There is only one good thing about staying behind here in Eritrea, I get to celebrate Christmas twice. Coptic Orthodox Christians here in Asmara are marking the birth of Jesus Christ - which they celebrate on 7 January in line with the old Julian calendar. On the above picture you see Hanna T/Slassie in front of the Christmas three in the reception area at Lion Hotel in Asmara.

Yes, that is where I am staying now. Alfred Weisse from Namibia/South Africa has been an excellent host since 1st January, but his team mates are back in Eritrea and they need their beds. Hopefully my stay here will be only two nights, but who knows.