The Roof of Africa

After Gondar we went a little north to the Simien Mountain National Park; one of Ethiopia's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  The Simiens are some of the tallest peaks in Africa and include sharp cliff faces, many endemic species, and a traditional culture of people who may have been living in or around the park dating far back into pre-historical times.  We trekked for 4 days/3 nights and were able to see all of the endemic mammals and birds.  We also climbed Ethiopia's 2nd and 4th highest peaks, one of which, Bwahit, is one of Africa's top ten highest.

Eva listening very closely to our guide Sammy.

Geleda Monkeys.

Starting the morning trek from Sankaber.

Renting blankets at Geech camp.

Bed time for the monkeys.

Thick-billed Raven.

Eva willing to jump after making it to 4070 m.a.s.l.

Walia Ibex; the symbol of the Simiens.

A raven song.

On top of Bwahit 4430 m.a.s.l.

The Royal City of Gondar

After two years in the planning and a lot of evenings eating in or choosing the cheap options to scrimp and save, Eva and I landed in Ethiopia to start our one year journey through East and Southern Africa.  Our first stop was Ethiopia.  We landed in Addis Ababa and made our way straight to the former imperial capital of Gondar.

Maybe Eva found her name in Amharic?

The Royal Castle of Gondar.

A view from the Lion's Den.

Fasiladas Bath.

Chilean Summer Wedding

 

Yerba Loca

 

Año Nuevo en Valpo

And back again to Chile.  After visiting home for a few months I made the trip back to Chile to celebrate the New Year.  We got off the plane in Santiago at 9:30 AM and went and got the least restful nap of our lives.  By 3:00 PM I was on a bus to Valparaiso to spend all night partying on the street until we could catch the first bus back to Santiago at 5:20 AM.