Bahi Dar - Lalibela

Left Debra Markos to Bahir Dar, approx 350km journey.  Being a Sunday, there were many people going to church.  Most were dressed in white shawls with a green stripe.  Men went on their own and gathered on the beautiful green slopes and women went to a different place.  Horses were   decorated with red flowers around their necks and a red cloth over their backs.

This was all farming area. No shortage of beef plus the usual donkeys and goats. We travelled through the Nile Valley where there was very rich red fertile soil and miles of green pastures, absolutely breathtaking.

We stayed at the Ghion Hotel on Lake Tana.  What a pFlace it must have been but unfortunately very run down.  Red and yellow Cannas flowered  all over the gardens.  Very pretty.

All went to the Blue Nile Falls; unfortunately a hydro electric plant has been built, is not in use but has taken at least 80% of the falls away.  Quite disappointing.  The most impressive was a bridge built by the Portuguese centuries ago.

We went to a huge market to buy fresh veg and Rog and Jo made pasta for supper.  Italiano style.

Plenty of rain during the night.  We made packed lunches and headed for Lalibela.  Roads were full of people on their way to work carrying bundles, either to sell or to plant.  We even saw a corpse being carried on a stretcher!  Travelling was slow as roads were full of people, goats and donkeys, bicycles and dogs.  Scenery changed from lush to dry.  Once in the open, travelling was easier on a tar road.  Dirt road from Dilbe to Lalibela.  The start of winding mountain passes.  Extreme poverty dand children shouting “you, you, you” and asking for stuff,  shared sweets etc,  Arrived at Jerusalem Guest House Lalibela.  An amazing place to stay, clean, lovely hot showers, the best!

Sand hewn churches in Lalibela

We hired a guide and taxi to go and see the most amazing hand chopped huge rock churches.  Divine intervention in King Lalibela’s life has left a wonderful legacy to all. Definitely something to see!  Photos will give an idea.

Back at the guest house, the manager agreed that the ladies could go into the kitchen and learn the art of Ethiopian cooking.  A wonderful feast was prepared and enjoyed.  Adri, Cheryl and Jo-Anne were the sergeants for the night.  They bought some of the local beer and fined all the men! Their comment - "Yuk!"