The Castles of Gonder...

*** Sorry for the long hiatus, I've been ill and seeking work in Vancouver. I'll pick this up again and keep going until I have all the entries. I'll also upload a whack of photos to the blog after the written entries are down. Yes there's desert, but eat your vegetables first. ***

Day 30, November 5

Today was composed primarily of a mini-bus trip from Bahir Dar to Gonder. After switching buses (really just cramped toyota 70s mini-vans) in Bahir we began our stop-and-go trip through the flat-farmland with the occaisional tree.

The mini-bus seemed to stop for every Ethiopian on the road and the trip was slow-going. At times space was shared with small children, a chicken, and a cat.

Large and heated discussions the nature of which I can only guess, were had in every small town along the way. As is usual in this country, the road was filled with people, meandering cows and donkeys, and the occaisional oxen cart.

We eventually headed into some high hills that I guessed to be the foothills of the Simien Mountains. A few rocky towers jutted from the tree-covered hills. The slopes of the hills were covered with terraced farmland.

Now I am in Gonder. Tomorrow I plan to see the castles and sort out my Simien tour.

Day 31, November 6

This morning, as I went in search of the post and telecom building, I developed a pre-pubescent entourage that seemed intent on practicing their english and getting to know me. In any event, they proved helpful as they led me to a phone where I got a hold of my local Simien tour operator Bedassa.

I met Bedassa at the hotel and we chatted. Everything is set for my trek to begin tomorrow. He explained that Gonder was the "Camelot of Africa" because of its castles. I had spied these buildings down a road during my morning search and took it upon myself to go and explore. I stealthily ditched my entourage first.

The castle compound was very impressive. A total of six 17th Century palaces are in the area. Some have been reduced to ruin while others stand as if new. Their designs are quite unique with domed cupolas and high parapets. In a couple you can freely wander from room to room and out onto promenades. I found myself taking many pictures. Apparently, as a wayward guide told me, each castle was constructed by a separate emperor.

My entourage found me outside the castle compound. There are sometimes when you don't want to be accompanied. I'm back at the hotel now looking forward to the mountains.