We boarded our boat again, and set off for the island of Dek on Lake Tana. It is the lake's largest, and houses Narga Selassie, built in the 18th century. We arrived and hiked up a small incline to the monastery. Again, it was painted top to bottom with bibles scenes and even local legends. There is a picture of an angel spearing a giant fish, which according to local legend was harassing a town on Lake Tana. Again, such beauty, hidden inside a shed.
After getting back on the boat, we had an almost two hour ride across the rest of Lake Tana to arrive in the town of Gogora, and then another hour drive to Gonder, our home base for the next two nights.
The drive to Gonder was a lesson in how many people live in the world outside the U.S. We were driving on a dirt road, watching little children wave as they watched their herd of cattle, then we saw literally hundreds of people walking the road, returning from the market. People waving and smiling, with goods balanced on their heads - including one lady who had not one, but two live chickens in a basket on her head. Goats and sheep tied to the tops of busses, everyone carrying something and walking that hot, dusty, rough road. Everyone eyeing our caravan with curiosity and waving. It was something I'd never seen before.
We arrived, with that strange other worldliness that generally defines American tourism, at out new hotel. A beautiful lodge resort that sits on a hill overlooking Gonder. Absolutely gorgeous views of the city, big rooms with comfy beds. So strange. It's not like I would change places with the people walking in the dust, but it does make you think. And be grateful.
There was a wedding tonight. Tons of chanting and singing, and balloons and chanting and dancing. And chanting. The chanting is infectious and raises your spirit like nothing else. The sheer energy and joy and celebratory spirit is wonderful to witness.
After getting back on the boat, we had an almost two hour ride across the rest of Lake Tana to arrive in the town of Gogora, and then another hour drive to Gonder, our home base for the next two nights.
The drive to Gonder was a lesson in how many people live in the world outside the U.S. We were driving on a dirt road, watching little children wave as they watched their herd of cattle, then we saw literally hundreds of people walking the road, returning from the market. People waving and smiling, with goods balanced on their heads - including one lady who had not one, but two live chickens in a basket on her head. Goats and sheep tied to the tops of busses, everyone carrying something and walking that hot, dusty, rough road. Everyone eyeing our caravan with curiosity and waving. It was something I'd never seen before.
We arrived, with that strange other worldliness that generally defines American tourism, at out new hotel. A beautiful lodge resort that sits on a hill overlooking Gonder. Absolutely gorgeous views of the city, big rooms with comfy beds. So strange. It's not like I would change places with the people walking in the dust, but it does make you think. And be grateful.
There was a wedding tonight. Tons of chanting and singing, and balloons and chanting and dancing. And chanting. The chanting is infectious and raises your spirit like nothing else. The sheer energy and joy and celebratory spirit is wonderful to witness.
Beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos.
Wonderful Jilly.
If Jill suddenly became a travel book writer, I would buy every single one. Simply amazing photos and incredible narration of everything you are doing, seeing and inlayed with inspiring personal observations. Cannot wait for more :-)
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