Lalibela - Axum

17 May 2016

It is with a tinge of sadness I am leaving Lalibela. I know I was only here for a short time but I really enjoyed my time here and met so many lovely, kind people.

Anyway, as with life, I must move on...  I am now off the Axum. Axum is where Christianity arrived in the 4th century and it is the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox faith.  Basically this place is not only old but VERY OLD!

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First thought on arrival: it is really hot, dusty and dry. There are a lot of goats and donkeys.

I decided to hire a tuk tuk driver for the afternoon to just take me around to a few places. He was a young guy studying to become a guide. He was only 1 year in so his knowledge wasn't amazing but in all honesty I didn't really care.

He took me to a few sights, but really I was kind of bored.

Visited:
- Kaleb and Gebre Meskel's Tombs
- Ezana Inscriptions
- Dongar Palace
- Gudit Stelae Field

The fun part was visiting some local brew house where there were only old men sat around.  They sold something called tella, which looks and tastes like a malt/grain drink. I was only allowed to buy it in a massive jug for $0.50. I told them I didn't need a massive jug but they wouldn't sell it to me otherwise. I literally only had a few sips when it dawned on me that hygiene was probably not great (and I'm having stomach issues right now) so gave the rest away to the old men.

Jug of tella for $0.50

This is the drink hole. Basically someones home

Not very appealing to look at. Has floating bits in it. Tastes not that bad.

Also, there is a religious festival on at the moment and priests and monks from all over have gathered in Axum. Lots of festivities going on.

Waiting for the procession to begin

The festivities begin. Priests parade

 As the sun began to get we were all given candles. We then lit them and it was so beautiful, although I was a but scared as the candle flames were blowing everywhere and everyone had a candle. Thankfully my hair was tied up and I dont wear a headscarf!

Pilgrims holding candles at dusk

How long do I hold onto the candle before I burn myself? 

Let there be light