The drive to Gondar was fun. We had a great driver who had something to say about everything we passed. And the drive was lovely. The road had just been built by the Chinese. In fact, in some places it was still under construction. But the quality of the work is high, and the people who live along the road seem to be doing reasonably well. There were long lines of farmers bringing livestock and crops to market.
The following pictures were taken on the road to Gondar.
Once in Gondar, we took a tour of the castles. Also built in the 1600s, these were the castles of the Gondorian kings, such as King Fasilidas. During this period, Gondar was the capital. The castles are amazing. Throughout our tour, rain fell constantly. But our tour guide was undaunted. He had memorized a million facts about the castles of Gondar and perfected his speech; a little rain would not slow him down.
After seeing the castles and a few other sites, we retired to our hotel room for the evening. We started watching a movie and then we experienced something that we would see several other times during our stay in Ethiopia: a power outage. Only this one lasted longer than average. In fact, half the city was without power, and it didn't return until midway through the next day. Luckily the hotel was still able to cook on their gas grills; so we had plenty to eat. The Taye Hotel was excellent. I recommend it if you go to Gondar.
The following pictures were taken on the road to Gondar.
Once in Gondar, we took a tour of the castles. Also built in the 1600s, these were the castles of the Gondorian kings, such as King Fasilidas. During this period, Gondar was the capital. The castles are amazing. Throughout our tour, rain fell constantly. But our tour guide was undaunted. He had memorized a million facts about the castles of Gondar and perfected his speech; a little rain would not slow him down.
After seeing the castles and a few other sites, we retired to our hotel room for the evening. We started watching a movie and then we experienced something that we would see several other times during our stay in Ethiopia: a power outage. Only this one lasted longer than average. In fact, half the city was without power, and it didn't return until midway through the next day. Luckily the hotel was still able to cook on their gas grills; so we had plenty to eat. The Taye Hotel was excellent. I recommend it if you go to Gondar.
