Asmara Eritrea - May 19th 2003

 

I still have to arrange an invitation for the celebrations in the stadium on May 24th, so for the second time I visit the office of Eritrea's leading party, the Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice. The lady in the office is friendly. It is no problem to get an invitation, but they have not yet been printed.

I spent the rest of the day visiting family's and contacts. My brother in law, Haile, got me an invitation for this evenings show in the stadium.

In the City Internet Cafe I try to read my e-mail. Connections are slow. To slow to answer the mail. It will have to wait until I am back in in Holland. It starts to rain. I can do nothing but read all the mail and try to answer some of it. I did not bring my umbrella.

I also visit Travel House International to make inquiries about the railway. Tedros explains the tracks are finished, but the diesel train does not have the power to go up to Asmara. The steam train is powerful enough but coal is expensive. And the train is to slow to be competitive with the buses. "They need a new locomotive, cargo and a lot of tourists". It is only possible to charter the train, which will cost 50 dollars an hour. If I am interested I have to contact Amanuel of the Eritrean Railway to organize a trip.

The invitation says 17:00. The show starts at 19:00 Singing, dancing, drama. The show makes clear what we are celebrating. Drama remembers the audience of the Ethiopian occupation and crualties.

 

Celebrating the 12th anniversary of independence - Asmara.

Watching the show in the Bahti Meskerem Stadium Asmara.

Celebrating the 12th anniversary of Eritrean independence.

Eritrean singer in very nationalistic clothes.

Celebrating the 12th anniversary of Eritrean independence.

Celebrating the 12th anniversary of Eritrean independence.

Celebrating the 12th anniversary of Eritrean independence.

Drama in Bahti Meskerem Stadium Asmara.

Drama in Bahti Meskerem Stadium Asmara.

Drama in Bahti Meskerem Stadium Asmara.