Ethiopia III Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
"Return to Ethiopia" Trip
September 22 - October 7, 2012
50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps in Ethiopia
October 2 - Tuesday
Mai Shum (Queen of Sheba's Swimming Pool) - Axum
At the foot of Mai Qoho, there is reservoir that is hewn out of solid rock. According to Ethiopian oral traditions or legend, the the fabled Queen of Sheba used to bathe in this pool, which is also known as "Mai Shum." Mai Shum means “water for the chief.” After the introduction of Christianity, Epiphany has been celebrated for long period of time. Today, it is the focal point of the annual ceremony of Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) on 18th/19th January. This day is celebrated to commemorate the day when John baptized Christ at the River Jordan.
The pool is located near the Stelae Park and can easily be seen from the Yeha Hotel.
(Important note: All photographs, except where mentioned, are copyrighted as of October 8, 2012, by Darrel and Betty Hagberg. Please request permission to use and please credit them).
View of the Queen of Sheba' Bath from the Yeha Hotel.
View of the smaller Stelae field from the Yeha Hotel.
Mount Mai Qoho overlooking Axjum from the Yeha Hotel.
View of the Stelae Park from the Yeha Hotel.
View of the Axum from the Yeha Hotel.
Click below for more Photos of the trip
Click below for more Ethiopia Web Site features
Click here to contact the Ethiopia III RPCV Committee by E-mail with up date information:
Ethiopia III Official Web Site
Copyrighted 2011, All Rights Reserved.
Betty McLaughlin Hagberg, Web Master
Updated on 9 November 2012
