Photographing the Wonders of Antiquity, Culture and Landscape:
Ethiopia – The Cradle of Civilization with Andarge’ Asfaw
September 5-14, 2012
Bete Georgis church – photo courtesy Andarge Asfaw
Although a photographic expedition, this workshop is open to artists of all media who may wish to sketch, paint, etc. or take their own reference photos for later artworks.
Join Andarge’ Asfaw, award-winning internationally known photographer, educator, author, and fine artist for a very special “National Geographic”-type trek through some of the most unique and amazing historical sites in all the world (many are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites) — in Ethiopia, the gateway to East Africa.
Ethiopia is a country of contrasts… a land of 83 spoken languages and 200 dialects… of stunning, severe landscapes and remote wilderness. Andarge’ Asfaw is a native Ethiopian, whose powerful photographic portraits and luminous landscapes reflect his deep love and respect for his native culture. Join him for a once in a lifetime adventure and exploration of all that is the best of Ethiopia!
Itinerary:
- You will arrive in Ethiopia’s capital of Addis Ababa. Your journey will start with the exploration of the Trinity Church and Ethnological Museum. You will also visit Mount Entoto, the National Museum, and the Merkato.
- Then you will go on to Bahir Dar, located on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia. Here you will take a private boat excursion on Lake Tana, to admire the beautiful monasteries. A photography excursion will include Zeghie Peninsula, Round Grass Churches, monasteries and bird life.
- You will then visit Blue Nile Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls and travel to Gondar to visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, built over the course of 236 years by various emperors with a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways.
- We will explore Simien National Mountain Park (said to rival Colorado’s Grand Canyon), where massive erosions of the past have created some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of the world with sharp precipices and jagged mountain terrain. The park is home to extremely rare animals including the Gelada Baboon, the Simien fox, the Ethiopian wolf and the Walia ibex, a goat found nowhere else in the world. Photo opportunities include Sankaber, Ginbar River Falls, wildlife and striking geological features.
- We will travel to Axum. It is believed that the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon brought the “Ark of the Covenant” to Axum and that it remains there to this day.
- We will tour Stelae Park, St. Mary of Zion Church and the Sanctuary Chapel, the reputed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, the Coronation yard, Queen of Sheba’s palace ruins, the Axum Museum and the tombs of King Kalab and Gerbre Meskel.
- Included in your workshop fee is a domestic flight to Lalibela, described as the eighth wonder of the world and considered to be one of the holiest cities in Ethiopia. A high place of Ethiopian Christianity, it is still today considered a place of pilgrimage and devotion. Here, you will explore twelve majestic rock-hewn churches, beginning with the breathtaking Bete Giorgis (pictured above), which is carved below ground in red volcanic rock in the shape of a cross and set apart from the other church groupings. The rock churches are connected to one another by a series of maze-like tunnels and physically separated by a small river, which the Ethiopians named the Jordan. Churches on one side, represent the earthly Jerusalem, whereas those on the other side represent the heavenly one.
Your exploration will include superior lodging accommodations at six different locations within Ethiopia. Breakfast and dinner is included in all hotels outside of Addis Ababa. The hotel in Addis Ababa includes breakfast and a traditional Ethiopian Dinner with folkloric dance show. Includes all entrance fees and ground transportation with professional English speaking guide by private motor vehicle, private chartered boat trip on Lake Tana and domestic flight from Axum to Lalibella and then to Addis Ababa.
Read an interview with Andarge’ Asfaw about the Ethiopia trip here.
Workshop cost: $3,150 per person, double occupancy. Limited single rooms available at a slightly higher rate. (airfare not included)
Bete Georgis church – photo courtesy UNESCO World Heritage Centre
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Contact Margaret Cerutti, Travel Workshop Coordinator for more information or to register: margaretc@theartleague.org, 703-683-1780 x13
