We enter the famous historical town of Axum and are left speechless and disappointed as so many before us: “Is this it!?”
The most famous stelae field is partly under construction and not maintained, despite it being a UNESCO heritage site, but as promised by our obligatory guide and future archeologist (and confirmed by different guide books) about 80% awaits uncovering.
Some of the amazing interlocking stonemasonry in the tombs are reminding us of those of the Inca and Aztec temples and pyramids of South America.
The festival ‘for the woman’ is under way and this gives them (mostly girls with drums) a new incentive to beg of these “faranji” (foreigners) incessantly.
Uli, with his long grey beard, is quite often compared to a figure in their legends and priests are fascinated by his appearance and only the language barrier keeps them from taking him up in their midst!
Turning point
On the 30.8.2009, a Sunday, we reached Debre Damo, an isolated monastery lying on a 3000 meter high table mountain, reachable only with a leather rope along sheer cliffs.
This is the most northerly point (N14°23.094, E039°16.658) on our journey. Coincidently we had done exactly 20,018 Km up to now and have completed our third month of continuous daily adventures. A bottle of champagne in the clear mountain air was called for and even the ‘give, give’ children can not postpone this simple pleasure!
From now on ‘life’ will be much easier as we will go back south wards. (Most of the time!)
We have another highlight today: the
And you thought that it was to get easier.....little did you know!
ReplyDelete