"Asmara, exceptional architecture " a Asmara Travel Page by johnbradshawlayfield

Eritrea. When I heard its name, I immediately related it to civil conflict, drought and famine. But when I visited that place i.e its capital Asmara, I couldnot believe my eyes. Airport was pleasant and clean. The roads throughout the city were very well maintained. Drivers observed lane discipline. The architecture of the city was excellent. Italian colony as it was.
When I first entered the city, it looked like a European city. I was surprised to see, how well maintained Asmara was and ofcourse they were proud of it. The city climate is hot throughout the year with temperatures reaching 45 to 50 degrees. In winter, its about 32 to 33 degrees. the city on the whole, I will rate it 4 out of 5. The city must be given a visit.

Eritrea is a heartbreaker. It was once heralded as a good place for travelling and, with a bit of luck, it could soon be so again. But as long as the country is at odds with its neighbour Ethiopia (again!), its sworn enemy, tourism development won't be a priority.

Dankalia is the name given to the narrow strip of land about 50km (31mi) wide that stretches south of Massawa down to Djibouti (about 600km/372mi), along the coastline. You can't miss it on the map: it looks like a long peninsula protruding from the south of the country. It's a volcanic desert where you'll be struck in awe by otherworldly, lunar landscapes.

It is known as one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth: there's little to see, nothing to do, and no great destination awaiting you at the other end. The journey is hot, tiring and demanding; few travellers come here. But the sense of exploration is real, even on the rickety old bus. If you drive, the journey is likely to be one of the most memorable of your trip. If there's one place in Eritrea where travel is for travel's sake, it's Dankalia. As if that was not enough, Dankalia is the territory of the legendary Afar or Danakil people, described as one of the fiercest tribes on Earth.