Geo: 11.6, 37.3833Lake Tana is the primary reason that Bahir Dar exists. It is a huge lake - one of the largest in Africa and it feeds the Blue Nile River which flows up to the White Nile (what we simply call the Nile) and on to the Mediterranean. There are several small islands on the lake, most of which have monasteries. Most accept visitors but some do not allow women. Of course, these are the most interesting historically but, oh well. We visited three. One is actually on a penisula but it is still easiest reached by a motor boat and then you have transport to others. The first we visited, Ura Kinane Meret, has the largest church - a classic tukol style building which is round kind of looks like a yurt. There is ... read more

Geo: 11.6, 37.3833We started the day when we were awakened by the call to prayer from the nearby Mosque. The pension is about a block from it and we are on side of the building closest to the mosque. I have never experienced this before - they do the first call before the roosters start crowing so I think it must have started about 3-3:30am. (Note: each day since has been a bit different so not sure what the rule is based on day of week).We started the day out slowly trying to find an internet 'shop' - no internet cafes here - lot's of coffee cafes though. This turned out to be more of a challenge than we were expecting. There are lots of places with internet but only a few that have any kind ... read more

Geo: 12.0743, 38.8785NOTE: Carole has updated this with more details about our time in Lalibela - plus photos!We came to Lalibela yesterday via Ethiopia Airlines. Interesting story to come on that experience.Richard had purchased the tickets online before we left the US and sometime after that his credit card was used fraudulently so the card was cancelled. We get to check in at the airport and the ticket agent asked to see the credit card. Hmmm, this was obviously going to be a problem because Richard cut it up. After lengthy discussion trying to explain what happened (by the way, the charge had been processed and Richard had already paid the bill) we ended up having to buy tickets all over again. It is important to note that this is not just an Ethiopian Airlines policy. ... read more

Geo: 33.4253, -111.727Here are some basics facts about Ethiopia:- Located in Northeast Africa; it shares borders with Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya and Djibouti.- It is the tenth largest country in Africa - about twice the size of Texas.- Climate varies by region, from temperate highlands to hot lowland desert.- Geography is very diverse. Ethiopia has altitudes that span the lowest point in Africa in the Danakil Desert, where Luci, and the more recently discovered, even older skeleton, were discovered and also is the home of the 4th highest mountain in Africa - Das Rashem at over 14,000 feet. Contrary to the images of drought and mass starvation that most westerners remember about Ethiopia, the country is also home to the most extensive indigenous rainforest to be found anywhere in Eastern Africa. The Central highlands are openly ... read more