Gondar was the home of the Ethiopian emperors in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Price of entry is $10, a big increase over just a few years ago. Money well spent, I thought, as was my additional $10 (plus tip) for a personal guide. Fautalwn was excellent, making the bizarre and exotic story of the Gondar emperors come alive.

He suggested I return late afternoon for the best photos.

These are the picturesque ruins of Fasil Ghebbi (Royal Enclosure).

There are disappointingly few historical ruins in Africa. This is one of the best. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Banqueting hall, stables, kitchens, steam baths and chapels. Even lions’ cages (now vacant).

Renovations are ongoing. The ladies are mixing the same lime that was used in the original construction. Part of the process is buying the crushed stone for 3-5 years.

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