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Ethiopia's Living History...Clockwise

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Africa » Ethiopia
February 20th 2006
Published: May 29th 2006
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Northern Ethiopia is all about living history -- mostly the ancient living history of Orthodox Christianity. We made a big bus loop through the north visiting all the main hitoric sites. The roads are horrific and the buses are hot, slow, and unreliable, but it is well worth the hassle. Here are some of the key stops. The Islands of Lake Tana Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile, and hom... Read Full Entry



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Sarah T Lucas and Jonathon J Kass
Sarah and Jonathon
Sarah and Jonathon
We're Sarah and Jonathon. We're exploring. But we are exploring in a rather circuitous fashion, and the order of our blog postings is even more illogical. So, if you are wondering where we are right now, the answer is....ooops....we're home! But we may post some final Africa blogs anyway. As you look through where we have been, beware that we'll be posting out of order so the top post may not be the most recent. You can either scroll through to see what is new, or subscribe to get a message and link every time we post something new. ... full info
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Gonder – Another Italian RelicGonder – Another Italian Relic
Gonder – Another Italian Relic
These dapper dudes were waiting patiently at the baths when the procession arrived. All that chanting and clapping risked wrinkling their stylish duds.
Gonder – Lady and her Prayer StaffGonder – Lady and her Prayer Staff
Gonder – Lady and her Prayer Staff
Waiting away from the crowds for the ceremony to begin.
Gonder – Crowds DisperseGonder – Crowds Disperse
Gonder – Crowds Disperse
Everyone wearing their Gabbis, beginning to head home in the early morning light.
Axum – Somebody’s in Big Trouble!Axum – Somebody’s in Big Trouble!
Axum – Somebody’s in Big Trouble!
Some say that the failed attempt to erect this largest, and most intricately carved of the stelae was the beginning of the end of the Axum empire. The very seventies looking geometric designs represent many floors of a tall building. If this were standing, it would be the tallest obelisk in the world.
Axum – Snack SpotAxum – Snack Spot
Axum – Snack Spot
A typical family shop set into a typical Axum stone wall.
Axum – Injera Baskets at the Axum MarketAxum – Injera Baskets at the Axum Market
Axum – Injera Baskets at the Axum Market
Injera is the staple bread/pancake, made from the tef grain. It functions as edible silverware at EVERY lunch and dinner.
Axum – Market Parking AttendantAxum – Market Parking Attendant
Axum – Market Parking Attendant
No matter what donkey or camel - all are safe.
Axum - The Universal Butt ScratchAxum - The Universal Butt Scratch
Axum - The Universal Butt Scratch
Axum –Tending GoatsAxum –Tending Goats
Axum –Tending Goats
After a very bumpy bike ride to Axum’s outskirts, we ran into this girl wandering near the granite fields from which the stelae were carved.
Axum – Home of the Ark of the CovenantAxum – Home of the Ark of the Covenant
Axum – Home of the Ark of the Covenant
This is where Ethiopia claims the Ark of the Covenant resides. Since only the guardian of the Ark of the Covenant is allowed inside, the story has been difficult to confirm. But don't say that to any Ethiopian.
Debra Damo – Awaiting our ArrivalDebra Damo – Awaiting our Arrival
Debra Damo – Awaiting our Arrival
The monk in charge of hoisting tourists up the wall was sitting patiently at his post when we arrived.
DDebra Damo – Scaling the PlateauDDebra Damo – Scaling the Plateau
DDebra Damo – Scaling the Plateau
I tried my best to do it myself, but every time I was about to get a good food hold, a powerful surge hoisted me another meter up the face.
Debra Damo – Testing the MonkDebra Damo – Testing the Monk
Debra Damo – Testing the Monk
Six-foot-three and by no means svelte, our friend Michael couldn’t extract one drop of sweat from the brow of this rope hoisting monk.
Debra Damo – From Inside the MonasteryDebra Damo – From Inside the Monastery
Debra Damo – From Inside the Monastery
Debra Damo – Intricate StoneworkDebra Damo – Intricate Stonework
Debra Damo – Intricate Stonework
The main monastery was carefully built from the various flat stones found around on the plateau. It has held-up for hundreds of years with no mortar.
Debra Damo – Monkey Heads on the Main MonasteryDebra Damo – Monkey Heads on the Main Monastery
Debra Damo – Monkey Heads on the Main Monastery
These log ends sticking out of the wall are called “monkey heads.” They have notches along the length of the log which slot onto the horizontal beams to hold the wall together.
Debra Damo – View from the PlateauDebra Damo – View from the Plateau
Debra Damo – View from the Plateau
The views were spectacular in every direction. The plateau was covered with these stone buildings which housed the monks and deacons. About half were occupied.
Debra Damo – Reading History from a LadderDebra Damo – Reading History from a Ladder
Debra Damo – Reading History from a Ladder
Near Debra Damo, we stopped at the Temple of Yeha, one of the oldest structures in Ethiopia. After 2000 years, the stones still fit together perfectly.
Tigray – Base Camp in SinkataTigray – Base Camp in Sinkata
Tigray – Base Camp in Sinkata
Our friend Michael attracts a crowd as he juggles oranges in the Sinkata market.
Tigray – Inside the Cave ChurchTigray – Inside the Cave Church
Tigray – Inside the Cave Church
The church of Maryam Korkor was among the nicest, set high on a ridge top, with intricate carvings and original paintings.
Lalibela – A Space to PrayLalibela – A Space to Pray
Lalibela – A Space to Pray
Throughout Lalibela’s church complexes, there were small holes bored into the rock where hermits spend their days reading scripture.



13th June 2006

Lawrence MacDonald
non-member comment

Wow! What a great set of photos!
This is a great posting that deserves to be widely read and viewed. It makes me think what an incredible tourist bonanza Ethiopia could experience with proper security and improved roads. I had never realized what a wealth of sites and sights there are to be visited. Thank you Sarah and Jonothan for putting together this great report! (I envy your trip!)
10th October 2006

Candy Graves
non-member comment

Way cool! Love your pics.
2nd April 2008

Judith
non-member comment

Just returned from Ethiopia.What a wonderful experience.Left with a heavy heart.I came all the way from Trinidad.Good looking people humble but proud
18th August 2008

elsa
non-member comment

We are aprishated
We gat some information ethiopia is very and gerate religious belive
31st October 2009

Rae Grace
non-member comment

Sacred
I visited Ethopia in 2007 with my daughter on a GAP tour, we travelled from Axum in the north to the border of Kenya in the south It was an experience I will never forget. It is said that when we die our lives flash before us once more, if that is true,then I will see you again Ethiopia. On our flight home when i thought of the places and people oneword came to mind the word SACRED. Thank you for memories

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