Exploring the Wonders of Debub Region, Eritrea

• Helloሰላም
  [selam]
• Goodbyeዋላ
  [wala]
• Yesአዎ
  [awo]
• Noአይ
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeመልእኽቲ
  [mel'ekhti]
• Thank youኣመሰጋእቲ
  [amesega'eti]
• Excuse me/Sorryሰላም
  [selam]
• How are you?እንቋዕ ነን?
  [enqa'e nan?]
• Fine. And you?አስራሕን. ኣይተርከን?
  [asrahin. ayterken?]
• Do you speak English?እቲ እንግሊዝኛ ትከይል?
  [eti englishna tikeyl?]
• I don't understandእንቋዕ ኣይትሓትን
  [enqa'e ayt'haten]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseመዓልቲን ብሙሉ ዝተኸፍእሉ ንስኻ
  [ma'altin bimulu zetehkeful neskha]
• I don't eat meatእምነተኛ ብትኽእል ኣይትዓምርን
  [emnetagna b'tik'el ayt'amren]
• Cheers!እንቋዕ!
  [enqa'e!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseገንዘብካ እንቋዕ
  [genzebka enqa'e]

• Help!እንስራ!
  [ensra!]
• Go away!ንዕለት!
  [negelt!]
• Call the Police!እንቋዕ ብዕደነ!
  [enqa'e b'edena!]
• Call a doctor!እንቋዕ ዘለዎም!
  [enqa'e zelawom!]
• I'm lostእዩ ኣብዚ ንኽሕል፥
  [eyu abzi nikhil]
• I'm illእንቋዕ ነን
  [enqa'e nan]

• I'd like to buy...ገንሲ እንቋዕ...
  [genesi enqa'e...]
• I'm just lookingእምናይ ዝተኸፍእ
  [emnay zetehkeful]
• How much is it?መብርሂ?
  [mebrhi?]
• That's too expensiveኣብ ተለያይ
  [ab telaya]
• Can you lower the price?መብርሂ እንቋዕ?
  [mebrhi enqa'e?]

• What time is it?ስዓት ንሕስም?
  [sa'at n'hisem?]
• It's one o'clockኣንጿብ ንእሽተኛ
  [anftib n'eshetna]
• Half past (10)ንምሽን (10)
  [n'mishn (10)]
• Morningመስኸም
  [meskem]
• Afternoonቀረባ
  [kerba]
• Eveningሎሚ
  [lomi]
• Yesterdayትስማዕ
  [tsamae]
• Todayሓፋሽ
  [hafash]
• Tomorrowመስማዕ
  [mesmae]
• 1ኣርእስ
  [ar'es]
• 2ብርኽ
  [berkh]
• 3ልስኽ
  [lesk]
• 4ኣርባ
  [arba]
• 5ሓምለ
  [hamle]
• 6ስምት
  [simit]
• 7ሰብዓ
  [seba]
• 8ሰሉስ
  [selus]
• 9ሰላስ
  [selas]
• 10ሓይሊ
  [hayli]

• Where's a/the...?እዚ ቦታ እንቋዕ...?
  [ezi bot'a enqa'e...?]
• What's the address?ኣብዚ ኣስርሒ እንቋዕ?
  [abzi asrih enqa'e?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ኣብዚ እንቋዕ (ቅራጽ)?
  [abzi enqa'e (qras)?]
• When's the next (bus)?ንምሽን እንቋዕ (ብስሽም)?
  [n'mishn enqa'e (bseshim)?]
• A ticket (to ....)እንቋዕ ምንቅስ (እንቋዕ ....)
  [enqa'e menqes (enqa'e ....)]

The Debub Region of Eritrea is home to the ancient city of Qohaito, which is believed to date back to around the 5th century BC. This site, which sits atop the highlands, was once a bustling center of trade and agriculture. The ruins include ancient temples, palaces, and intricate rock art, providing a glimpse into the sophisticated society that once thrived here.

During the first millennium AD, the Kingdom of Aksum exerted its influence over much of modern-day Eritrea, including the Debub Region. Aksum was a major trading empire known for its monumental obelisks, many of which still stand today. The region's historical ties to Aksum are evident in archaeological finds and inscriptions that link it to this powerful ancient kingdom.

In the medieval period, the Debub Region saw the rise and fall of various local powers and was later influenced by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans established control over parts of Eritrea in the 16th century, leaving behind architectural and cultural influences that can still be seen in some of the region's old fortresses and buildings.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a significant period in Debub Region's history with the advent of Italian colonization. The Italians established infrastructure and modernized parts of the region, building roads, schools, and hospitals. The colonial architecture from this era, such as in the town of Mendefera, reflects the Italian influence that shaped much of Eritrea's urban landscape.

Debub Region played a crucial role during Eritrea's long struggle for independence from Ethiopia. The region was a focal point for the Eritrean Liberation Front and later the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF). Numerous battles were fought in the rugged terrain of Debub, and the region's people made significant sacrifices for the cause of independence, which was eventually achieved in 1991.

Since Eritrea gained independence, the Debub Region has seen considerable development. Efforts have been made to preserve its rich historical heritage while also modernizing its infrastructure. The region continues to be an important agricultural hub and is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, which celebrate the diverse traditions of its various ethnic communities.

Debub Region is located in the southern part of Eritrea. The nearest international airport is Asmara International Airport, approximately 100 kilometers away from the region. From Asmara, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Debub Region. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Additionally, some tour operators offer private transfers and guided tours directly from Asmara to various destinations within the Debub Region.

Transportation in Debub Region includes buses, minibuses, and taxis. Buses and minibuses are the most economical options and connect major towns and villages. Taxis are available in larger towns and can be hired for short trips or for the entire day. Renting a car is another option, though road conditions can vary, and it's advisable to rent a 4WD vehicle for more remote areas. For a more local experience, you can use bicycle taxis, which are common in smaller towns.

The official currency in Eritrea is the Eritrean Nakfa (ERN). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry cash. ATMs are available in larger towns such as Mendefera and Dekemhare, but it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash in Asmara before traveling to more rural areas. Some hotels and larger shops may accept US dollars or euros, but it's best to have local currency for smaller purchases.

Debub Region is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take basic precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft can occur, so keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes where available.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Major towns in Debub Region have police stations and medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Keep a list of emergency contacts and the address of your country's embassy in Eritrea.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering religious places. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Debub Region like a local, visit the weekly markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Eritrean goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the archaeological site of Qohaito and the ancient city of Matara. For a unique experience, participate in a traditional coffee ceremony and sample the local dish, injera, with various stews.