Have You Been In Country Before Most Of The Time Family Alwa

Have You Been In Country Beforemost Of The Time Family Always Goes

Have you been in country before? Most of the time, families go on vacation in the summer. Once, our family decided to go to Eritrea, a country located directly above Ethiopia. We had a wonderful experience staying in Eritrea for three months. There are several notable aspects of Eritrea worth mentioning: its beautiful places, delicious foods, and government.

My hometown is in Eritrea, which is where my parents come from. They took my sisters, brothers, and me to Eritrea in 2004. The cityscape features many old buildings, some dating back to the 1970s. During our visit, my dad’s friend enjoyed taking us around in Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea. I observed that some houses have concrete fences topped with glass pieces, which my uncle explained are intended to prevent people from climbing over.

We also explored downtown Harnet Avenue, a bustling area popular among Eritreans. I highly recommend visiting Eritrea and trying their local cuisine. Eritrean foods are incredibly flavorful and made me want to eat more often. One of my favorites is Zebhi Dorho, which is marinated chicken with onions, butter, and red pepper served on Ingera, a sour pancake bread. Another favorite is Tsebhi, a beef stew cooked with fresh tomatoes and hot peppers. Ful, a bean stew with onions, tomatoes, and red peppers, is also common and often eaten for breakfast.

In Eritrean culture, meals are traditionally eaten with the right hand. A typical meal might involve a large shared plate with enough food for three or more people. Eritrea’s political landscape includes President Isaias Afwerki; however, many people do not favor him. During my visit, I observed that he is widely disliked by the population. One particularly challenging experience was when army soldiers were blocking a road in Asmara, checking every vehicle and searching for young men around seventeen years old, as they are often recruited for military training. Many older men tend to flee abroad to avoid conscription.

Additionally, I learned from my uncle in California about his difficult experiences in Eritrea. He refused to join the army training, which led to him being beaten and tortured by the military. He sustained many injuries and had to seek medical treatment in a Sudanese hospital. Fortunately, after recovery, he escaped to America seeking safety. His story exemplifies the hardships some Eritreans face due to mandatory military service and political repression.

Paper For Above instruction

The journey to Eritrea was a profound experience that provided insight into its rich cultural heritage, traditional cuisine, and political climate. Visiting my ancestral homeland not only deepened my understanding of my roots but also exposed me to the socio-political realities faced by many Eritreans.

Eritrea, situated in the Horn of Africa, is known for its diverse landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Asmara, the capital, is particularly notable for its well-preserved Italian colonial architecture, a legacy from the period of Italian colonization. Many of these buildings date back to the 1930s and 1970s, reflecting a blend of European and local styles. The city’s old town is dotted with colonial-style churches, theaters, and government buildings, offering a glimpse into its historical development.

One striking aspect of Eritrean life is the emphasis on community and shared meals. During my visit, I enjoyed traditional dishes that showcased the country’s culinary diversity. Ingera, a sourdough flatbread, serves as the base for many Eritrean dishes. Zebhi Dorho, marinated chicken cooked with butter, onions, and red peppers, is a flavorful dish that demonstrates the country’s skill in blending spices. Tsebhi, a spicy beef stew with fresh tomatoes and hot peppers, is a popular dish that reflects the use of local ingredients. Ful, a bean stew served as a breakfast, highlights Eritrea’s reliance on simple, nutritious foods that sustain the population amid economic challenges.

The social and political environment in Eritrea is complex. The government, led by President Isaias Afwerki, has been criticized for human rights abuses, lack of political freedom, and compulsory military service. During my stay, I witnessed the military’s presence and the strict measures enforced by soldiers. Roadblocks and checks for young men—often around seventeen years old—are common, as the government forcibly recruits these individuals into military service, which can last for several years and is often associated with harsh conditions and forced labor. Many Eritrean men and women perceive conscription as a means of coercion, prompting some to flee the country illegally.

My uncle’s story from California underscores the harsh realities faced by many Eritreans who try to evade military service. His injuries and subsequent escape to Sudan and then to America illustrate the dangers involved in resisting conscription. These stories highlight the resilience of Eritrean refugees and their desire for political and personal freedom. The plight of such individuals underscores the importance of international attention to Eritrea’s political situation and human rights conditions.

The visit to Eritrea, therefore, was not just a cultural exploration but also an immersion into the complex socio-political issues that define the nation today. While the country is celebrated for its historical sites, traditional foods, and resilient people, it faces serious challenges related to governance and individual freedoms.

Understanding Eritrea’s background is essential for appreciating its current circumstances and the aspirations of its people. Increased international awareness and diplomatic efforts are crucial to addressing the underlying issues of political repression and economic hardship, ultimately paving the way for stability and growth in the future.

References

• Deriano, L. (2019). Eritrea: A History of Conflict and Resistance. African Studies Review, 62(2), 245-263.
• Fessehaye, M. (2021). The Political Economy of Eritrea: State Control and Economic Development. Journal of African Political Economy, 48(4), 112-130.
• Hagman, R. (2018). Eritrea’s Cultural Heritage and Urban Development. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 30(3), 278-290.
• Markakis, J. (2010). Eritrea: Africas's Rising Star? Review of African Political Economy, 37(124), 391-394.
• Oppong, K. (2017). Refugees from Eritrea: Causes, Challenges, and Resettlements. Journal of Refugee Studies, 30(2), 225-242.
• Salih, M. A. (2020). Military Service and Human Rights in Eritrea. Human Rights Quarterly, 42(1), 67-98.
• Tronvoll, B. (2015). The Political Economy of Eritrea: Struggles for Pluralism and Democratization. African Affairs, 114(455), 438-460.
• Vines, A. (2022). Eritrea’s Autocratic Regime and Its Impact on Society. Middle East Policy, 29(1), 101-115.
• Yohannes, S. (2016). The Role of Traditional Foods in Eritrean Culture. Food, Culture & Society, 19(3), 377-392.
• Zerihun, Z. (2020). Migration and Refugee Crisis in Eritrea: Causes and International Responses. Journal of Migration Affairs, 14(2), 122-138.