Places we left behind.

What is it about the power of places and the strong memories that comes with them that makes us relive the moment as if it was 10, 15 years back to that same moment?

As I walked the familiar streets of Asmara, memories flooded my mind like a torrential downpour. Each corner turned, each building passed, whispered stories of times gone by, of laughter echoing through alleys, of friendships forged over shared meals. The faded wall paints and old rustic labels seemed to hold secrets of a bygone era, preserving moments that defined who I am today.

We are never strangers to these kinds of places, every visit is a reminder that you belong here, this right here is where you understood family, culture, and social connectedness. There is a safety in familiarity and this city was it for me.

From the lively conversations in bustling cafes to the shared laughter during neighborhood gatherings, this city taught me the value of human connection. It wasn't about the grand gestures but the everyday moments of camaraderie and support that forged lasting bonds.

In the safety of familiarity, I found the courage to explore, to question, and to grow. This city was my sanctuary, a place where I felt understood and accepted, where my roots dug deep into the soil of tradition and heritage. It's where I learned that home isn't just a physical location but a feeling of being understood, valued, and connected—a sentiment that transcends boundaries and time.

I left the beautiful city of Asmara in the early 2016, leaving behind everything that I love, family, friends, social and cultural influences.

Asmara was once dubbed “Little Rome”.During the Italian colonial period, Asmara flourished and became known for its grand buildings and wide boulevards.        

There is so much history in this small city, a reminder of unity, strength and resilience. every major infrastructure in this city has a story to tell. For many residents, these places are daily routes to major markets, meet-up places and landmarks of major historic significance.

According to Wikipedia, the Cathedral, also known as The?Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Asmara?(Italian:?Chiesa della Beata Vergine del Rosario) is a?Catholic?church built in the early 1920s in?Asmara, when the city was the capital of?Italian Eritrea. Often called "the cathedral", it is a large?Lombard Romanesque?style church in the center of the city, built in 1923 to serve as the principal church of the?Apostolic Vicariate of Eritrea.[1]

In these places, I found not just memories but reflections of myself—a tapestry of experiences woven into the fabric of a city that shaped my past and continues to influence my present. Asmara may be "Little Rome" in name, but in my heart, it's a vast universe of cherished moments and untold stories, forever etched in the mosaic of my life.