Walking shoeless on carpets
inside the Beta Medhane Alem,
we saw graves
tapestries and
sacred icons.
Through rock corridors
past windows with symbolic shapes
we visited 6 of the 12 churches said to have been completed within 24 years of Lalibela's vision.
Ark of the Covenant (or replica)
with detailed rock carvings
and ceiling frescos
through narrow passage ways
entertained by singing children
tripping down pathways to the
seemingly small, but tall cross shaped Beta Ghiorghis. (Note above, people down in corner)
Front steps each tall ~0.5 m.
rest, Beta Ghiorghis foundation
Inside, an ancient religious text
ancient toolbox latch: early screw
Later, lunching at modern hotel
provided by Ethiopian Airlines
poinsettia in garden
cobblestone streets
back down mountainside
sharing road
airport VIP lounge
gift laden group ready to board
for return flight, passing over lake..
by Cheshire polio rehab. center
and Addis Ababa ring freeway
approaching landing at Bole,
Addis Ababa's busy airport