Bahir Dar

On the move again, this time back to Addis Ababa. Timings are vague. It all depends on Addis traffic. The roads of Ethiopia are interesting. On the whole the quality is good however the main road seems to be more than a road. It is also a farmyard, a bathroom, a shopping precinct, a promenade, a donkey sanctuary, public swimming baths and school. All forms of life are found on these roads.

Eventually (5hours) we reach Addis. This time we are staying at the much nicer Ras Hotel. What a treat! It has hot showers, carpets, electric key cards (they never work!) and Roast Chicken on the menu. The hotel also played to Nelson Mandela in the 1960s are there is plenty of memorabilia around, especially in the room he stayed.

After the suptous lunch (chips and ice cream as well!) we embark on a shopping expedition. Addis is big, busy, bustling and a little grimy in the late afternoon room. We stumble on a western style supermarket and the faces of the challengers are lit up by the availability of Pringles, Galaxy Ripples and chocolate cereals.

It would seem priority number 1 for several of the challengers now is shopping. The hunt is on for jewellery, trinkets, scarves, fabric, fridge magnets etc to be taken home.

We go to bed early because breakfast is booked for 5am, with the bus leaving at 6am. We have a 10 hour bus journey ahead of us.

This journey turned into 13 hours. This was due to a flat tyre and a slightly longer lunch. Also the sudden return to rich, copious and meaty food compared to the healthy yet simple trekking meals has meant a few stomachs turning. Not to mention the countless herds of cows, donkeys, chickens, horses and baboons that we have to dodge.

Eventually we reach Bahir Dar. It is hotter here are a malaria zone so cover up, spray on the DEET and get in that mozzie net.

The next morning it's raining. With enthusiasm however we clamour into boats and head to an island in Lake Tanna. The island is home to a ornate monastery. The lake is a little bit choppy, and the rain decided to pick up. It got quite heavy and by the time we reached the island we were soaked through! The monastery however was extraordinary. Stories from the bible we're beautifully and colourfully portrayed across the walls. 

On the way back to the boats several makeshift stalls had been set up with trinkets to buy. Shopping!

Thankfully the journey back was rain free and we even combined a stop at the source of the Blue Nile.

In the afternoon we drove along the Nile to the Blue Nile Falls. The falls were stunning and full because its the rainy season. At 400metres wide the falls are loud and powerful. A real highlight of the trip.

Walking back there are suddenly salespeople. Shopping! Scarves! Flutes! 

Tomorrow we drive to our final stop, Gondar. Many of the challengers are excited to return home but have had and continue to have a great time.