Greetings family and friends. Marcia and I are now in the ancient city of Aksum, Ethiopia after flying here from Gonder. A road trip would have taken all day compared to a 30 minute flight from Gonder. Highway systems don't really exist in most of Ethiopia.
We're are surprised that Aksum wasn't mentioned much in our history books. This place has a lot of history relating to civilization development and Christianity and some Islam. It is currently mostly Orthodox Christian. We didn't hear any "call to prayer" from a Mosque. I believe they said there wasn't a mosque in this city anymore. Aksum was a powerful trade community for about 800 years prior to 600 AD. Arch of Covenant is supposedly here. Queen of Sheba's son brought it here (maybe). There are also some interesting tombs here with tall granite stones demarking the areas. They were quarried not far from here and hauled on rollers. Weight of some is near 500 tons. Interesting. They almost look like large obelesks.
We are continually amazed at this countries infrastructure, or lack of. Everyone seems to be on the move around towns and in the countryside.
Marcia is helping economy. She is purchasing lots of little nick nacks.
We flew from Gonder to here. Much easier to fly than drive around here. Today we fly to Lalibela before heading back to Addis and then south to Wondo Genet where Bob and Nancy live. Then on to Bale National Park.
Peace to you all.
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