We are in Massawa. Tomorrow we take a 36hr trip inland to Assmara, the Eritrean Capital, which is at 2,500 mtrs and we expect it to be cold (what a change). Down here on the coast - 40 miles, but four hours by bus - is, on average, one of the hottest places on earth but at this season it is quite pleasant. The 'convergence zone' (between equatorial and continental weather systems) sits right over us at the moment giving grey skies and occasional rain. On our way in to Massawa we had a really heavy squall shower which washed away an accumulation of Bombay filth and Aden fine red sand off the boat and rigging - at least off the windward side. And tonight a thunderstorm helped clean the other side. This is the first rain since the Bay of Bengal and, if reports are to be believed, the last we will likely see until November in the Med. It is surprising what interests and excites us 'yachties'!!!
Massawa is a fascinating place. Once the jewel of the Red Sea and a major port with Ottoman, Egyptian and Italian influences (and for example Haile Salasie's winter palace)it was carpet bombed in the war with Ethiopia and little has been done yet to repair that devastation. Yet the people are strikingly handsome, proud of their new country and very friendly and welcoming.
Internet access is sparse here so we are not sure we will find anywhere. So if you are expecting responses from email other than sailmail it may not happen soon.
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