Homeland

I come from Eritrea. Eritrea is located in northeastern Africa. It borders Sudan in the northwest, Ethiopia in the south, Djibouti in the southeast and the Red Sea in the northeast. Eritrea has almost four million inhabitants. The capital is called Asmera. I lived in a small village called Akebgorzo until I was 9 years old. That is where my father was born.

People live differently there than in the city. They live in traditional houses called Hdmonas. These houses are made of masonry walls, wooden ceilings and soil-roofs. All of the family members sleep together and eat with their hands. One of the staple foods is Injera (flat bread). It is made of teff flour. Different types of spicy vegetables, chicken and meat are served with it. Women and girls wear loose long white dresses. Men and boys wear loose long white pants and long white tunics over their pants. This clothing is made from silk or rayon. These outfits are very comfortable.

The people of my hometown like to dance and sing. They play traditional Eritrian music and do traditional dances for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, holidays and outdoor festivals.

I would like to visit my homeland and see all of my relatives and friends from my childhood.