Ethiopia - The Land Beyond

Africa » Ethiopia
April 9th 2020

Published: April 11th 2020

Epic beauty beyond the dusty roads. True riches beyond the hard-hitting poverty. Genuine warmth and welcome beyond the touristic trappings of souvenir shops and birr begging children. Spiritual authenticity beyond the physical structures of chiseled ancient churches. Peace and security beyond the undercurrent of political uneasiness. Ethiopia is a world beyond our western imagination and preconcei... Read Full Entry

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Schroeder family

Shanghai Sheri

In 2006, our family began what we thought was a 3 year adventure of living and traveling in China. But like Gilligan, our 3 year tour turned into something much longer and deeper than we expected. This was just the beginning of our cultural travels and blogs. 3 years turned into 6 years and included a time of residence in South Korea as well. The kids have all transitioned into and out of college leaving us as empty nesters, but not empty of ambitions to continue to explore the world. Come along with us as we seek to expand our understanding of this marvelous world in which we live! ... full info

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Hay storage

Storing hay up in trees keeps it from developing mold or rot on the bottom and prevents animals from munching on it.

Clean water station

Spaced throughout the countryside, these water wells are used daily to fill portable jugs

Along the way

Donkeys are ubiquitous in Ethiopia as are oversized loads of various cargo.

Off to market

Funeral procession

A huge crowd of white robed men and women showing respect

At the doorway

There are numerous priests serving each church. In general, a priest is educated and can be married and have a family. A monk on the otherhad, can not marry and is not necessarily educated. Each church has a "confession father". Similar to the Catholic faith, confessions are made but are done face to face in a private place.

Ethiopian Angels

Many churches had these same big eye'd angels painted onto the ceilings. To me, this is an iconic representation of Ethiopian churches.

Outer corridor

Guided by candle light, we traverse the secret corridor hewn out of rock surrounding the church of Abuna Abraham. This was one of my favorite churches.

Rooted

These ficus tree roots, said to be 400 years old, form a haunting wall around the Kings bath house in Gondar. A beautiful, peaceful place.

Medhane Alem Adi Kesho

A short but steep climb leads to this old church in the Tigray region.

Farm village in Tigray

As we wandered near this farm, we were invited into a family home by 2 women sitting outside. Immediately we were offered tea and a place to sit. The women had crosses tattooed on their forehead. It was dark with a dirt floor, but tidy. A picture of a priest and baskets were hanging on the wall. We met several generations and all greeted us with smiles. I am confident because of how this interaction occurred that it was NOT offered in expectation of money, but rather as simple hospitality.

iPhone pictures

Fred stopped to show some children her photographs. They were enthralled.

Returning from church

We dismounted our mules and climbed the final 1/2 hr to Asheten Mariam, passing worshippers returning from church.

Mountain top coffee ceremony

Tastes even more delicious after hiking and sitting on a mountain top, under a canopy of shade, looking out over the farm lands far below.

Hiking down from Asheten Mariam

We dismounted the mules for the steepest and rockiest sections of the trail between Lalibela and Asheten Mariam monastery.

Saturday market in Lalibela

100% locals market. Crowded, upbeat, sectioned by commodity (grains, scarves, donkeys, chilis, produce, ropes, cookware, bundles of sticks). I LOVE experiencing markets wherever I travel.

Baby donkeys always make me smile

Scarves at Lalibela market

I bought several. Ethiopians are known for their fine skills at weaving.

Red letter scripture

Just as in our Bible, the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible, using the Amharic language, prints Jesus' words in red.

23rd August 2020

Ake Och Emma
Ake Dahllof and Emma Holmbro

Trip down memory lane
We went to Ethiopia in 2005. I enjoyed reading your blog because a lot of nice memories came back reading it. We absolutely loved Lalibela and Gondar. But the most spectacular place we visited was Omo Valley. If you wish to read about our trip we last year digitized the old photos we took then and we wrote a blog entry. /Ake

23rd August 2020

Shanghai Sheri
Schroeder family

Ethiopia
Sounds like an exciting plane ride to the Omo! :) I loved Ethiopia. Can't wait to get out and explore again - hopefully 2021. Take care you two and thanks for your comment.

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Ethiopia - The Land Beyond

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