Thursday, July 30, 2015

Torpedo, Mule Ride

Our guide Masresha took us to dinner at Ben Abeba -- this is a massive restaurant described as "Dali-esque" in our guidebook. We started out sitting in the corner on the top floor on what I would describe as a martini glass platform. Strong winds (i.e. knocked over glasses strong) moved us to the basement, covered area pretty quickly. The food was good and it was nice to socialize with Mas rather than talk history. He also brought his buddy (I need to get his name again!). We then walked, uninterrupted to city center and went to a traditional nightclub called Torpedo. Getting there was a walk through the classic dark alleyway, although this was dirt and straw and the openings were very narrow. The nightclub was low-ceilinged and decorated with animal skins, wall paintings reminiscent of the churches, scarves, baskets, and so on. The waitresses were dressed in typical country garb...colorful calico dresses with scarves -- very very long scarves -- tied around their waists. 

Mas ordered us three kinds of Tej - special, medium, and strong. We tried each one and each was delicious! Scary delicious. There was a taste of apricots, or is that mango, and a slightly smokey aftertaste. All were delicious, the strong version slightly less sweet.

A drummer, singer, and two dancers arrived and the show began with the singer, playing a stringed instrument, began his song, which apparently had religious overtones, thanking the Maker for allowing him to perform. 

Then the drumming and dancing began. There was a male and female dancer who did the local version of the shoulder shake dance. It is quite impressive .... these folks are talented! Unfortunately all three of us were called on to dance...I think this was pre-arranged by our guide. Very embarassing to be unable to keep up with the dancer --I think I matched 1 out of 5 of his moves.

On Friday morning we had to get up early (again) to take a mule ride up to Asheton Monestary. This monastery sits high atop the mountain overlooking Lalibela. My GPS recorded it as 5 miles..up up up. I felt very sorry for the donkies having to carry my hefty weight. We each had a muleer to help encourage and guide the mules. The scenery as you went up the summit was truly amazing, with villages, goats, farmers, and of course the spectacular view of the mountains. The monastery itself was okay...we kind of overdosed on monasteries and churches after four days worth!


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