And, I regret to say, yet another boring day. Started off by stopping off at the municipal rubbish dump (!), to see storks, vultures, egrets, kites and goodness knows what else. Then on, past pools of water lilies, to the start of our trek to the Blue Nile Falls. Over the Portuguese bridge (built in the 1600s when the Jesuits were trying to convert the country to their brand of the true faith).
In spite of our experiences in the Simien mountains and Debark, this is very definitely the dry season, so the water coming over the falls is a poor shadow of what it can offer, but still impressive. (Also, most of the water is diverted just upstream for the hydroelectric power plant). Cass says that, in full flood, the falls are 400m wide by 45m deep. Somehow, walking in the Peak District will never be the same again.
We continued our walk through, as usual, glorious countryside with verdant fields - the sugarcane was particularly green, tall and straight. Also fields of qat / khat. Long discussions as to whether this is legal in UK- we decided yes, but only just.
Then it was another cup of coffee in a straw hut, not quite the same as back home.
Upon return to base, Shannan, Ian and I went for a walk around the main market - totally different to St Albans! Almost medieval in its layout, with large areas set aside for different things - fruit/veg - beautifully presented - spices (what an aroma!), shoes, ladies wear etc etc. Even one "street" reserved solely for 20 or so tailors with their sewing machines.
Later, we with Anki and Ross went to the spa next door for our evening meal - and what a meal. We all agreed the best in all of our trip so far. I had grilled marinated vegetables as a starter, followed by seasoned Nile perch. Surprise surprise, we all finished off with a chocolate brownie. Just superb.
Time to go to bed after yet another fantastic day
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