Ethiopia may well be the birthplace of Homo sapiens as well as the home of Ardipithicus ramidus, the oldest known hominid (human relative). Its prehistory and history are long and unique, with some amazing remnants of the past to visit. And the link with the Queen of Sheba is fascinating. Unlike other African countries, Ethiopia very effectively resisted colonization. It has beautiful mountains and hills as well as lakes and rivers, wildlife, friendly people, and interesting cultures. I decided to go alone to check it out, even if no one else was going. I selected the picture shown along with this blurb because few people know that Ethiopia has such beautiful places.

A few weeks ago, I saw an article sent out by Condé Nast Traveler (November, 2025). It was titled “The 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World”. After glancing at the article, I decided that I could surely come up with a list that is as compelling. Making such a list is very, very subjective. After a couple weeks, I decided to write this blog and not look at what was in Condé Nast Traveler. I put my title in quotes, because the list could easily have been 20 other towns. When I concluded my list of 20, I went back to look at the CNT list and found that I have been to 27 of them, and I have visited near four others on their list. Despite my familiarity with most of their towns, I find that I include only five that they have, but most on my list are not on theirs and I have left most of theirs that I have visited off my smaller list. For no particular reason, the blurb picture is of some houses along the riverfront in Bamberg, Germany.