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

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?
Ato 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.
By: Tesfaldet Timo Ghebremichael.
Addis Ababa: Where Time is a Suggestion and Taxis Are a Game Show

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.
By: Tesfaldet Timo Ghebremichael Addis Vibes Magazine
Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson Returns to D.C.

Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson Returns to D.C. With Ambitious Culinary Vision at the Morrow Hotel
Marcus Samuelsson is making his biggest mark yet on Washington, D.C.’s dining scene.
The acclaimed chef and restaurateur is taking the reins at the Morrow Hotel in NoMa, overseeing a trio of venues: Sly, a stylish rooftop lounge; a still-unnamed speakeasy-style cocktail bar on the 11th floor; and Marcus DC, a refined seafood-forward brasserie on the lobby level set to debut this spring. Dressed in striped black pants, a hoodie featuring artist Mickalene Thomas's work, and a turquoise scaly cap, Samuelsson exudes energy and purpose as he sits in a booth at Sly.
Known for his dynamic approach to food and community, he's not just opening another restaurant he’s aiming for redemption and long-term impact in a city where his past ventures were fleeting. Samuelsson's previous D.C. projects consulting for the Howard Theatre in 2012 and opening Marcus at MGM National Harbor in 2016 were short-lived. His new endeavors at the Morrow Hotel represent a second chance, and he’s coming with purpose and a powerful team.
At the heart of the Marcus DC kitchen is executive chef Anthony Jones, a Calvert County native with an impressive pedigree, having trained under Cathal Armstrong and Peter Smith. Jones previously worked at Samuelsson’s Red Rooster Overtown in Miami before returning to the D.C. area. “Anthony is deeply talented and incredibly disciplined,” says Samuelsson. “He’s not just in this industry—he’s committed to shaping it.
”The collaboration is part of a broader mission for Samuelsson: to build platforms for emerging talent and push the culinary world toward greater equity and flavor. “I’m not trying to build a legacy,” he says. “I’m trying to create space for others so we can evolve the industry together.”
Samuelsson’s own journey—from Ethiopia to Sweden to becoming the youngest executive chef to earn three New York Times stars at Aquavit—has made him a global culinary force. At 54, with eight books, multiple restaurants worldwide, and a string of James Beard Awards, he still operates with the hunger of a newcomer.
For his long-awaited full-scale D.C. restaurant, seafood felt like a natural choice. Raised on the Swedish island of Smögen, where seafood shaped local cuisine, Samuelsson saw a chance to bring that influence to the mid-Atlantic. With Jones’ knowledge of regional purveyors, the menu will feature staples like fluke, rockfish, and blue crab—alongside underappreciated local species such as croaker and blue catfish. “There’s beauty in humble ingredients,” Jones says. “We want to show people just how exciting they can be.”Though the focus is coastal American, Marcus DC will be deeply personal, infused with Samuelsson’s Swedish and Ethiopian heritage.
Diners can expect teff-based pasta, berbere-seasoned dishes, injera crisps, and awaze hot sauce. These elements reflect not only his roots but also the city’s large Ethiopian diaspora. He calls the concept guramayle, drawn from Ethiopian pop star Gigi’s music a word evoking what it means to carry Ethiopian culture into new contexts. Music, too, fuels Samuelsson’s creativity. Between New York and D.C., he tunes into go-go and punk icons like Bad Brains, letting their energy shape his ideas. “Music has a way of getting into your bones,” he says. “And then it comes out in your food. ”The menu at Marcus DC is the product of intense collaboration between Samuelsson and Jones countless tastings, candid critiques, and creative discussions. “I’m always asking, ‘What’s the story here? What’s the texture, the aroma, the visual appeal?” says Samuelsson. “Instagram can come later. First, we have to deliver food that excites. ” Still, the chef knows the final say belongs to the guests. “Opening a restaurant is a conversation,” he says. “We’ll learn what works from the diners. What we think is the signature dish might not be; it’s a humbling process. And then, we refine.
Source: BBC NEWS.
By Yonathan Anteneh (YoYo) | May 23, 2025.
Fish, Not Flesh: Why More Addis Locals Are Going Pescatarian

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.
By: Tesfaldet Timo Ghebremichael Addis Vibes Magazine
Coffee Talks: The Delala Chronicles

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.
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.
By: Tesfaldet Timo Ghebremichael Addis Vibes Magazine
Background color
Background colors are applied to components using Background color variables.
To apply custom background you can use [Utility] Background classes
Text Color
Border
Typography
Foundation colors is a set of variables that should be applied to components.
Update colors by selecting an element (style panel) or in the variables panel
A well-crafted typeface as the fingerprint of great design
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V X Y Z
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A well-crafted typeface is more than just a collection of letters—it is the fingerprint of great design, carrying within it the essence of a brand, a message, and a mood. Just as every fingerprint is unique, a typeface imprints a distinct identity onto a digital or physical space, shaping the way users perceive and engage with content.
The choice of type is not arbitrary; it is a deliberate act of design that influences trust, readability, and emotion. A masterfully designed typeface can evoke nostalgia, inspire confidence, or even challenge conventions. It speaks before words are even read, setting the tone for an entire experience in subtle yet profound ways.
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Spacing
Foundational predefined set of variables for size related elements. This set stays unchanged for every project.
Variable name is equal rem size.
Set of variables used for grid and flex layouts.
Components
Type
Foundation colors is a set of variables that should be applied to components.
Update colors by selecting an element (style panel) or in the variables panel
Headings embody the voice of a brand
Headings embody the voice of a brand
Headings embody the voice of a brand
Headings embody the voice of a brand
Headings embody the voice of a brand
Headings embody the voice of a brand
Headings embody the voice of a brand
A well-crafted typeface is more than just a collection of letters—it is the fingerprint of great design, carrying within it the essence of a brand, a message, and a mood.
A well-crafted typeface is more than just a collection of letters—it is the fingerprint of great design, carrying within it the essence of a brand, a message, and a mood.
A well-crafted typeface is more than just a collection of letters—it is the fingerprint of great design, carrying within it the essence of a brand, a message, and a mood.
A well-crafted typeface is more than just a collection of letters—it is the fingerprint of great design, carrying within it the essence of a brand, a message, and a mood.
A well-crafted typeface is more than just a collection of letters—it is the fingerprint of great design, carrying within it the essence of a brand, a message, and a mood.
Never before have so many people had so much access to such a powerful medium for building businesses; sharing knowledge, insight, and creativity; and creating communities.
- Use white space to improve text legibility.
- Make typography responsive for all screen sizes.
- Use proper line spacing for easy readability.
- Use white space to improve text legibility.
- Make typography responsive for all screen sizes.
- Use proper line spacing for easy readability.
Buttons
Every type of buttons have 2 properties: color and size.
Size: default, small, large
Place: default, invert, on accent.
Tag
Choose a Tag Button for tags that link to other content.
Images
Icons
Add Icon Container class to any Icon Size to make your icon stand-out more.
Avatars
Forms
Cards
Every type of buttons have 2 properties: color and size.
Size: default, small, large
Place: default, invert, on accent.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
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A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Tabs
Short heading
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Short heading
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Short heading
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Short heading
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Short heading
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Short heading
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Short heading
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Short heading
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Short heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Short heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Short heading
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Short heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Short heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Short heading
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Short heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Short heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Short heading
Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectet.
Short heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Short heading
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Short heading
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Short heading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Slider
Accordion
Dropdown
Rich Text
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.
- A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content.
- The rich text element allows you to create and format elements
- Headings
- Paragraphs
- Media
- Video
- Images
- A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content.
- The rich text element allows you to create and format elements
- Headings
- Paragraphs
- Media
- Video
- Images
A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!
Divider
Structure & Layout
Page Structure
- Section must use <section> semantic tag.
- Class of the section defines the background of the section.
- Text color is defined by nested components, or utility combo classes.
Container
Container defines the max width of the content on a page.
Heading of the section
Heading of the section
Heading of the section
Heading of the section
Grid
Class Grid Layout defines the element as a grid. Different grid layouts can be achieved using combo classes:
Check examples how to mix combo-classes:
Flex Layout
Class Flex Horizontal and Flex Vertical defines the element as a flex layout.
Modify flex layouts using combo classes:
Check examples how to mix combo-classes:
Spacing
Margin
Margin is space outside of an element.
Padding
Padding is space inside of an element.
Utility
All utility classes are starting with [Utility].
Utility classes made to alter the the main class.
Add utility classes [Utility] Mask Top, [Utility] Mask Bottom, [Utility] Mask Left, [Utility] Mask Right as combo class to Overlay to achieve a gradient overlay or to Image to add fade to the side of the image.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
A different heading, so it doesn't look repetitive.
Add utility classes [Utility] Mask Top, [Utility] Mask Bottom, [Utility] Mask Left, [Utility] Mask Right as combo class to Overlay to achieve a gradient overlay.