coptic crosses
I love the Ethiopian (coptic) cross - it's such a beautiful symbol, and one that I've been attracted to long before I knew from whence it came...
Among the things I want to buy in Ethiopia is several of these crosses -- I would like to give them as gifts to my family/friends who have supported me on this journey, and of course have one for me(!) and then several left to give to Sproutie over the course of her life...
Anyone who has already traveled and knows of a good place to buy silver, please let me know!
19 comments:
Chou-Chou: You are a more experienced traveler than I am, but my suggestion is to buy more of those striking crosses than you think you would need. They could be a lovely item for Sprout to give to people who are important to her as she grows up, and as crazy as it sounds, you can never have too much of a good thing. Plus, they are small, and you will not regret bringing home extras. You are quite the planner! Glad you are back and posting.
Chou-Chou: You'll find these beautiful crosses everywhere, but we found some really beautiful and quality ones at a little shop called Suzanne's. They were a lot more expensive than at the souvenir stalls, but visibly better quality. The shop was hard to find and was kind of in the middle of nowhere, but on the way to the ALERT Leper Hospital. So, if you go to the ALERT (which I recommend) ask your driver to stop at Suzanne's. They have good crepes too.
Also, there's a gift shop called Haile Selassie that has some nice quality things.
Becky (Amara's Mom)
they are EVERYWHERE... you will have no trouble finding ones you like. Most of the stores on Churchill road have them, the Mercato will have them, or if you want a big store with lots of selection, there is one called Haile Selassie that all the drivers would know. Also you will find wooden carved ones for wall decorations...
ok, evidently Becky and I were commenting simultaneously... :)
I'm serious when I tell you that I would so pay you if you brought one of those back for me. I would love to add one to my wall of crosses.
They are beautiful!
I agree with what others said. I found the crosses everywhere. I got several silver ones for myself (so many I couldn't choose just one) and for friends. But one thing I found that was really cool, was a cross (just like the silver ones) but really small and made of gold. I think it will be the perfect sweet 16 gift for my daughter. (if I can wait that long to give it to her... only 14 more years to go!)
Those are cool. I would have guessed they were Celtic. Interesting.
An Ethiopian cab driver told me that gold was really cheap in Ethio. Either way, the crosses are beautiful, and now I'm totally gonna get a few, too!
And I'm a little envious of your stopping in Dubai.
beautiful crosses! I have been following your blog, you have great stuff on here! I like Ginger's idea about having plenty of them that sprout can use as ways to mark important life events. She may get really into collecting them. I was born in Wales, and I am gaga over collecting Welsh love spoons. I have one to mark each major event of my life. You better believe I am scouting one out for the day my mystery baby finds her way home!!
I'm totally with you on these. I have one, given to me by an Ethiopian friend, that I've been wearing a lot since our referral. They are very beautiful and come in lots of designs. I, too, will be purchasing a bunch when we're in Ethiopia.
You're turn is next, sister!!
ChouChou: The area known as Piassa in Addis is one choice. There are also kiosks near the main post office, I found exceptionally good for souvenirs. If you run into a knowledgeble jeweler, they'll even point out the Lalibela/Axum/Gondar crosses.
I. is an Axum Cross
K. is a Lalibela one and so forth.
Love your blog.
BTW, I've emailed you.
And she's back :-)
These crosses are lovely. I think it's a great idea to collect as many as possible.
Oh C, they are simply beautiful! I, as you know, have a thing about crosses!
These are so awesome! I found some on eBay if you wanna settle your fix before you travel. Happy Thanksgiving.
Here's a book you might like also...
http://www.amazon.com/Crosses-Ethiopia-Sign-Faith-Evolution/
dp/8876242562/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195876858&sr=1-1
doh, the link isn't showing up properly. Try this one.
http://tinyurl.com/3e4egz
they are still sooo beautiful!
I did a lot of shopping near the main post office. As well as the silver crosses, ther are beautiful wooden crosses that you can use as wall hangings. I don't know what kind of wood they are made of, but they are very lightweight, so I brought home several of them.
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