Lalibela village is high up in the mountains - there is a half hour taxi ride up a steep winding tarred road from the airport and spectacular views.
We were booked into the Tukul Lodge and had a quick lunch before meeting our guide for a tour of the famous rock hewn churches.
The churches date from the 12th century and are still used for active worship. The tops are flush with ground level and they have been dug out of the rock by hand.
St George's church has a roof pattern of a cross and you enter by descending down a sloping narrow passage cut into the rock.
The churches are in the village and surrounded by houses.
We had an interesting evening. After a birthday supper for Eugene we wandered down into the village to watch the end of the soccer between Manchester United and Chelsea. We found a communal TV in a large shack where over 50 villagers were watching the match. Afterwards we played pool with a couple of youngsters and were given friendship tokens.
The next morning we were up early again to catch the 9h00 flight back to Addis. All went well until just before touch down there was a bang and the nose cone of the starboard propeller flew off. We landed ok and taxied back on one engine. Gradually the word spread amongst the passengers and there was much excitement and photo taking.
Mulagetu was waiting at the airport with the Toyota Bakkie and we were soon back at the house.
Location:Lalibela, Ethiopia
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