We flew from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dan today. It took only about an hour to fly to this city that sits on the southern tip of Lake Tana, where the Blue Nile flows.
Our lodge was spectacular. Very pretty vegetation, birds, and little half cottages that are very roomy and relaxing...just down the street from men sitting in the street, women carrying chickens, and the obviously less than well-to-do carrying on with real life.
We met our caravan drivers. We are being driven around in six white 2008 Toyota Pathfinders. It looks like the white people are seriously in town when we roll through. While comfortable and convenient, they aren't exactly conducive to getting the shots I want. Despite all my best efforts, I can't leap from the car. Although I've had my hand on the door handle a number of times.
We begin our seriously early trek to the Blue Nile Falls. We had to take a little local ferry ride across the river to get to the falls trail. On our turn over, we had a collision with another boat - full of people. After a lot of yelling and negotiations with poles, we were separated, but in the Malay, our boat's motor had become detached from our boat. Some on the spot repairs were made and we were on our way.
The falls are known locally as "Water that Smokes" or "Smoke of the Nile." This is due to the mist that falls from the 45 meter high falls. It is also 400 meters wide. It has been somewhat stymied by the hydroelectric plant that controls the flow, but we weren't disappointed. It was flowing great today!
At each of these kind of challenging stops, stops that involve hiking over somewhat complicated terrain for any amount of time, it is possible to hire young men who can assist those who need it. They will hold your arm or hand to help you over rocks or stairs, and chat with anyone who will listen. For a hike that took roughly 2 hours, these men were paid 100 birr - or $5.50.
At the falls, there was a fashion shoot going on, cattle roaming about and young men wanting to chat in English. It was a long, hot hike, but worth it. On the way back,we got a glimpse of a bridge that the Portuguese built here in 1632.
Our lodge was spectacular. Very pretty vegetation, birds, and little half cottages that are very roomy and relaxing...just down the street from men sitting in the street, women carrying chickens, and the obviously less than well-to-do carrying on with real life.
We met our caravan drivers. We are being driven around in six white 2008 Toyota Pathfinders. It looks like the white people are seriously in town when we roll through. While comfortable and convenient, they aren't exactly conducive to getting the shots I want. Despite all my best efforts, I can't leap from the car. Although I've had my hand on the door handle a number of times.
We begin our seriously early trek to the Blue Nile Falls. We had to take a little local ferry ride across the river to get to the falls trail. On our turn over, we had a collision with another boat - full of people. After a lot of yelling and negotiations with poles, we were separated, but in the Malay, our boat's motor had become detached from our boat. Some on the spot repairs were made and we were on our way.
The falls are known locally as "Water that Smokes" or "Smoke of the Nile." This is due to the mist that falls from the 45 meter high falls. It is also 400 meters wide. It has been somewhat stymied by the hydroelectric plant that controls the flow, but we weren't disappointed. It was flowing great today!
At each of these kind of challenging stops, stops that involve hiking over somewhat complicated terrain for any amount of time, it is possible to hire young men who can assist those who need it. They will hold your arm or hand to help you over rocks or stairs, and chat with anyone who will listen. For a hike that took roughly 2 hours, these men were paid 100 birr - or $5.50.
At the falls, there was a fashion shoot going on, cattle roaming about and young men wanting to chat in English. It was a long, hot hike, but worth it. On the way back,we got a glimpse of a bridge that the Portuguese built here in 1632.
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