I'm changing up the theme today from wildlife & scenery to culture. I love exploring new destinations, meeting the people, becoming immersed in and photographing the local culture. Since my flight to Namibia took me through Ethiopia, on the way home I spent 4 days exploring the capital city, Addis Ababa.
Out for a stroll on my third morning, I met a local guide who took me to the Be'ata Monastery, one of the oldest Ethiopian Orthodox monasteries in Addis Ababa. Luckily, he was able to get us inside for a tour. The air was filled with incense, which added definition and contrast to the light shafts emanating through the stained glass. In the basement were tombs of royals - Emperor Menelik II (1844 - 1913) along with his wife and daughter. Menelik II is most revered for defeating the Italian army, thus preventing defending Ethiopia from being colonized. Among the artifacts were bibles so old they were written on goatskin, and what I believe I was told was an original da Vinci painting, though I have not been able to verify this or match it to any of his works. Since very few exist, it was likely a replica or da Vinci-inspired piece.
Hope you enjoy. I have more to share in the coming days, both wildlife and cultural images...
Colin
