Date: Tuesday, 12 July 2016
By: Berhane Woldu
Hundreds of thousands of Eritrean Diasporas flocked to their home land to celebrate the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of Eritrea’s Independence. To find a nation that is modern, civilized, peaceful and united. A vast land covering one hundred twenty one thousand square kilometers and boasting an impressive 1100 kilometer coastline, these Diaspora’s who have been long gone from home were once again awaken to Eritrea’s beauty and diversity; its glorious climate, spectacular scenery and basking in a sunny African Mediterranean climate.
In Eritrea you don’t come across: UN troops that are deployed in countries like Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad, Somalia, South Sudan and Burkina Faso. Or terrorist organization likes Boko Haram in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad or Al Shaba in Somalia. African’s have become victims of armed violence, poverty and marginalization. Emigrants from the rural area into polluted cities, insecure and dehumanized life condition; Addis Ababa, Lagos, Nairobi, and many other major cities littered with homeless children and teenage prostitutes.
Unlike its neighbors Eritrea is a nation that is being transformed into avant-grade Nation where no one is left behind. There are no villages without basic social services. There are no children walking bare footed. Rural development has been given priority and has brought phenomenon gains in the living standard of the population. Eritrean Diaspora who flocked to their home land to celebrate the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of Eritrea’s Independence did witness beauty and magnificence of Eritrea and ongoing National development programs by visiting exemplary places from the Coastal Region to the Western Low lands and Central Highlands.
The Coastal Region is Eritrea’s vibrant seaside region with a population of two million people, an easy going, laid back lifestyle and friendliness second to none. Red sea region has developmental projects, historical places, factories, International airport and national Museum, Free trade zone and Sahaba Mosque the oldest in Africa. Adulis City dated back 1400 to 2000 years is a historical site 56Km from Massawa on the coast of the Gulf of Zula. Red Sea region is known for its superb beaches, wildlife parks and world-class hotels where Ostriches have been known to watch passersby and dolphins wave as you boat ride with a spirited cosmopolitan city vibe. The coast line from Foro city to Asabe port has a maritime flavor combined with heritage and multiculturalism. Just a short walk from one’s home will find you within beautiful beaches along the Sunset Coast and the relaxed life of the Afar. If one aspect of Eritrea were to characterize life in the coastal area surely it’s the beaches; those magical places where the Red Sea with its 1100 kilometers long clean, unspoiled white beaches and blue water contrast with mangrove trees, high mountains and pyramid like islands and the hundreds of islands with different shape. The Sunset coast is best known for being home to some of the most beautiful beaches, clear emerald green waters and beachside cafes and restaurants make them irresistible gathering points during evening hours. These are the finest things in life and you find them in Eritrea a nation twenty five years young.
In the cities of Asmara, Mendefera, Keren and Barantu there are fine dining establishments to funky bars trendy tapas bars and gourmet burger cafes. In places and settings of imagination converted basements, villas, on rooftops and hidden spaces waiting to be discovered. Eritrea’s city centers are loaded with haven of coffee shops for casual all-day dining to suit every taste and budget. There are ample shopping specialty stores featuring fashion, electronics, souvenirs, food, books and much more. With blue skies and warm sun these cities offered happiness ecstasy and excitement to its Eritrean Diaspora visitors. With accommodation options available from backpackers to holidaying families to luxury seekers. Diasporas’ stayed at bed and breakfast, or in one of the city’s international standard hotels. Others stayed in self-contained apartments that offered fully-furnished accommodation with equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. Live performance venues included Cinema Roma, and Cinema Asmara right in the city center with enough seat indoor venue, complete with state-of-the-art sound system renowned as having exceptional acoustics, Cinema Roma and Asmara played host to some of the world’s great classical musical ensemble such as the German Symphony Orchestra and the South African cultural troupe. The outdoor amphitheater at Bahity Meskerem offered a spectacular setting for live music and dance performances. Liberty Avenue in Asmara was packed with people of all ages enjoying the live music performance set at every block. The civility of the crowed is testimony to Eritrean civilization.
Lush green meadows, citrus trees bursting with orange, lemon and grapefruits, delicious food and other delights are all part of the experience in Western Lowland region where you can buy just–picked fruit and vegetables from roadside stalls. Just two hours from the capital city Asmara is where you find the vast low land where farmers found uninhabited land near the banks of Gash and Barka rivers. To the West you’ll find pristine natural bush, wildflowers, forest, waterfalls and spectacular views with its rich cultural heritage; a special home in the forest. The mineral wealth riches and the discovery of gold in the early 2000 have resulted in incredible growth. Social transformation of the Western Low lands is beyond expectation.
Eritrean people live in peace and harmony. Tranquility and synchronization is the motto of Eritrea. Diasporas found Eritrea bright, fun, friendly, and relaxing but visitors are sure to find their own descriptions after their Silver Jubilee Independence Anniversary holiday.
