Tuesday 1 March 2011

Wonderful Colourful Vibrant Ethiopia

Little boys at Queen Sheba's Ruins stand high on the fence to ask us for sweets. All of them wore clothes that are either in tatters or patched up in a few places. Nonetheless, their smiles are sweet, their manners gracious.











On far left, the 14th century colourful frescoes from ceiling to floor, all depicting stories from the Bible. These frescoes - still vibrant in their varied hues inspite of the years, are hidden inside plain monasteries made of bamboo, wood with thatched roof.

On right, a faithful man cloaked in white shawl and headdress makes his way to the monastery for evening prayers.




Locals walked everywhere. Some more fortunate ones travel in horse-driven carts like this.

Tourists like us get the 20-seater bus with a wisp of airconditioning thrown in.











Brisk business at a local convenience stall, even the camels have to queue up to buy a drink!























Me in quiet reflection at the obelisk site in Aksum














"A slow day in business", pictur of a local souvenir shop











Colour memories all sketched in my travelogue, of a vibrant and beautiful country and people.

High tea in style

Jennifer Crewes made a score of scones, whipped up clotted cream and produced fruit jam from a jar, and voila, we had Devonshire High Tea at home. Complete with English Porcelain teacups and saucers, and a three tiered plate to hold the tasty scones.