TechZati

March 4, 1997

I left the annoying Canadian journalist behind in Axum. What a very loud woman – nice, but so loud.  Regardless, I’m in Asmara – capital of Eritrea. There have been 3 very good signs that this is going to be a great place.  First, when we got off the bus we weren’t mobbed by people and taxi drivers. Two, the taxi drivers were both helpful and nice. Third is that the people in the bank were very nice and helpful. Add to the fact that there are no beggars, this adds much to the charm of the country.

I met and independent Japanese film-maker. Sort of in the same boat as a production company I want to start. But, he made a short film, entered it into a contest and won.  Now his money comes from commercials and music videos. I’m extremely impressed by the Japanese. Incredibly polite.

We had a little trouble at the border coming out of Ethiopia.  My entry stamp had been for a month early, Jan. 22 instead of Feb. 22.  A little hassle, but no problem.  Then at the Eritrean border, the Japanese girl had trouble with her passport.  Apparently the holograms need to be over the picture of the person in the passport or it’s invalid.  The bus ride itself was painless. It was the best bus ride on a public bus I’ve ever had.  Goodbye Ethiopia.

Asmara, capital of Eritrea