Asmara - November 11 2009

 

The procedures on Asmara International Airport are the same as usual. For details of the entry procedures please visit the May 16 2009 page.

Arrival at Asmara is at 3:00 in the morning. Luam is there to pick me up and bring me to the house of her parents, near Cinema Roma.

A few hours sleep, unfortunately interrupted by workers refurbishing the walls of the house next door. Gabriela makes me tea with some bread. I have lunch with Zewdi and Gebrehiwot.

I brought them some medicine, Dutch cheese, chocolate, whisky, and last years pictures.

I pack my rucksack to greet the family of my wife, and bring them some gifts. I brought fresh pictures of all my grandchildren, and their pictures from my May 2009 visit.

I visit the Dutch Embassy, Travel House International and the Tourism Service Center to update my agenda. There will be four festivals during my four weeks stay. Three Orthodox church feasts (Nigdet, birthday of the churches saint) and one Muslim holiday (Eid al-Adha).

On the last day of my stay, I will witness the typical Dutch children's feast 'Sinterklaas', the Dutch Santa Claus equivalent. The celebration will be in the residence of the ambassador in Beleza Street.

I will pay more visits for agenda updates every week, unable to read the announcements on the billboards and in the (Tigrinya) newspapers.

I visit my favorite bars to hand the girls their pictures. They are happy that I didn't forget them, maybe even hoping I will invite them to the Netherlands.

  

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands - Bihat Street Asmara.

Sunshine Hotel - Emperor Yohannes Street Asmara Eritrea.

World Bank office - Saro Street Asmara Eritrea.

View on the Italian quarter - Asmara Eritrea.

Peace Land Park - Italian quarter Asmara Eritrea.

Villa - Italian quarter Asmara Eritrea.

Villa - Italian quarter Asmara Eritrea.

Alkhaima Muslim Restaurant - 173 -1 Street Asmara Eritrea.

Flowers shop - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Cinema Asmara - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Coffee ceremony with Freweini and Manna - Asmara Eritrea.

Michael and Amen - Asmara Eritrea.

Haile and Yodit - Asmara Eritrea.