Lalibela Ethiopia - A big adventure to the north

We headed north for one more adventure.  This is the area where most of the "troubles" come from.  So once we were on the ground and moving we saw a significant military presence and several check points we went through.  

Beautiful views as we went further up the mountain - roughly 8200 feet above sea level.  A friend of Dawit's helped us get booked in to a very cool hotel for the night - with amazing views of the valley below.  

We came to see the churches.  Lots of theories on their ages and how they got built but it falls in the range of roughly 900 years ago - some say angels helped carve them.  It is thought it was built as the second Jerusalem.  

The part that makes it all so fascinating is that the are carved from the top down.  Solid rock not structures that are build up with stone/wood.  

Even got tuk tuk rides over to the site. 

Addis Ababa Ethiopia - One more day to wander

 

Had another solo day to get out and wander.  

Addis originally started at the top of the mountain and built down.  The current center, where I am staying, is somewhere in the middle.  So to see many of the older sites it is a walk up the side of the mountain.  

Some how got the rain to agree with my walking plans today.  Got up where I was headed and back to a lunch spot before the first wave came through.  Enjoyed a rainy lunch under a thatched pagoda before it let up and I got back before the next wave hit.