On the road #2

From Debark to Axum

The road follows the cliff.

Small mountains north of Debark.

An impressive road.

In a few years, the road will be paved.

Stupidity...

Ethiopians are in general very nice, but when they are behind the wheel, they are sometimes a bit stupid.

The road is blocked by a bulldozer that must open the way so that we may pass. These four drivers, instead of lining up, have decided that they should be the first to go on.

The result: when the bulldozer opened the way, the cars were not able to go forward because they were blocking one another.

Unfortunately, it is a very frequent behaviour.

Yeha Temple

Yeha Temple is considered the oldest structure of Ethiopia. The temple, partly restored, dates from the 5th century before Christ.

The temple measuring 18 m by 15 m is made of rock building blocks perfectly fitted together without any mortar. Archeological researches have lead to the discovery of real treasures in the structure that was probably converted to a church in the 6th century.

Perfect fitting of the rock blocks.

Compound entrance.

Carving in Geez and Amharic.

Ancient crosses and crowns.

Old religious manuscripts.

Looking like a lion?

The road going to the temple.

From Axum to Adigrat

Whatever the slope, it is always a 10% sign.

Ethiopia is rapidly developing and many roads are now paved. However, the roads have been widened to the modern standards and sometimes the results are surprising.

In this village, houses have simply been cut in half to leave space for the road.

The houses have been cut in two.