The Waterstraut Waterspout: Eritrea

Eritrea was another country we decided to do to coordinate with the Food and Wine Festival, while there is no Eritrea booth, the Africa booth features Ethiopian food. That works because after WWII, Eritrea was annexed by Ethiopia. They were one in the same until Eritrea's President Isaias and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Zenawi waged war against each other in the early 90's. The trigger was Eritrea's decision to introduce it's own currency.

Eritrea became independent in 1993, and is ten times smaller than its now neighbor of Ethiopia. But, I can't tell you a lot about life in Eritrea, because, it's considered one of the most secretive, closed countries in the world.

I mean, all I think I need to tell you for you to get the gist, is that people call it 'Africa's North Korea'.

So, it's not surprise there is a US Travel Warning to warn against the risks of traveling to Eritrea.

There's no political opposition (the official government is a 'single party presidential system), and a widely criticized human right's record. It's also one of the most censured countries in the world. International media is shut out. The dictatorial government controls domestic coverage.

The country hasn't advanced the way North Korea has, though. It's like a time capsule from the 1930's.

All of that doesn't leave us with much to talk about for this small country of about 6.3 million citizens. Although, it is worth noting the country is experiencing mass emigration.

But, our landmark isn't going anywhere anytime soon. It's the cave paintings that were dated from 6000 BC. (Human settlement is said to have happened there over 10,000 years ago). Eritrea has more than 70 caves with prehistoric paintings.

Nine ethnic groups make up the diverse cultural fabric of Eritrea. But the largest ethnic group is that of the Tigrinya people (they make up more than 50% of the population). Women in the Tigrinya are famous for their large golden nose rings.

Like I said, it was slim pickings for things to teach the boys about, but we did talk markets. Camels carry wood to be sold, which is featured in the big photo on the bottom of our travel book.

Medebar is one of the larger markets, and there you can find the recycling market. Old tires are turned into sandals, and olive oil cans become coffee pots.

We also talked animals, because an oppressive government isn't the only danger you'll face in Eritrea.

Eritrea is home to the Black Mamba, the fastest and most poisonous snake in the world. The thing is 13 feet long, reaches top speeds of 12 mph, and two drops of it's venom can kill you. So, fun.

Eritrea also sits along the coast of the Red Sea, which is home to the dangerous titan triggerfish, scorpionfish, rabbitfish, and 44 species of sharks.

The boys made their Eritrea postcards.

Calib made Kobe Bryant, because... well, he's called the Black Mamba.

Peyton's postcard featured the Red Sea.

And Hayden did his as a cave painting, which I really enjoyed. It was a good design of a postcard when there wasn't much info to go on.

Like I said, we went to the Africa booth at the Food and Wine Festival. We got the Berbere-style Beef Tenderloin Tips, and the Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket.

If you're looking to make your own berbere spice, you can put it on chicken, beef, lamb or even lentils and legumes this link will help you out.

Peyton loves the Berbere-sytle Beef Tips with the Onion, Jalapenos, Tomato and Pap. It's one of his favorites at the festival year after year.

But new to us was the Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket with Mint Raita.

We all took bites of both dishes, but holy geez, were they SPICE-EEE! Even the Beef was spicier than usual. We didn't even finish the pockets. I know a lot of African food can be really spicy, but because that's just not something I can do, when Asa cooks it he alters it so the spice isn't too much for me. But, obviously, he didn't cook it, so he didn't control the spice on this one. Because of the spice, Calib and I gave it a spoons down.

But this one did earn three spoons up from Asa, Peyton and Hayden.