Went to Lalibela last weekend. It is one of the must do sights in Ethiopia. You’ll have seen it on TV no doubt, on some travel show. We had. Lots of rock hewn churches built by angels (according to legend!) some 900 years ago. I don’t want to sound un-enthusiastic, but it was hot and I got bitten to death by fleas. Had some fairly awful Ethiopian food too. Anyway, here are some photos so you can see for yourselves:

The first two are Bet Giyorgis or Saint George, unusual as it was set apart from the others. Apparently, Saint George was upset that none of the churches in Lalibela was dedicated to him so he went to see King Lalibela to complain. Lalibela then built the best church in the town for him!

When we got home, after the usual argument with taxi drivers, Mekdes had made lunch and prepared a coffee ceremony. Fabulous! The mesir wat (spicy lentil thing) is delicious and I got her to teach me how to make it this week. Of course, I have plenty of time for cooking lessons now as I told the Dean I wouldn’t go in to college until he phoned me with some work. I’m not going to pretend to work. I said to him that I thought it was a shame that they weren’t using my skills! VSO have said there is a possibility of something short-term at the Ministry of Education in Addis so I am waiting to hear. I’d rather be in Gondar but I would go to Addis if there was work.

Rainy season seems to be over and the garden is starting to look parched. Apart from the parsley, that is, which seems to have taken over.

We’ve been waiting a couple of weeks for parcels to arrive from the UK and then, as usual, they all arrived at once. Loads of goodies including some divine shortbread which we have just finished (thanks mum!). Mike has finally got started on his OU course now so we both have studying to do.