Asmara Eritrea - November 18th 2005

 

Walking through Asmara. Visiting family and friends. Making an agenda for the coming two weeks with the kind assistance of Travel House International and the Eritrean Ministry of Tourism. Arranging a Travel Permit and confirming my return flight at the Eritrean Airlines office.

Two weeks is to short, so I did my homework: appointments and inquiries by e-mail in the weeks proceeding the journey, and an efficient plan for the first 24 hours, to finish the necessary red tape. To be free to do whatever I like in the remaining twelve days.

Rushing through the center of Asmara, interrupted by a cup of tea with friends and family or a fresh fruit juice, beer or soft drink in one of Asmara's numerous bars.

When I pass a kindergarten and take a quick look inside, one of the teachers invites me to come in and shows me every inch of the building. It is a school of the Alliance Francaise. I my best French I greet the children "Bonjour, mes enfants!". The children aren't even surprised. "Bonjour monsieur!", they reply. 

Last, but not least: Bar Selas, to greet Tesfai and his two daughters Lemlem en Freweini. To keep my promise to bring them a 2006 calendar showing the best of my home town, Rotterdam, to replace an Eritrean calendar Tesfai gave me during my last visit.

A few beers, and some cups of fresh roasted peanuts, from a small boy selling them for one Nakfa per cup. To share them with the other visitors, Tesfai, Freweini and Lemlem. "He who eats alone will die alone."

The bus back to Sembel is crowded. A woman offers me to take care of one of my bags, just a friendly gesture to make it easier for me to stand. Proud to help a foreigner.

 

Cinema Impero - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Abadi & Muchot - Ministry of Tourism Service Center.
Asmara Eritrea - For tourist Information call 00291 - 1 - 124871.

Former Via Martini (now 175-11 street) - Asmara Eritrea.

Apartments - 175-11 Street / Nakfa Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

La Maternelle - French kindergarten - Asmara Eritrea.

La Maternelle - French kindergarten - Asmara Eritrea.

Small scale trade - Adi Keyh Street Asmara Eritrea.

Small scale trade - Afabet Street Asmara Eritrea.

Asmara Brewery - Dahlak Street Asmara Eritrea.

Eritrean coffee ceremony with Freweini.