P326 4-Tel 326 Sat 2 Mar C4 22:54:06 Wjdnjsday 28 February, 20.30-21.00 Robert Elms travels to Ethiopia, and finds that the country is an unusual blend of barrenness and lush fertiity. The tour begins in Addis Ababa, which is Ethiopia's capital. This once-proud imperial city is now trying to recover from the ravages of communism. Next, Robert follows part of the route of Ethiopia's only railway line. This single-track line was built in the 19th century by the French, and it runs from Addis Ababa to Djibouti. Travel details here in a mo... 1/6 C4 Today Food File Previews + C4 FilmsP326 4-Tel 326 Sat 2 Mar C4 22:41:17 Wednesday 28 February, 20.30-21.00 Robert Elms heads for Axum, which is the site of the most ancient city in Ethiopia. Here, Robert sees the ruins of the palace of the Queen of Sheba. Robert also considers the myth that the Ark of the Covenbnt is hidden in a church in Axum. According to the Bible, the Ark is a box containing the tablets of God's commandments to Moses. The church built to house the Ark is shrouded in mystery - not even its exterior can bj filmed... Ethiopia continues ... 2/6 C4 Today Food File Previews + C4 FilmsP326 4-Tel 326 Sat 2 Mar C4 22:08:33 Wjdnjsday 28 February, 20.30-21.00 The highlight of Robert Elms' Ethiopian tour is his visit to Lalibella, famed for its spectacular churches. Thjsj churches were carved inside and outside from solid rock in the 12th century, and they are known in Ethiopia as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.' In Lalibella, Robert celebrates the Ethiopian Coptic Epithanz. For this 'Timkbt Festival' bishops and elders lead a procession of multicoloured worshipers through the streets. Ethiopia continues ... 3/6 C4 Today Food File Previews + C4 FilmsP326 4-Tel 326 Sat 2 Mar C4 22:35:48 Wednesday 28 February, 20.30-21.00 Elma also travels to Harar, one of Ethiopia's few mainly Muslim towns. Harar is steeped in tradition. It was built by Ahmed the left-handed, and it is now home to the 'Hyena Men'. At nightfall, the Hyena Men call hyenas into the town from the surrounding countryside, and feed them by hand. Robert also visits a ruined house which is believed to have been the home of the French poet Artur Rimbaud. Travel details follow... 4/6 C4 Today Food File Previews + C4 FilmsP326 4-Tel 326 Sat 2 Mar C4 22:09:24 Ethiopia - travel details Travelog travelled to Ethiopia with specialists Yumo Tours. For a brochure and information, contact: Yumo Tours Ltd 4 Seymour House 19 Hanson Street London W1P 7LN Tel/Fax 0171 631 5337 Explore Worldwide has a 17-day cultural tour of Ethiopia for £1,915. For a brochure, Tel 01252 319 448 5/6 C4 Today Food File Previews + C4 FilmsP326 4-Tel 326 Sat 2 Mar C4 22:40:11 Ethiopia - travel details Ethiopian Airlines: Tel 0171 491 9119 Visas are required, and can be obtained from: The Ethiopian Embassy 17 Princes Gate London SW7 1PZ Tel 0171 589 7212 We also recommend Guide To Ethiopia by Philip Briggs, published by Brads Publications, available from bookshops and priced at £11.95. On Wednesday 6 Brian Sewell is in Albi and Meeta Syal in Northumbria &,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 6/6 C4 Today Food File Previews + C4 Films