“Springtime” in Eritrea: Purple flowers falling above the clouds…

Growing up in California, I can hardly say that we experience any recognizable seasons as one may in enjoy throughout the rest of the country. Living in California, we sacrifice this experience for more or less year-round temperate weather with the risk of an occasional earthquake here and there. Don’t those of us who live in North America wish we could just “have it all?” Well, when it comes to weather, it seems that they do “have it all” in Eritrea! In fact, they say you can enjoy “three seasons in two hours” just by driving from the Western Eritrean Lowlands eastward to the Eritrean Highlands and the Eastern Lowlands.

Now in March, Asmara is very pleasant with the average temperature being about 75 °F(24°C) and it is not as crowded as Asmara usually is during the May-September tourist season. In the highlands around Asmara, one cannot help but notice the abundance of purple jacaranda flowers blowing in the wind and landing on the intricately designed sidewalks, turning the city into a lavender paradise. Sitting in one of Asmara’s many cafes, locals and visitors alike enjoy each other’s company, conversation, pleasant weather and Asmara’s picturesque scenery.

If one decides to venture towards the Red Sea to Massawa through the Northern Red Sea National Park, they will find themselves standing before a seemingly endless mountain range eclipsed by a cloudy mist. Along the road lie several recreational areas and benches carefully placed beside some of the most breathtaking views. After passing Eritrea’s “Green Belt” and entering Massawa, one can end their journey by going for a swim in Eritrea’s virgin Red Sea beaches where temperatures at this time of year rarely exceed 80°F (27°C). The more adventurous might even hire a boat and venture to any one of the Dahlak Archipelago’s over 250 islands where waters are clear and untouched. Jealous? I hear Eritrean Airlines has just introduced some great new deals!

Please enjoy the shots!