Keren Eritrea - June 1 2008

 

The Keren sky is clouded and when I start my walk at 8:00, a few drops of rain come down. It is by long not enough. Agricultural production is very dependent upon good rains, and Eritrean food security is very dependent upon the fertile regions around Elabered (some 24 kilometers from Keren).

Children want me to picture them, and are asking for a Nakfa. Although I have plenty of Nakfa's, they should learn to work for the money, instead of begging for it. I ask them why I should give them the money. There is no answer. I guess they understand what I mean.

I feel sick and weak and spend the day walking around the center of Keren, checking and updating the hotel data for our Eritrean information pages.

A married couple and their family circle the Giro Fiori a couple of rounds, in a train of decorated cars sounding their horns. Everyone should know they are married.

In the afternoon I evaluate the hotel data with Hidat. She shows me another hotel, close to the bus station. The Central Hotel is a very basic hotel with a garden where young people meet. Diner and lunch are an open air BBQ feast.

On route we buy a family package with roasted peanuts to share them with the guests of Bar Stuttgart. The gesture is most appreciated and the guest want to know where I came from, and what I think about their country and culture. I drink some mineral water and araki, to anaesthetize any remaining bacteria.

 

"Sorana, sorana" (Picture us) - Keren Eritrea.

Oldtimer bus - Keren Eritrea.

Technical workshop - Keren Eritrea.

Italian war cemetary - Keren Eritrea.

Italian war cemetary - Keren Eritrea.

"Sorana, sorana" (Picture us) - Keren Eritrea.

Central Hotel - Keren Eritrea.

Children selling peanuts (foul) - Keren Eritrea.