An amazing road that leads from Lalibela down into the surrounding rural areas. it is being built with Chinese assistance. it must be a boon to regional communities that now have much easier access to the outside world. Spectacular views...
The road is still being built with the assistance of local communities.
A new village rising from the plain at the bottom of the switchback road, probably resulting from the improved access to Lalibela.
Tarmac was still being laid on the road as we passed. the young women had the job of sweeping the new surface.
Not sure what the men were doing...likely heading home to their farms.
Cereal crops ready to harvest, A spectacular vista.
Traditional transport.
An intercrop of teff (to make Injira) and safflower (for cooking oil).
As we progressed along the valley we started to see more and more people all walking in the same direction, there must have been hundreds over a few kilometers. Some distance along the road, they all veered off into a field and we realised that they were heading for a funeral.
Our destination, the small village below the church.
The public conveniences, left to the 'Laddise' and right to the 'Jentle men'.
Ticket office art work.
The church of Yemrehanna Kristos. It was built in a cave in the 12th century and is still used today.
Entrance to the church. Many centuries of use.
Church frescoes.
Photogenic priest.
Back in the village, a welcome cup of coffee.
Heading back down the valley a couple of hours later we met the funeral crowd heading home.
Local foosball parlour.
Heading back to Lalibela, located on top of the knife edge ridge in the foreground.
From whence we came. An amazing road and a spectacular view from our hotel.
