The previous towns of Mekele and Adigrat had been stops to break the journey. But today, we are bound for Axum, somewhere worthwhile with historical and touristic value!
We woke at 0300 to the noise of banging on the roof. Damn! We tried sleeping again until 0450 when we had to prepare ourselves for the 0600 bus. We walked to the station. Getting there at 0545, it was still locked so we grabbed a coffee at a nearby cafe. When the station was opened at 0620 there was a mad rush. Despite my best attempts, I got the second to last row.
The journey was windy with many hairpin turns amidst beautiful mountainous scenery. Windows were kept closed because that’s the way people like it here, but fortunately it wasn’t too hot or humid. There were supposed to be no standing passengers but that wasn’t enforced strictly for those wanting a short ride between intermediate stations.
At the Africa Hotel in Axum, they couldn’t find our booking. Fortunately they were able to give us a room and fitted an extra bed into it.
After lunch and a rest, we went to Stelae Park. But it started raining as soon as I had bought the entry tickets. So we retreated to an internet cafe instead.
After shai, beer and dinner, we retired early tonight. The many days of early wake-ups does take its toll.