The Details Of Ethiopia

You can tell a bit about a country and its culture by the little things. Architectural details, utility designs, small touches that let you know you're nowhere else, but Ethiopia.

Bright hut in the hills.

Post box and blanket hanging on a line, Bahirdar.

The Mona Lisa, adapted for the lobby of a hotel in Axum.

Tin utility shack in Axum and the rest/break place for a guard at the entrance to one of the churches in Lalibela.

Plant protection, Gondar.

Bet Neakutoleab Cave Church

Outside of Lalibela is Bet Neakutoleab, a church tucked into a mountain overhang. It's a little rough around the edges, but that's to be expected when trying to maintain a church under a water-dripping mountainside.

The approach is down a path and then into the mountain.

The resident, elegant Priest.

Icon details.

Brightly painted dais outside the church.

Another look at the decorative elements inside Neakutoleab.

Everyday Life In Ethiopia

A few small scenes of life in Ethiopia.

Sunset on the deck of the Goha Hotel in Gondar.

Souvenir shop owner, Lalibela.

Rural yard. Woman seeking shade, Gondar.

Women waiting for the bus, Lalibela.

Inside The Churches At Lalibela

When you carve a church out of solid rock, there's not a lot of room for huge, soaring windows. The interior spaces of the Lalibela churches are mostly dark and a bit cramped, to be expected with solid rock walls and the need to support heavy roofs.

There is still room for altars and some religious ornamentation. The works need to adjust to the spaces provided.

Young priest on duty.

More looks at Lalibela church interiors.

The Rock Hewn Churches Of Lalibela

One of the most amazing sites in Ethiopia is the 11 churches carved into the rock hillside of Lalibela. They're closer to giant sculptures than constructed churches, a huge endeavor of chiseling madness.

The churches date to the 12th century when King Lalibela decided he needed a "New Jerusalem." It's now, naturally, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The entrance to one of the churches. Pavilions have been constructed over several of the churches to protect them from the elements.

Taking a step inside. The churches are still active and priests are happy to show you around.

Another church.

A window detail shows a standard Ethiopian architectural design. Trenches connect many of the churches, a rough contrast to the refinement of the buildings.

Morning prayers.

More details, showing the variety of design.

One of the bigger churches, two stories tall. Yes, carved out of one piece of stone and including a multi-story floor plan.

Jelly Sandals In Ethiopia

The national shoe of Ethiopia? Bright jelly sandals. They're everywhere, on everyone. Great colors and a great bargain.

Shop owner, rocking the jelly look.

Shoe change area, Lalibela.

Sandal samples.

No shortage of options at the local jelly vendor.

The height of jelly fashion, the multiple color look.