anything from 30 minutes to next week, taxi drivers are the real-time travelers. To get the inside scoop,

Addis Vibes caught up with Ato Bekele, a seasoned Addis taxi driver with 27 years of near-misses, loud honks, and unsolicited life advice. We found him sipping buna out of a recycled honey jar near Arat Kilo, shouting at no one in particular. Here’s how it went down:

Addis Vibes: Ato Bekele, how long have you been driving a taxi in Addis?

Ato Bekele: Since Sebhat G/egziabher started writing naturalism books but drove everyone nuts with his writing Ability and gas was cheaper than bottled water. I’ve seen it all. Rain that feels like betrayal. Roads that appear one day and disappear the next. Customers who say “short distance” and then direct you to Debre Zeit.

Addis Vibes: What’s the most unforgettable passenger you’ve had?A

to Bekele: One woman got in crying, by Bole. I thought heartbreak. Turns out she lost her TikTok password. Cried the whole way to Piassa. I gave her advice: “Open new account. Call it Rebirth Queen 2.0.”Addis Vibes: What’s your biggest challenge as a taxi driver?

Ato Bekele: The real enemy is Google Maps. That thing doesn’t know Addis. One time it told me to turn left into a government compound. A soldier asked if I was trying to invade. I said, “Ask Google, not me!” Also, roundabouts. There’s no law. Just vibes and eye contact.

Addis Vibes: What’s your relationship with traffic?

Ato Bekele: I see traffic like a toxic ex. You know it’s bad for you, but you keep going back. Especially around Mexico Square at 5 PM. That’s not traffic. That’s purgatory.

Addis Vibes: How do you stay sane behind the wheel?

Ato Bekele: Two things: listening to EYOB MEKONNEN reggae music and complaining/cursing to other drivers. also, I talk to my car. Her name is Konjit. She’s a 1994 Toyota Corolla with the heart of a lion and the suspension of a donkey cart.

Addis Vibes: Any advice for new drivers?

Ato Bekele: Don’t trust anyone who says “short trip.” Keep coins hidden or passengers will pay in chewing gum and “God bless you.” And never fight a blue Lada driver. They are born without fear.

Addis Vibes: Finally, what does Addis mean to you?

Ato Bekele: Addis is chaos, comedy, and charm in one city. We argue, we honk, we take four hours to go one kilometer. But somehow, it works. It’s like messy jazz, but alive.

So next time you’re stuck in traffic with a driver named Bekele, thank him. He’s not just taking you somewhere he’s driving through history, potholes, and three missed weddings to get you there.

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Addis Ababa: Where Time is a Suggestion and Taxis Are a Game Show

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Welcome to Addis Ababa, the city where your 10-minute walk turns into a 3-hour adventure, and your taxi driver might be your cousin’s old classmate from Mekelle. In this magical metropolis, one thing is always certain: absolutely nothing goes as planned — and somehow, that’s what makes it work. Let’s start with our national sport: crossing the street. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
You need cat-like reflexes, prayer, and a solid understanding of physics. There are no rules, only suggestions, and if you make it across, congratulations! You’ve earned unofficial Ethiopian ninja status.
Weather Report? More Like Weather Improv! Will it rain? Will the sun roast you alive? Will both happen in the same hour? Nobody knows. Not even the weather app. Just dress like you’re going to church, the gym, a wedding, and a floodat the same time.
Public Transport or Survival Reality Show? Minibuses in Addis are the ultimate mental and physical test. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve squeezed into a van built for 12 people that somehow holds 27 plus a goat.
Bonus points if the driver is playing Teddy Afro at full volume and holding a phone call while shifting gears with a stick he found in the forest. Bole: Where Coffee Shops Outnumber People Walk 5 meters in Bole, and you’ll find 6 cafes, 3 shisha lounges, and 1 man selling sunglasses for some reason. It’s where people come to “work remotely” which loosely translates to drinking macchiato for 4 hours while loudly pretending to send emails.
Construction Never Sleeps (or Finishes) If you’ve ever wondered what the soundtrack of Addis is, it’s a mix of jackhammers, honking, and a guy yelling “Mebrat!” because there’s a power cut. Our motto: If the building isn’t finished in 10 years, don’t worry; we’ll turn it into a pizza place. And finally, the secret ingredient of Addis Life: vibes. Despite the chaos, despite the Wi-Fi disappearing like your New Year’s resolutions.
Addis has something that no other city has vibes. The city dances to its own rhythm, and if you relax and go with the flow, you’ll see why this concrete jungle full of contradictions is the most beautifully unpredictable place on Earth.

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Fish, Not Flesh: Why More Addis Locals Are Going Pescatarian

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1. Local (Millen, 32, Graphic Designer, Addis Ababa):“
I used to eat meat almost every day, but after switching to a mostly pescatarian diet, I feel less bloated and more focused. Plus, fish is easier on my budget and conscience.”
2. Nutritionist (Dr. Hana Mulugeta, Clinical Dietitian):“In urban Ethiopia, we’re seeing a rise in lifestyle diseases—hypertension, diabetes, obesity. A pescatarian diet, rich in healthy fats and plant-based fiber, can significantly lower those risks without sacrificing taste or tradition.”
3. Chef (Chef Robel Dawit, Owner of Blue Nile Bistro):
Fish is the future of Ethiopian cuisine. We have the spices, we have the creativity. Grilled tilapia with awaze, sardine berbere stew—our kitchen is just getting started.
”In the cafes of Piassa and the juice bars of Bole, something’s changing. The talk isn’t just about politics or football anymore—it’s about food. But not just any food. We’re hearing more folks ask for grilled tilapia over tibs, sardines in tomato sauce instead of kitfo.
What’s going on?
Welcome to the world of pescatarians—where fish is in, red meat is out, and the vibes are fresh, clean, and conscious.
Health First, Always Let’s keep it real. Many of us are tired—tired of rising blood pressure, tired of energy crashes, tired of hospital visits. Omega-3-rich fish are heart heroes, brain boosters, and inflammation fighters. Going pescatarian helps you feel lighter, sharper, and more energized to chase dreams in this fast-moving city.
Less Meat, More Meaning For those who love animals but aren’t quite ready to go full vegan, this is your middle ground. You can still enjoy flavorful dishes without supporting heavy industrial meat production. Plus, supporting local fish vendors means you’re putting money back into small, ethical businesses.Earth to Addis Let’s face it—climate change is no longer a faraway concept. Our rivers are drying, the weather’s wild, and the land is strained. Compared to livestock farming, fish leave a much smaller environmental footprint. Every pescatarian plate is a quiet revolution for the planet.
Our Fasting Traditions Got It Right Ethiopian culture has long understood the value of plant-based living. With over 180 fasting days a year, we already have the habits—it’s just about extending them. Think of pescatarians as fasting with flair. You’re still respecting tradition but adding grilled snapper and spicy fish stew to the mix. It Just Tastes Good Let’s not forget the flavor. From asa shorba in the highlands to fried fish by the lakeside, we’ve always known how to make fish sing. Now it’s time to bring those recipes to our everyday plates not just weekend getaways.
So if you’re looking for a lifestyle that respects your body, honors your culture, and nods to the planet, pescatarians might just be the Addis answer you’ve been searching for.
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Coffee Talks: The Delala Chronicles

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Legend says it all started with Kaldi, whose goats got so caffeinated they practically started the first coffee ceremony. Centuries later, coffee is still the drink of choice in Addis especially when deals are on the line.
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Take today’s scene: Ato Dereje, a delala fresh from the countryside, sits across from Zelalem, a sharp city-born buyer. Between them? A tiny cup of buna—and a very big argument.

Ato Simengew (Delala, nervously adjusting his coat): “Abeeeee Zelalem! This plot of land is worth a fortune—like the coffee ceremony of an emperor!”

Zelalem (smirking, swirling his coffee): “Simengew, please, even my barista doesn’t sweet-talk me this much. The price you’re giving is more bitter than this coffee!”

Ato Simengew (leaning in, whispering conspiratorially): “No, no! It’s prime land—like the birthplace of Kaldi’s goats! You’ll regret missing it!”

Zelalem (raising an eyebrow): “Simengew, even your goats wouldn’t buy at that price. This is Addis, not some donkey market.”

Ato Simengew (switching tactics fast): “Ok, ok! For you, special discount—like coffee before sunrise—fresh and hot!”Zelalem (laughing): “Fresh and hot? More like burnt and overpriced, my friend.”

Ato Simengew (pretending to sip his coffee calmly): “Fine, final offer. Take it or leave it. But let’s finish this buna first, eh?”
Zelalem (nodding, eyes twinkling): “Agreed. The coffee’s good, but your price? Still bitter. Another round?”

Because in Addis, deals are brewed just like coffee—one sip at a time, one lie at a time, and always with a side of laughter.
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Follow us for daily updates, event highlights, and local tips. Share your favorite finds with friends—because good vibes are meant to be shared. Let’s make every day in Addis unforgettable!