Journal Entry: Ethiopia 2007 Day 12, Lalibella:  Took an early flight from Addis to Lalibella, stopping two times along the way, to visit this historical religious site where churches have literally been carved out of, not into, the rocks King Lalibela who built the 13 rock churches some 1,000 years ago.  Each church is named after a different saint and has its own unique cross.  Underground tunnels connect many of the churches, which we traveled through by candlelight.   The churches are small and dark and women cannot enter several of the rooms.  I approached this old nun to take her picture, not knowing she was blind. As I got right up to her, she saw my shadow, jump about 4 feet in the air and screamed, then I screamed, then the guide screamed. All for the quiet sanctity of the church!  

Journal Entry: Rwanda 2007 Day 4, Mugongo:  Rwanda is one of the most beautiful countries I have been to-it actually reminds me of Tuscany!  People walking everywhere, women carrying huge baskets on their heads and men pushing bikes loaded with jugs of “banana beer” up the mountainsides. Each person we spoke to had a story about the genocide.   After trekking to see the gorillas, we drove to the Imbabazi Orphanage in Mugongo, one of the most amazing places I have ever been. Founded by Rosamond Halsey, who moved to Rwanda in 1949 from NY, the orphanage still houses about 160 orphans of the genocide.  One of the girls was named Jeannine and we exchanged addresses.  The place is gorgeous – like a scene from Out of Africa.  Flowers growing everyone.  We were welcomed in, given a tour and served tea in Madame Carr’s (who passed in 2006) living room.  I think I could live here.