Addis Ababa literally means ‘New Flower’ in Amharic. Founded a little more than a century ago by emperor Menelik II; it is the capital of Ethiopia and the political center of Africa. Unlike many other African cities, was not founded as a colonial settlement. Rather, Emperor Menelik II picked it to be Ethiopia’s permanent capital in the 1880s. Addis Ababa is not only the diplomatic capital of Africa and a thriving metropolis but also a growing city that takes pride in its multifaceted assets, an interesting stopover on an Ethiopian vacation. When Menelik’s reign begins, he leads a traveling court that moves according to the political and military needs and resources available. In the early 1880s, Menelik set up camp in Entoto to serve as a stepping stone in the conquest of neighboring regions. The place, reputed to have already hosted camps of Ethiopian kings in the Middle Ages, also symbolized the historic character of the “reconquest”. Perched at more than 3000 meters above sea level, Entoto Hill has a harsh climate. So, Menelik moves his court soon below, near the hot springs frequented by Queen Taitu, who baptizes the place “new flower”, Addis Ababa.