Agordat - Keren - October 17th 2003

 

Before I take the bus to Keren, I walk through Agordat for some hours and have a breakfast in one of the small restaurants.

In Keren I visit the families I have met the last days to say goodbye before going back to Asmara. I apologize to Hansu that I did not bring any gifts, but give her a few hundred Nakfa instead. I know she can use them.

On my way to the bus station I visit Elen and her daughters. Elen bakes me an omelet and we take about her business and plans in Keren.

At 15:00 I take the bus to Asmara, to be there before dark (it is a bit scaring to drive uphill on the narrow road in the dark). The bus is surrounded by local children selling peanuts, "foul". I buy a bag, so I will have something to do during the three hours drive to Asmara.

In Asmara I hurry to Travel House International. Tedros promised to do his best to get me on the train if chartered by any group. I am lucky. I can join a group of German train enthusiasts, who will do the trip from Asmara to Ghinda with the steam train.

A beggar "He Sweden!" asks me if can have any of my clothes. I am not from Sweden and have seen him before. Every year, he keeps trying. I try to ignore him "Tomorrow maybe?". Maybe.

 

Oldtimer truck dating from the English time - Agordat Eritrea.

Tailor shop - Agordat Eritrea.

Tailor shop - Agordat Eritrea.

Local children carrying grain - Agordat Eritrea.

The bus to Keren - Agordat Eritrea.

Camels carrying wood to the market - Keren Eritrea.

Local children - Keren Eritrea.

"I want out to shake hands to the tourist" - Keren Eritrea.

Dry river bed - Keren Eritrea.

Elen bar & restaurant - Keren Eritrea.

Elen and her daughters are from Stuttgart.