Thursday, 15 March 2012

Day 4: Mentewab's Palace and the local market (March 15)


This day was less epic in nature, but I was happy to see some things and then enjoy a lot of leisure time. If every day involved long drives and trekking in national parks, I might not last.


At two in the afternoon, my ride arrived. I first went to Qwesqwam palace, which was the home of Queen Mentewab. The Gondar administration is currently remodeling the palace; it was severely damaged by the Dervishes of Sudan and by actions during the Second World War. The palace is next to a church which was fully rebuilt by the order of Haile Selassie in 1962.

The next visit was to the local market. I was guided through the parts which had more traditional handicrafts and offerings: fresh food, spices, metal works (I witnessed a bit of smithing) and some nice dresses. I snapped a few pictures for the dress lovers in my life.

On March 16, I leave Gondar for the lower-elevation city of Bahir Dar. This next destination is on the shores of Lake Tana, considered the beginning of the Blue Nile (as opposed to the White Nile which starts from Lake Victoria, Kenya; the two sources merge near Khartoum). I will see a couple of things along the way, like the Blue Nile Falls.

Unfortunately, I can't guarantee I will have working internet in my next accommodations, so you might not hear from me for a few days!

Until then,

D. Madeley

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