Asmara Eritrea May 16 2011

 

Today's program is a mix of family visits, and networking. I will show that I did not forget the Tegadelti hug to all those who made my previous stays so memorable.

First challenge is to walk from the Corea Housing Complex to the Asmara brewery in Kahawta. From the Expo I turn to the right, following the former railway track.

There is almost nothing left of the track (to Keren). Only when the imaginary track crosses the asphalt roads, a few feet of railway steel survived the pre independence period, when the Ethiopian colonizers looted Eritrea.

Closer to the brewery, it is sufficient to mention the word "Melotti" to local people, to get some help to find the shortest route to the only Eritrean brewery.

After a short visit to the Asmara Brewery offices, I take the number 7 bus back to the center, to proceed with family visits in Edaga Arbi.

The family is preparing drinks and food for next weekends marriage of Hadgembes. The children are happy with the dolls we brought them from Holland.

They ask if I want pasta for lunch. They know I like it, and there is plenty of food anyway, because of the wedding feast to come. It is impossible to refuse.

When I am back in the center, I see a familiar face, close to the bus station. It is Hadas, a very old woman who earns her income selling ko´olo, a roasted grain, that Eritreans eat as a side dish / snack. 

Hadas is very happy that I did not forget her after so many years, and with mixed feelings, I accept a full can of the grain, as a gift, wondering how I could let it happen that this poor woman gives me her merchandise for free.

In the evening I witness the Independence Day performances at Bahti Meskerem Square. It is a rainy, cold evening, but the show is heart warming.

 

ZMPT brand new bus - Aaget Street Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Having a drink with Zerai - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Post Office Edaga Arbi branch - Asmara Eritrea.

Delina and "Meneer de Uil" - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Mebrat and her nieces and nephew - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Tabotu & neighbor preparing the suwa for the wedding - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Delina and Lula - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Selamawit and her neighbor preparing Ga´at - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

INVITATION. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of independent Eritrea
we invite you to join the celebrations with music and drama in Bahti Meskerem 
 on 16.05.2011. Entry from 5:30 PM. National Holiday Coordinating Committee

"Salena!" (picture us!) - Bahti Meskerem grandstand Asmara Eritrea.

Girl selling candy and flags - Bahti Meskerem grandstand Asmara Eritrea.

Helen Paulos - Bahti Meskerem stage Asmara Eritrea.

Drama in the Tigrinya ethnic language - Bahti Meskerem stage Asmara Eritrea.

Drama in the Tigre ethnic language - Bahti Meskerem stage Asmara Eritrea.

African singers - Bahti Meskerem stage Asmara Eritrea.

City Park stage - Harnet Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Illuminated Cinema Roma - Semaetat Avenue Asmara Eritrea.

Illuminated billboard - Semaetat Avenue Asmara Eritrea.