Asmara Eritrea - May 18 2009

 

I confirm my return flight at the Egyptair Office and change some of my Euro's into Nakfa's at Himbol exchange.

In Bar Gurgusum I meet Rita. Just to bring her my greetings and her picture. We make more pictures of Rita and her charming lady bar tender Rahel.

I start a conversation with one of the Eritrean men. Haile tells me he is working as a technician, and involved in drilling activities for local water supplies. He invites me to join the Independence Day party of his employer, that will be organized in the Berhe Aiba Hotel on May 23.

When Gebrehiwot enters the bar (I was his guest for two weeks last year), the party is complete. We enjoy several Asmara beers during the lunch hours.

In the afternoon I visit the Saba Shoe factory to bring them last years pictures of their (third prize) contribution to the carnival. On May 21 2008 I joined and pictured their presentation during the Independence Day carnival.

I take the bus to Kahawta and ask one of the passengers if he knows the location of the Saba Shoe Factory. The questions spreads around the bus, and without any problem I get out of the bus where the road forks to the street where the factory is located.

The employees are surprised by the visit of this unexpected guest. I am guided through their shoe factory, where women are assembling the leather strips into shoes and other leather products. "We hope we will win the first or second prize for this years contribution" they say. We will meet again during the carnival.

I still don't have an entry card for the May 24 celebrations in Asmara Stadium. Everybody agrees that I should receive an invitation, but since I am just a tourist, without any privileged status, I will have to do my very best to get the invitation.

In the evening I visit the cultural shows in Cinema Odeon (no camera's allowed). Songs, dance  and drama of the various Eritrean nationalities.  

  

Decorated Asmara Caffe - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Decorated Bar Moderna - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Decorated Bar Moderna - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Himbol exchange - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Decorated Bar Impero - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Egyptair Office - Bahti Meskerem Mall Asmara Eritrea.

Saba shoe factory - Kahawta Asmara Eritrea.

Saba shoe factory - Kahawta Asmara Eritrea.

Bar and restaurant - Ring road Kahawta Asmara Eritrea.

Bana Middle School - Godaif Asmara Eritrea.

Gebrehiwot - Bar Gurgusum - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

"Baby" Rahel - Bar Gurgusum - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.