https://www.safaribookings.com/day/t21782

We’re arriving and immediately leaving by plane to our adventure to Lalibela which is home to the 12th-century hand carved rock churches of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221) whom the town is named after. We’ll have lunch in our hotel, then visit the first group churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which are found northeast of a stream named ‘River Jordan’.

In a 1970 report of the historic dwellings of Lalibela, Sandro Angelini evaluated the vernacular earthen architecture on the Lalibela World Heritage Site, including the characteristics of the traditional earth houses and analysis of their state of conservation.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g480193-d7619296-Reviews-Tomb_of_A…

“Lalibela is a town in  the Lasta Amhara Region of Ethiopia famous for its rock-cut monolithic churches. The whole of Lalibela is a large antiquity of the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia. The layout and names of the major buildings in Lalibela are widely accepted, especially by local clergy, to be a symbolic representation of Jerusalem. Ethiopia was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity in the first half of the 4th century, and its historical roots date to the time of the Apostles. The churches themselves date from the 7th to 13th centuries, and are traditionally dated to the reign of the Zagwe king Gebre Mesqel Lalibela (r. ca. 1181–1221)
The symbolic Tomb of Adam is actually a giant, hollowed-out block of stone next to Bet Uraiel.” wikipeida

I’m glad I read this blog before we headed out so we ladies could travel safely in a country that’s not noted for its ideal treatment of women. Although, the travel data updates say things are improved. Unfortunately, things can happen and do. Even here in the United States things happen all the time to unsuspecting tourists. Lalibela is a centre for pilgrimage for much of the country. It has a population of 15,000.
https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/africa/ethiopia/safety-for-women-in-et…

Like other places we’ve already visited as women we had to dress conservatively. I’m glad I remembered my scarf because by the looks of it head coverings are necessary in the religious sites. I’m glad I brought a second memory card because the churches are amazing considering the period of time they were constructed and how they’ve with stood Mother Nature.

I thought the people were friendly and the guide are well trained and have an excellent working knowledge of the churches and good relationships with the priests.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g480193-d12133587-Reviews-Lalibela…

I was very surprised we stumbled across a restaurant owned by a Scottish woman and her Ethiopian partner. Ben Abeba, is a restaurant opened in the autumn of 2011 on the peak of a hill. The building looks very peculiar and is a sight in itself. Apart from the Ethiopian and European dishes you find on many menu’s, the Shepherd’s Pie is a welcome and very delicious change of diet. Food is reasonably priced, and the view is amazing.
Another bonus for us social media addicts to connect with our loved one the wi-fi internet was an extra perk. Sweet!

Before heading back to our hotel it was nice to experience a bar located directly across from the police station so
I did feel a bit safer with that info.. Torpedo Tejbet (Honey Wine) Azmaris are famous for their sense of humor and the perceptiveness of the songs they improvise about their customers, or about social and political subjects are actually quite entertaining. We decided that to stay just until dark and our guide generously escorted back to the hotel. He was quite pleased with our tip for his inconvenience. After seeing what we did today, I’m sure it will help his family for some time. This is not a wealthy region, but it is trying to improve.

I was disappointed not to have time to see a coffee plantation or to see the process involved. I do enjoy Ethiopian coffee, it’s sensitive and delicate; I looked up what floral sense and was surprised it was jasmine complimented with bergamot and blueberry in aftertaste. The body of the coffee is not very strong and acidity level is mild and pleasant which I find quite satisfying at night. Yup I’m one of those crazy ones that drink coffee day and night..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_cuisine