Eritrea...?

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2008-08-23 7:17 PM

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Subject: Eritrea...?
I feel so ashamed...Watching the men's marathon tonight...I had to go google "Eritrea"...I had no clue where these two runners were from!


Any BT'ers in Eritrea? Anyone heard of or been to Eritrea??


2008-08-23 7:37 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?

I believe it is a fairly recently independent nation, formerly part of Ethiopia.  That's the story I got from an Eritrean cab driver in Chicago a few years ago.   

Brian 

 

2008-08-23 8:03 PM
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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?

Eritrea gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after protracted struggles both with Ethiopia and its colonial rulers. A nasty border war with Ethiopia continues on its southern edge which has made development pretty difficult. IMO they made a very wise move in picking English as one of the national languages, and the language of education.

Land-wise, it comprises a rough triangle whose bottom edge borders Ethiopia and whose other long edge is a lovely coastline on the Red Sea.

Probably the best (and relatively short) and most accessible read on Eritrea and its relationship/history with Ethiopia is the chapter in Jared Diamond's Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive.

2008-08-23 9:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?

I only know about it because I used to work with a man from Eritrea. He was very proud to be from there, but he had horror stories of the war and all of the atrocities that went on in their struggle for independence.

I was happy to see their marathon runners do well.

 

 

 

2008-08-23 9:19 PM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
Yes, I've been there. The horror stories are true.  Many of the people are wonderful.  They deserve marathon success (and a lot more) after what they've been through.
2008-08-23 9:28 PM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
With all due respect to the fine Olympic athletes, it is a bit of a hell hole. East African, no real government to speak of. Two steps away from the middle ages- or Somalia. Piracy is a big problem off the Eritrean coast, and several Navies do a brisk trade in raiding the pirate vessels. There is also a deadly trade of illegal immigration from Yemen. Some rather untidy characters- real bad guys.

It's indian country- dangerous. There are likely State Department warnings against Americans travelling there.


2008-08-23 9:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
Running Times had an article on the challenges, training and otherwise, Eritrean athletes encounter. It seemed that running is one of the few things that one can do to get themselves out of poverty. In many of the African countries, people are literally running for their lives. It is amazing how many things I take for granted at times. The article was this past spring '08 and I've passed my issue on to others or I'd mail it to you.
Anne
2008-08-23 9:40 PM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
My husband spent a few weeks in Eritrea when he was in the Navy, its a common port stop for US navy ships heading to/from the Gulf. He played soccer against a local team when he was there, in a really dilapidated stadium but he says the people were awesome.  
2008-08-23 10:03 PM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
like I said I was a little ashamed that I didn't know of this country!

Thanks to all those who have enlightened me tonight!

2008-08-23 10:09 PM
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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
I had to look it up, too. 
2008-08-23 11:20 PM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
im sure it was the highest hit rate on their country ever as I also had to pull it up on google! Tuck that piece of information away for later conversation use!

2008-08-24 12:51 AM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
There's a significant Eritrean population here in Minneapolis/St. Paul. I was introduced to the people in elementary school here. One of my best friends was Eritrean. There is also a large Somali population here. Funny how a northern city can become a hub for east African immigrants. Based on the little I know about the country, I too was happy to see them do so well.
2008-08-24 4:14 AM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n0n7FEXQ3Zc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n0n7FEXQ3Zc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

 

enjoy this.

I read that some portrayed Ethiopian runners as poor so they have to run to bypass poverty. This is stupid! For your surprise Haile and Kenenisa both are very rich who do have millions of dollars. Remember! They are world record holders. You can see them that although they are rich enough they are still running. It is the determination that makes them run not the poverty. They both portrayed as champions and lions of Ethiopia. Many artists have also sung for them. So the statement that says Ethiopians run because they are poor is not only wrong but stupid.

 

 

Please enjoy the many you tube songs that is sang for them so that you better understand them

 

 

Mesfin 

 

2008-08-24 4:38 AM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bLg4j4gMzqA&color1=11645361&color2=13619151&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bLg4j4gMzqA&color1=11645361&color2=13619151&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

 

enjoy this as well, amharic song

2008-08-24 12:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Eritrea...?
zinabu - 2008-08-24 5:14 AM

I read that some portrayed Ethiopian runners as poor so they have to run to bypass poverty. This is stupid! For your surprise Haile and Kenenisa both are very rich who do have millions of dollars. Remember! They are world record holders. You can see them that although they are rich enough they are still running. It is the determination that makes them run not the poverty. 

Gosh, I'm really shocked to hear this.  Thanks for the information.  The other 5 million Eritreans -- not so rich.  Maybe its some of them who run to try to escape poverty.  Just a thought.

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