From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Thu Aug 27 2009 - 18:57:04 EDT
AC Associated Content
Eritrea: Africa's Newest Adventure
August 27, 2009
by Linda W. Newell
The country of Eritrea, sandwiched on the Horn of Africa between
Ethiopia to its south and east, Sudan to its north and west, and the Red
Sea along its eastern coastline, has certainly had more than its share
of historical conflict. Once occupied by Italy and then by Ethiopia, it
has finally achieved independence and is fast returning to a country
whose peaceful and startling natural beauty make it one of Africa's true
gems.
The heart of Eritrea's current tourist industry is in its highland
capital of Asmara, a city both intimate and safe enough that visitors
can make their way about on foot, moving along its spotless palm-lined
streets, stopping for a cappuccino or an Italian lunch in one of its
cafes, or browsing in one of its many boutiques. They can also admire
its breathtaking Italian Modernist and Art Deco architecture, left
behind after Mussolini was thwarted in his desire to make Eritrea the
crown jewel of his North African empire.
Asmara's three places of worship are a splendid testament to the harmony
in which its Muslim and Christian populations live. The Al Khulafa Al
Rashiudin Mosque, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Nda Mariam Coptic
Cathedra have co-existed peacefully for the better part of a century;
the Gothic-style 52-meter bell tower of the Catholic Cathedral offers a
marvelous view of Asmara and its mountainous environs.
The Muslim quarter of Asmara is the place to shop for fresh spices,
fabrics, and the creations of silversmiths. Asmara is also known for the
exceptional quality of its leather goods, and tourists who will be
spending enough time in Eritrea can return home with custom leather
apparel.
Although it falls during Eritrea's hot season, the best way to
experience the Eritrean culture is at the Festival Eritrea held in
Asmara for the last week of July and first week of August. Celebrated at
Asmara's Exhibition Grounds, the festival is a way for the delightfully
friendly citizens of Eritrea to display their pride in their culture as
an independent people. Eritrean cuisine, ceremonial dancing, artwork,
costumes, and dramatic performances by Eritrea's different populations
are all on exhibit, and many of the handcrafted items are available for
purchase.
Visitors flying into Asmara's airport will find comfortable and charming
lodging at the newly renovated Albergo Italia, first opened in 1899,
with rooms illuminated by the remarkable Eritrean sunlight, or at the
Africa Pension, with its spacious quarters and lovely garden setting
close to the residence of the Italian Ambassador.
>From there they can depart to explore the pristine areas off Eritrea's
coast on a sailing and diving tour of the islands and reefs of the
Dahlak Archipelago, traveling first by train through Eritrea's
spectacular mountains to embark from the ancient Eritrean port of
Massawa.
Or they can rent a four-wheel drive vehicle to explore those same
mountains, or to chase game across the Eritrean Savannah, or to visit
the cradle of humanity in the Great Rift Valley. No matter which of its
many attractions beckon, Eritrea is an adventure waiting to captivate
its guests!
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2090773/eritrea_africas_newest_
adventure.html
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