Harar and Diredawa

Harar is a fascinating, exotic town of considerable interest to visitors willing to make the 520km journey east from Addis Ababa. Forbidden to outsiders until 1887 when it became part of the Ethiopian empire. An enduring reputation for having the most beautiful women in Africa, and possibly Ethiopia's best coffee, adds to the allure of this intriguing destination. The city is perched on the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley, affording it a cool climate and wonderful views of the soaring mountains to the east.The main attractions are inside the Walled City, a fascinating warren of medieval mosques, the narrow streets lined with the two store Hararis traditional houses and colorful markets (Both inside and outside) Walled city, locally known as JOGOL. Another popular attraction is the nocturnal Hyena Man, who feeds bravely these dangerous wild hyenas strips of raw meat suspended from his mouth. The Harar experience is one that offers something for everyone. Truly, there is no other place on earth quite like it.

Harar's two most famous western inhabitants were Richard Burton, and Arthur Rimbaud, who lived here for a decade in the 1880s, writing poetry and running guns for the sultan. Shoppers should look for the highly regarded hand-crafted silver ware and  basket ware, the best basketry in the country as once professor Richard Pancrist (was professor of Ethiopian History)  , Addis Ababa University  explained once on his lecture on Ethiopian history

Dire Dawa

Dire Dawa is city in Harar region, It is a commercial and industrial center located on the Addis Ababa–Djibouti railroad. Manufactures include processed meat, vegetable oil, textiles, and cement. There are also railroad workshops in the city. Dire Dawa was founded in 1902 when the railroad from Djibouti reached the area, and its growth has resulted largely from trade brought by the railroad.