Dec 25 and 26 2018

Left Frankfurt today. Everything was shut down because of Christmas. Frankfurt International Airport is very security conscious. We went through five passport and visa check points. We are on Emirate Airlines from Frankfurt to Dubai. What a great airline. It's more expensive than most, but they really treat you well. It was the first time in ages that I have been given real silver ware in coach for our meal.

Coming into Africa in the early morning, the sunrise on the red rocks really accentuates the rough territory. Landing at the International Airport in the nation of Eritrea was wild. Tons of baggage strewn in mounds all over the place. Everyone grabbing over each other. Just getting your luggage out of the scrum was a feat. As we went through passport control, the agent eyed us suspicously. Only 200 or so US citizens were allowed to enter the country last year and we were 11 of them. It took forever while the guy checked us out. We asked if we could take a picture of the outside of the airport and we were told no. This is a very tightly controlled nation.

This is a nation that was taken by Italy and was an Italian colony for 60 years, then after the Italians were routed by the British in WWII, the Ethiopeans have been trying to take them over because the Ethiopia is virtually landlocked and Eritrea has a 1,000 miles of coast line on the Red Sea. It's only been since 1992 this country has had its independence and since then they have been warring with Ethiopia until just last year. The reason why Eritrea won is because their terrain is so very tough. Just looking at it from the air, it is seemingly impossible to invade.

I am in a daze right now., Can't hardly believe that I am in Africa. The plant life is stunning, people very gracious and willing to help us. Most of the people in Asmara know of our arrival. We are actually guests of the government for this funeral that I am singing at. Every where we go, people, specially kids follow us.

More later....