Riding Cairo to Cape Town for the Earthchild Project: Mystical Lalibela

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

Mystical Lalibela

Exploring Lalibela and getting lost in its maze of rock-hewn churches was an unforgettable experience and one which I am sure we will cherish forever! I think that the pictures will do more justice to the experience than a lengthy explanation. Even so it is hard to capture how captivating it is to wonder through these red sandstone churches that stand completely apart from the rock from which they were painstakingly freed. In brief, these churches were crafted in the 12^th Century by King Lalibela who wanted to recreate a “Jerusalem” in Ethiopia for pilgrims to worship instead of leaving the continent to Palestine.

The most remarkable thing about visiting these churches today in the 21^st century is that unlike so many UNESCO world heritage sites, where you can’t help but feel like there is no longer any living context to the ruins which so often are transformed into mere tourist traps. In Lalibela the churches are still used by the local population and pilgrims who travel from afar to worship here and it is with them that you are exploring this living history. There are still monks and nuns who live in caves crafted out of the mountain around the churches and who hold ceremonies inside the church. So in many ways it feels like you are really walking around a Lalibela from the 12^th century, which has been crystalized in time. If it weren’t for UNESCO’s obtrusive scaffolding this illusion of time would be entirely convincing! But Lalibela’s churches with the sound of chanting pilgrims, incense and beeswax candles is not its only treat… just as wonderful was walking around the village and witnessing life in this beautiful little town taking place before us.

We are now in Addis Ababa and are aware that the blog is a bit behind but we have had two full days of rather strenuous riding and no access to internet so we hope to update you soon on this adventure… including the 400km off-road detour as a result of a broken bridge… so stay tuned!

We also plead with you to not forget about our very worthy cause- RAISING FUNDS FOR THE EARTHCHILD PROJECT. Please make a donation now- the money you would spend on your dinner tonight?

Here is a quote from a child who is a part of the Earthchild Project's healthy tuckshop in Lavender Hill which aims to encourage healthy eating & skills development by teaching children to run a small business

“The healthy tuck shop gives me something special to do to help others, I love being part of something that helps me too.” Candice, grd 5

I think this speak for the wonderful work they are doing. To make a donation follow this link:

http://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/riding-cape-to-cairo-for-the-earthchild-project-

Come on… it is such an easy way to make a positive impact right now! Thanks and much love xxx

2 comments:

Anonymous17 August 2011 at 20:14
Hey guys. Where's the next update? I'm loving your adventure. Ethiopia is beautiful and looks lost in time. Happy travels- Shilo.
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Anonymous18 August 2011 at 22:59
I am following your every move so keep on blogging and keep on riding. Good luck. Regards Mireille (Your Mum's pal :) )
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“Cape to Cairo for Earthchildren.”

Driving Cape to Cairo on a motorbike has been a shared dream of mine and my fathers’ for some time now. When I told my father a year ago of my intention to drive through Africa on a motorbike it wasn’t long before he told me there was no way he was going to miss out on this African adventure. (I am sure the thought of me venturing through Africa solo was rather harrowing and provided further reason for joining me on this trip of a life time.) And so, the planning of our wild and wonderful journey has begun and we are set to hit the road on the 20^th July 2011. This blog will provide a window into our passage through Africa, so join us along the road to share in all the beauty, adventure and drama… wild and wonderful!

This journey is very exciting for several different reasons. The most obvious reason being that us two lucky souls shall be exploring this devastatingly beautiful African continent. Moreover, being able to have this adventure with my father is going to be something very special and so it makes the trip even more exciting. I mean how many people get to have such a wonderful experience with their father/daughter? We are indeed very lucky! To add another dimension to our already thrilling adventure we are raising money for a local non-governmental organisation that is very close to my heart, the Earthchild Project. Being able to dedicate our journey to the Earthchild Project has made the trip so much more meaningful.

Now, to tell you a bit about the Earthchild Project… The Earthchild Project is a registered non-profit organization which focuses on the holistic development of children, teachers, schools and communities. Their aim is to create meaningful and sustainable change by providing practical skills in how to live a more balanced and fulfilling life with a focus on self-awareness, health and wellness, and the environment. The Earthchild Project is currently working in eleven primary schools in disadvantaged communities around Cape Town. Their approach is positive and concerned with sustainable and comprehensive youth empowerment and is having a wonderful uplifting effect on the lives of so many children.

I invite you all to join my father and I in supporting the Earthchild Project’s vision. All funds that we raise will go straight to the Earthchild Project to support their passion and commitment to creating a new generation of healthy, confident, conscious and responsible earthchildren. So please help our cause by telling your friends, spreading the word and making a donation through the backabuddy link on this blog. I hope that together our efforts can go a long way in supporting the Earthchild Project's beautiful vision for the youth of South Africa.