Asmara - November 19 2009

 

I planned a morning walk following the railway track. Starting point is the Asmara railway station in an area called Ferrovia, the Italian word for railway.

Railway workers are stripping a 1935 Italian railcar, the Littorina. I know most of the workers from previous trips. I meet an atmosphere of recognition.

The gate where the trains leave is closed, but a friendly worker is happy to open it for me.

I follow the railway track for a few kilometers, but the track is rough, and temperatures are rising. I change my route to a nearby hilltop next to Mai Chohot, with the Nda Korkos Orthodox church on top.

From the compound of the church one has an excellent view over this part of Asmara.

Around 11:00 the sun really starts to burn, and I return to Asmara.

After lunch I do some survey for a mapping project. For the project I have to visit the municipality. Although I have the strong feel that no one understands what I am after, everyone is doing their best to help me.

In the TSE Cyber Cafe I e-mail the results to The Netherlands.

Last visit is the Housing and Commerce Bank. My friend Kibreab works here as an IT specialist. He is the brother of one of the girlfriends of my wife. He invites me to drink a beer in Rita's Bar Gurgusum after working time.

Kibreab wants to buy me the beers, but I refuse. I am the wealthy tourist, and he is just a poor Eritrean IT worker.

  

Fiat Littorina railcar - Ferrovia Asmara Eritrea.

Railway sleepers - Ferrovia Asmara Eritrea.

Turn-table - Ferrovia Asmara Eritrea.

Entrance - Ferrovia Asmara Eritrea.

Nda Korkos Orthodox Church - Mai Chehot Asmara Eritrea.

View on the railway station from the Nda Korkos Orthodox Church.

Modern housing blocks Ferrovia Asmara Eritrea.

View on over Asmara from the Nda Korkos Orthodox Church.

Park & municipality offices - Asmara Eritrea.

Coffee ceremony with Manna and Freweini.