Return to Eritrea..42 years on !

I was born in Asmara and happily lived there.

My parents were of Greek origin and they had left Greece in the turn of the century to escape from the weight of Turkish occupation and survive.

I knew no other country but Eritrea which, during the early stages of my life was undergoing radical political changes. From a period of occupation from Italy to a period of transition under British rule and finally Ethiopian administration when Eritrea lost its identity. We were now living in Asmara (Ethiopia) and not Asmara (Eritrea).

At school we were taught Amharic and Tigrrinia was seldom spoken as everyone spoke or understood Italian. Ethiopia was governing the country and their policies and priorities were questionable in the least.

When I grew up and joined the working force in the early 60s, I started experiencing the discrimination that was in force against the likes of me. I needed to have work permits to work. These most of the times, were obtained corruptly by my employers through 'lawyers' who acted as go between the various authorities.

When discrimination turned to open expressions of 'Kushasha farangi' i.e.  'dirty white', I decided it was time to look elsewhere for my future. I left at the age of 23 leaving behind all my  friends, family, possessions and the memories of a country that was to stay close to my heart for the rest of my life.

After 42 years since I left Eritrea, I returned for the first time to spend 10 days holiday in Asmara and Massawa.

Here are my experiences.. Click here to read file