l a l i b e l a
Lalibela is much like Petra or Kapadokya--buildings carved out of stone...tuff, to be exact. But in Lalibela, they did it the hard way, first having to carve the tuff (volcanic ash hardened into rock) down 15-20'/5-6m (at the least).
Having lunch in one of Lalibela's few restaurants, we met a young man from a village 20 miles away, who told us the next morning would be a feast day at St. Mary's Church (Bet Maryam) and that special services would start early the next morning. We were out of our hotel room at sunrise for the 15 minute walk to the church. We have NEVER regretted getting up early, and this was no exception...we were the only faranji (foreigners/Europeans) there and the music and singing and people-watching was great. So foreign and exotic! These first six pictures (hopefully) capture the atmosphere.
Bet Amenuel is one of the Eastern group of churches right in Lalibela. We especially liked the beautiful carving of the windows and walls. What do you think?
Bet Giyorgis is cross-shaped, which you can see when you're looking into the carved hole made by faithful Christians or angels (depending on who you believe).
We thought these huts looked especially African.
Bet Gabriel-Rufael is rather difficult to get to--steep, slippery steps and tracks, but worth it. You can see typical Axumite windows--little pointed arches give them away...
The left margin shows two (of seven!) Ethiopian pillows/headrests we couldn't resist.
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