Eritrea May 25 2016 - Walking through Edaga Arbi

 

Like most days I start walking Harnet Avenue, to turn to the left to the Eritrea Square PTZM bus terminal. A man in a wheelchair under the arches of the building next to the bus station is selling chewing gum and cigarettes and more to earn a few Nakfa's a day. Guess he is one of the victims of the 1998-2000 border war. He asks me if I like it in Asmara and from what country I am. When I tell him I came from Holland he is enthusiast. "Holland is the best!" He offers me a strip of chewing gum: "Gift from Eritrea!". It would be rude to refuse. But I feel a bit ashamed and ask myself: How is it possible that people handicapped and probably poor treat the tourists like this. It should be the other way around. Fortunately a brought some 'Happy 25th anniversary' photo cards with me. He thinks I am going to give money and refuses. But he is happy with the Independence Day postcard from Holland.

I planned to take the number 8 bus to Edaga Arbi. I ask the PTZM staff where to wait for the bus. "Just behind that building" they say and point to make clear which building. A taxi is waiting for four passengers to Edaga Arbi. When I am #4 I get in and we leave to Edaga Arbi. The fare is more than the two Nakfa for the bus, but the 15 Nakfa for the taxi is equivalent to one dollar, so who cares. The only reason I seldom take taxi's is because I find it difficult to find the taxi going in the right direction, and walking is both healthy, and the best way to discover Asmara.

In a small half open bar in front of Dolphin Sea Food Restaurant I have a coke, before visiting the family of my wife. I spend the afternoon walking through the small alleys of Edaga Arbi with its typical shops. Not the usual destination for a tourist, but a meet friendly people everywhere. Life is outside: small ovens made of oil drums to cook or make vast pancakes that serve as the main ingredient for suwa, a home made low alcohol beer. Children play football, or follow me, asking for a pen. Walking north one ends in Acria and more uphill in Haz Haz.

Back in the center I buy a series of stamps issued on the occasion of 25th Independence Day, as a souvenir.

 

Dolphin Sea Food - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Shops - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Shops - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Shops - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Girls - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Traditional houses - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Kids - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Traditional cooking device - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Genet Pastry - Edaga Arbi Asmara Eritrea.

Traditional house - Akrya Asmara Eritrea.

Traditional house - Akrya Asmara Eritrea.

Water supply - Akrya Asmara Eritrea. 

On the occasion of 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee of the Eritrean Independence,
 a special series of commemorative stamps was issued, uniting the people of Eritrea
 with the rest of the world community, in the cause of philately.
 ERITREAN POSTAL SERVICE May 24 2016.