EAT, DRINK, AND be merry, for tomorrow you will be in Debark. Ethiopia’s first permanent capital contains an historic castle, and if you’re heading north, is your last chance to stock up and eat up before hitting the mountains.
A young porter in the market waiting for work.
A group of wedding guests singing in Gondar Castle.
There must have been six or more wedding parties taking place the day we visited the castle.
There is no shrtage of colour at an Ethiopian wedding.
Some fine costume were out and about on this wedding day.
Villages outside the city remain traditional farming communities.
An elaborate hairstyle lights up an alrady bright face.
We spent an afternoon in Gondar's market stocking up for our Simien Mountains hike. A goat fossicks as men sift grain.
While the supply of goods wasn't that great (but way better than Debark) there were plenty of frienndly faces.
Guests and musicians sang and anced there way through the castle grounds.
A home made soccer ball does the job. That one looks better than some of the plastic bag jobs we saw.
Work is hard to come by, and these porters would live day to day doing piece work.
Gondar was founded by Emperor Fasilides around the year 1635, and in the 17th century had a population of 60,000. It was probably the first instance of an Ethiopian Emperor having a fixed capital.
Besides the castle, many centuries old Orthodox churches can be seen outside town.
Guardian of Debre Birhan Selassie Church, which dates from the 1880s, although other buildings on site are earlier.
2133m above sea level, surrounded by mountains, when it rains, it rains. Two days later, we were on a four day hike.
Gondat Castle complex of includes two castles, palace, banqueting hall, stables, a chancellery, library and three churches. But the wedding parties are the best bit.
Woven goods in the market place.
Arguably the most impressive monument in the country, and a fine example of castle building by any standards.
Wedding guests sing for the newlyweds at Gonder Castle, Ethiopia.
The grounds of the castle complex are popular with locals looking for a day out.