Keren Eritrea May 26 2011

 

Every once a while we receive a request to make some pictures, if we are in Eritrea. One of the questions asked in 2011 was if we know someone who is willing to make some pictures of some graves of the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Keren.

No problem. Today's morning walk is to the road to Agordat. I am happy that the gate is open, so I don't have to climb my way in. I report to the workers in the cemetery, and explain my situation. No problem at all.

With respect for the souls of the military men, I do my best to make a nice set of pictures, and of two graves in particular.

The cemetery is well maintained on a UK budget, and Eritrean respect for the dead men. Most of the white marble stones look as if they are polished at least once a week.

The graveyard is divided in several sections: a British / Christian and a Muslim section, and a Sikh and Hindu mausoleum for the ashes of the Indian soldiers. The sections are centered around the cross of sacrifice. Purple bougainvillea surround the graves.

After my visit to the cemetery, I walk through the recently built area called Nda Bila and the Geza Banda district just behind it. In one of the shops I have a cold coke, as bars are rare in the area.

In front of the Keren hotel, I take some rest. Just when I am asking myself if I shall order a fruit juice or a mineral water, I am reminded that I am to late again. "Kelete shahi!" (two tea!). The man next to me buys me a tea. I should have been faster to invite the Eritrean instead.

In the afternoon it starts to rain. A blessing for Eritrea, but a big risk for my camera. I take shelter in a random restaurant.

After the rains I return to the house of Afworki and Hansu.

  

Wedeb Hotel - Road to Agordat Keren Eritrea.

Keren Commonwealth War Cemetary - Keren Eritrea.

Keren Commonwealth War Cemetary - Keren Eritrea.

Cross of sacrifice KCWC - Keren Eritrea.

Keren Commonwealth War Cemetary - Keren Eritrea.

3651648 Corporal J. Brennan Worchester Regt.- KCWC Keren Eritrea.

Sikh and Hindu cremation memorial - Keren Eritrea.

Keren Commonwealth War Cemetary - Keren Eritrea.

Muslim plot KCWC - Keren Eritrea.

Christian plot KCWC - Keren Eritrea.

Jewish grave KCWC - Keren Eritrea.

Sikh and Hindu cremation memorial - Keren Eritrea.

New built residentional area - Nda Bila Keren Eritrea.

Small grocery shop - Geza Banda Keren Eritrea.

View on Geza Banda - Keren Eritrea.

Hairdressers signboard - Keren Eritrea.

Tukuls (Agudos) Geza Banda Keren Eritrea.

Yemane Habtesion Grocery Shop - Geza Banda Keren Eritrea.

Yemane Habtesion Grocery Shop - Geza Banda Keren Eritrea.

View on Geza Banda - Keren Eritrea.