Asmara Eritrea - September 20th 2004

 

I brought 80 pictures of earlier visits to Eritrea with me. Pictures of my wife's family, Medeber markers and many more. Eritrean people love photo's. In fact having studio portraits taken is a national obsession. My pictures have a more symbolic meaning. The people will know that I did not forget them. Came back for them as well.

So today's challenge is to find everyone on the photo's in Asmara. The family is of course easy to find. We drink tea, or I am invited to a coffee ceremony. On Harnet Avenue I find the police man on his motor cycle. His reaction to the photo is heart warming.

Around noon I visit Medeber. I show the pictures to the lady selling Coca Cola at the entrance. She does not hesitate a moment and shows them to another woman. "She is the mother of the children on these photo's!" When I hand them to her, the other women recognize friends and family in my photo album. A few minutes later the photo's are spread and circulating around the workshops.

I meet the man that invited me into his workshop in May this year. He invites me to drink a coke with him. I ask him how many girls are working in his workshop and order some extra cokes to surprise them. A few minutes later we are one big family.

Medeber is close to the railway station, my next destination. Just to see if there is anything new to show to Ralph Reinhold for his pages on the Eritrean railways. Nothing new. I will have to wait until October 2nd for some excitement.

The rest of the day is family visits again, and the evening is reserved for a few beers in Berhe Aiba's Bar opposite to the Corea Housing Complex. Luwam recognizes me and asks if I brought their pictures. What small presents can do! I have to make more pictures. We exchange e-mail addresses.

 

American bar and fast food restaurant - Harnet Avenue, Asmara Eritrea.

Woman selling spices - Medeber markets, Asmara Eritrea.

Women refining chili peppers - Medeber markets, Asmara Eritrea.

Woman selling household utensils - Medeber markets, Asmara Eritrea.

Woman selling Coca Cola - Medeber markets, Asmara Eritrea.

Antique Italian railcar, "Littorina" - Railway station, Asmara Eritrea.

Passenger train - Railway station, Asmara Eritrea.

Lottery shop - Asmara Eritrea.

Wikianos super market - Harnet Avenue, Asmara Eritrea.

Hotel Intercontinental - Asmara Eritrea.