March
1927
In contrast to Abyssinia, there is a great variation of climates, soils and other natural conditions in Eritrea. Toward the north, in the vicinity of Sudan, the climate becomes drier. In Cheren there are about 600 mm, of rain instead of the 1500 mm, common in Abyssinia. This is the realm of the majestic baobab trees (Adansonia digitata). The open spaces in the mountains with individual baobab trees, shooting up from the low-grown savannah, present a peculiar picture. In April the leaves fall off and before one’s eyes appears a curious sight of enormous trunks with a multitude of branches, spreading out like hands. The trunk not rarely reaches such dimensions that it would be possible to accommodate a large house with several rooms or an entire apartment inside it.
The ethnic composition had also changed. There were new languages. The people were, indeed, similar to the Amharans but their customs were completely different. The method of making bread was particularly interesting and the first of its kind I encountered in this country. Round stones are coated with a dough made from wheat or teff. [1] A fire is lit and when only glowing embers are left, the stones covered with dough are placed on them. Of course, the bread becomes scorched and great dexterity is necessary so that it will not be completely burnt up. 
Notes:
- I think this bread is called kitcha. Nowadays, judging from the photo, iron or steel plates are used instead of round stones, which probably speeds up the process and requires even more dexterity. And A. Berhane, if you see this, I’ve asked for permission to use the photo; please let me know. [↩]
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