Cape to Cairo 2010

We left Bahir Dar for Lalibela at 7am this morning in the hope that we would not ride in the rain because we were advised that it only rains in the afternoon and evening…well, so much for that!!

The ride to Lalibela was breathtaking and the further north that we travel into this country the more beautiful it becomes.

Lalibela is an ancient town that is historically important because of the churches here that are hewn, inside and out, out of solid rock. These churches were created by King Lalibela in the 12th century because an important part of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity in those times was to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem at least once, in one’s lifetime, however, after Jerusalem was invaded by the Arabs, King Lalibela decided to re-create Jerusalem at Lalibela so that the pilgrimage could still be fulfilled by his people, albeit locally.

These structures are carved entirely into solid rock, and then the interior was carved in thereafter. These structures are incredible to see and no surprise that they are considered one of the 7 wonders of the world.

Today we saw 3 of the 6 structures that we will be seeing as we are spending 2 nights in Lalibela to give us an opportunity to explore this town and its wonders properly.

Lalibela is the first Ethiopian town that we have come across that is showing signs of embracing tourism which is relatively new in Ethiopia, notwithstanding the fact that this country has one of the most unique, diverse, extensive and interesting tourism offerings available in the world, never mind just Africa.

We are spending the night at the Tukul Village Lodge (which is nicely done out, affordable at $40/night, clean and conveniently located) which is fashioned on a typical Ethiopian village with beautiful views over the simien mountains and set at an altitude of just shy of 3000m.

We are now 9550km from Cape Town and whilst we are both thoroughly enjoying this journey of discovery, it does come with its darker days that make us long for home.

Wet morning ride to Lalibela which partially cleared up later.

Ethiopian countryside.

On the road to Lalibela

Road through the simien mountains.

Dale through the corners on some fantastic gravel roads in the mountains.

St George’s Church in Lalibela.

Ethiopian orthodox Monk.

Interior of the church of St Mary.

Monk in prayer.

Exploring the labyrinths.

Church of St George.

Ethiopian orthodox Monk.

The “Panic” Bell.

Monk in Prayer.

Church of St George hewn out of solid rock.