On the 4th we had packed schedule of sights and sounds outside of the Grace Centre to attend to. We left around 9am on a massive bus (one of those gigantic school bus types) which was really bumpy, then smooth for a few minutes on the main road, then really bumpy again for another 45 minutes (imagine gap creek road but three times worse). Our first top was the "Blue Nile Falls". It involved a 30 min walk through some slightly mountainous region until we reached the falls. Pretty, and spectacular. The falls are second only to the "Victoria Falls". About 500m wide and 50m high. Our walk continued along the mountain, down some slope, across a stream in which some locals were bathing Pepsi's for sale. Nobody purchased anything unfortunately for them, and we continued around and back to a river which we had to cross in a (15 horse-power) boat. Going was slow but enjoyable.
We boarded the bus again and headed back to Bahir Dar central. A 2 hour lunch stop which presented some contrasting food presentations when compared to the imaginations of those ordering. From here we were to head off on another (this time 25 horse-power) boat ride to see some Monasteries on islands and also some "hippo-hunting" (no guns involved).
Due to our lunch mixup, we were late for our boat ride and got into a bit of a tussle with the boat owners. We wanted to cancel. They wanted us to go. We offered a 200 Birr cancel fee. They requested a 1000 Birr cancel fee. To avoid any punches or injuries, we decided to board the boats. Iinstead of 5 Monasteries, we visited 1 which revealed a very old bible and some ancient enough ruins/building.
Due to the late hour, the Hippo hunting was partly in vain. It was beautiful cruising around the quite lake looking for them nonetheless. We came across some men on make-shift canoes (made of straw/reeds/sticks) rowing reeds to one of the islands. It was going to be a long night for them. It took us 30 minutes with 25 horse power. For them: zero horse power and maybe 12 hours? Check the photo section to see what I mean.
