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 my daughter over the course of her life…
Anyone who has already traveled and knows of a good place to buy silver, please let me know!
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19 November 2007 at 12:58 am
Ginger
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 _____ 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.
19 November 2007 at 2:34 am
Becky
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)
19 November 2007 at 2:35 am
MetricGirl
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…
19 November 2007 at 2:38 am
MetricGirl
ok, evidently Becky and I were commenting simultaneously…
19 November 2007 at 4:04 am
Elle
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.
19 November 2007 at 4:07 am
Carissa
They are beautiful!
19 November 2007 at 8:16 am
Julie
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!)
19 November 2007 at 1:33 pm
MotherMotherOcean
Those are cool. I would have guessed they were Celtic. Interesting.
19 November 2007 at 4:08 pm
Diane
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.
19 November 2007 at 6:05 pm
The Ravenstahls
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 _____ 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!!
19 November 2007 at 6:18 pm
Jen
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!!
19 November 2007 at 7:33 pm
S
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.
19 November 2007 at 8:37 pm
haze
And she’s back
These crosses are lovely. I think it’s a great idea to collect as many as possible.
21 November 2007 at 3:50 pm
A Special Family
Oh C, they are simply beautiful! I, as you know, have a thing about crosses!
22 November 2007 at 4:53 pm
Sarah and Tim
These are so awesome! I found some on eBay if you wanna settle your fix before you travel. Happy Thanksgiving.
24 November 2007 at 4:02 am
MetricGirl
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
24 November 2007 at 4:03 am
MetricGirl
doh, the link isn’t showing up properly. Try this one.
http://tinyurl.com/3e4egz
25 November 2007 at 9:44 am
A Special Family
they are still sooo beautiful!
26 November 2007 at 2:57 am
Tracey
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.