Day two - Gonder

Yesterday morning, we ate breakfast at the hotel and then were picked up by our trusty guide and driver. We left around 7, and began the drive to Gonder, about 3 hours directly, but we drove a bit out of our way to visit a particular village.  It is called Awra Amba Community and it is an intentional community; there is a set of 5 basic principles that all members of the community must agree to live by.  They live cooperatively and are self sufficient.  The guide described it as "an atheist community" but I think what he meant is it is not exclusive to any religion.  The reception guide at the community said they believe we are all created by the same creator.  Anyway, it was a very cool experience, and I bought their little book to learn more about the community.  One of the highlights was visiting their home for the elderly.  It was beautiful to see how they are fed, bathed, and cared for, even those who don't have children to care for them.  It felt a little like we were gawking, so before we left the room, we went around and held each person's hand and said "Salom" (Peace") and gave a hug if they wanted.  This seemed to make their day, and I hope they could sense our respect and love.  One of the men asked where we were from, and when our guide told him we were from Canada, they all got very excited.  Once of the women said she remembers Canada sending grain during the famine, and she kissed my had many times.  It was very moving.

The Library - The shelves and tables are made out wood, covered with straw and mud, and then coated with ash and cow dung.

The fuel-efficient clay ovens

The weaving room - It was Sunday, so no one was weaving.  On Sundays they have the chance to do work "for themselves" beyond what they do for the community.

After that, we continued the drive to Gonder, arriving mid-morning.  We checked into our hotel, which, while still simple, is much nicer than the last one!  We also met the tour company owner who arranged the trip for us.  He is a very nice man and seemed very glad to have our business.  He also owns the hotel that we are staying at. We had some bread and local honey for a little snack, and then walked to a nearby restaurant for lunch.  The chef told us the fish was very good, so Dave and I both had that, and he was right!  So yummy!  And it was served with vegetables!  We have been lacking in fruits and vegetables until now.  The kids also enjoyed their meals; the hamburgers and fries tasted how they expected! lol.

The guide met us back at the hotel around 2 and we walked to see the palaces.  They are so incredible!  It's amazing to hear how they have lasted all this time, and some stories of the Emperors who built them.  Werku, the guide, was great and knew all sorts of little details.  He is also so good with the kids, playing hide and seek with them and showing them things that they would find interesting.

In the lions' cage... There were lions here until 1990!

After the palaces, we went to an Orthodox church, where there was actually a service in progress.  It is very different from church at home, of course, but I will say they are very devout!  People here are on day 13 of a 16 day fast, and there are church services every day, all throughout the day.  These are broadcast on some sort of loudspeaker for all to hear! lol.  Not so great for taking a nap, but it adds an interesting element to the atmosphere.

The last stop was at Fasilides' Baths, which the emperor built over 300 years ago and are open every January for Timkat for blessings and bathing.  It was incredible to  imagine what it is like when filled with water and people.

One thing I love about Werku is he is good at sensing when the kids have had enough and cutting things a little short.  I think there were 2 more stops planned for the afternoon, but we quit there and went back to the hotel.

The plan had been an early supper and then bedtime, but when we went to leave the hotel at 5, the clerk told us that the owner wanted us to go for dinner at 7 where we could see traditional Ethiopian dancing.  We decided that would be fun, so we fed the kids a snack and waited until 7.  Our driver was waiting for us when we left the hotel, and he took us to the restaurant.  I had understood that the owner was going with us, but I guess not.  The restaurant was very nicely decorated and the service was excellent. Unfortunately, I ordered food I didn't really like, and the kids were so tired they could barely eat.  Thomas fell asleep at the table and we ended up leaving before any dancing had started! The staff were very concerned that we weren't happy, but it wasn't really their fault - just the circumstances!

We carried the kids to the van (the driver had waited for us while we ate, thankfully, because it was pitch black!) and went back to the hotel.  The wifi was out, so no blogging for me, and we went to bed.   And so ended day two of our tour!