1002 e-mails and guess what folks! I read most of them as I am still
recovering from what I consider to be the best trip of my life. I am totally
happy and I look forward to going back home soon! But untill then I will
try to tell you all about this special moment in my life.
You see! During every person's lifetime there is always one particular
memorable moment in which he takes a special pride. When this special moment
is recalled, it is briefley re-lived in the mind's eye, and then recedes
again untill it is once more called up when memories are revived. With this
in mind I would like now to hilite some of these special moments I spent
in my beloved nation of Eritrea.
1) Where in the world do you see a president who shares his time with his
people in the streets? Issayas invited an honored guest (Kabilla) to a
local bar while on a visit.
2) At 6:00 p.m as I was walking down a street someone yells at me and says
stop! stop! not knowing what for, I did. Folks everyone came to stand still
and watched the Eritrean Flag go down for the day! Amazing!
For some this could be a reminder of the bygone era of the Dergue but I
personally thought it was a great gesture.
3) While eating at a cafeteria that me and my friends went to often, I was
so surprised to find out that the waitress who is such a humble young lady
thought we were giving her TOO MUCH TIP! She was so embarassed to take it.
Tell me where else in the world do you see so much pride!
4) The streets are always clean and you see people from all walks of life
hanging out together, no matter how rich or poor. Just Incredible!
5) The people I met there that I found to be even more interesting than
your average person are a group of young men in their twenties whom I admire
dearly. All of them grew up in Asmara and got their educations in Asmara
and all of them are succesful young men who hold jobs that are so important
to the building process.
I am going to start out with a young man who is so talented,that at
age 22 he has mastered the English language, studied at the University
of Asmara and currently doing a coresspondence with the University of
London to study law. I am so gung ho! about this young man because first
he beat all odds and next he was a host to me and my friends at his big
and luxurious house where we felt at home. There are a lot more like him
but I know you all get my drift! THE PEOPLE,OUR OWN BROTHERS AND SISTERS
are our main resources and we must GIVE THEM A HAND IN RECONSTRUCTING!
I even found old friends whom I knew in the States and are now living
in Eritrea to improve the way we will live in the future!
6) One of my favorite moments obviously had to deal with the game of soccer,
as I was walking down the street in Tira Volo I found a group of young kids
who held a soccer ball and I asked if they would be interested in playing
a little pick up game. They were so happy and after we finished playing
they explained to me that they had a minor problem as they were preparing
to join a league. Their problem was that they did not have a Uniform. I
took on the responsibility of this team and gave them money to get what
ever they needed. Folks I said good bye! I never thought I would see them
again but they returned back to my uncles place with a team picture wearing
the Uniforms they purchased! WHAT A JOY!
Folks there are many other stories to tell but I will have to tell you
in different parts but for now I must admit that I truly enjoyed my Trip back
home and for those of you who have not been there in a long time I urge you
to check it out the feeling is DEEP!
Oh! I don't know if I am the first one to tell it but the word of the summer
is "BELES". That is what the local Asmarinos called all the outsiders that
came during the summer months just like the real "BELES".
For now I would like to extend my thanks to all Dehaiers! for making me feel
proud and also letting me realize before I left that Eritrea was a lot better
than when I left it 20 years ago!
God Bless everyone!
Victory to the Masses!
Your friend Mike Seium.