I’ve returned from a 3 week trip in Ethiopia – the proudest country in Africa. It was an amazing trip: the landscapes, ancient and unique culture, great coffee and food, and interesting people, though annoying too many times.
This is a snapshot post – only slightly touching each place. It took me a very long time to write this post. Routine life, and non-routine just catches you and doesn’t let go. I’ve been following the American elections, been very active in the local elections, and also work hasn’t been so routine lately. I’ve promised to publish it earlier to several people. Sorry.
Here all the pictures from Ethiopia.
I hope to write more detailed post about specific places, or special stories, but I fear that it’ll also drown…Let’s start
The first impression of Ethiopia was strong – I had a truly great coffee, as I had waited for. Then, Addis Ababa’s market kept it’s promise – many poor people, lots of beggars and many other disabled people. Since I was warned of these sights, I wasn’t overwhelmed. Later, the massive religious celebrations of the Meskel were very impressive
The next thing on the journey was Bahir Dar, on the shores of lake Tana. Aparat from the monasteries and churches on the lake’s islands, the Blue Nile falls were an excellent surprise:
The next part of the trip was the best – a six day trek in the Simien mountains. Their strange shapes, the wild animals, and the experience of trekking together with great people was fabulous., but it was quite cold… I hope to write more about this experience:
Next came some historic cities: Gonder and Aksum. Castles, churches and obelisks dominated the next two days:
Spontaneously, I chose to see the churches of the Tigray region – a combination of walking in the countryside and seeing some ancient churches in remote places, that even demanded some rock climbing.
After a long night in a truck (long story…), I reached Lalibella, the Petra of Ethiopia, with mighty churches carved from one stone. This is the highlight -Saint George:
I then went off my plan, and joined a group that went to an ecological trek in the Mesket escarpment. This was an easy walk, with beautiful views, and comfortable conditions.
After a little bit more time in Lalibella and it’s surroundings, I flew back to Addis and went south to Shashamene, the home of Ethiopia’s Rastafarian community. The museum was very interesting, and so was visiting the community
And at the end of my trip, criss-crossed Addis Ababa, visiting museums, viewing the city from the top and some last minute shopping…
That’s it for now!
