MERRY CHRISTMAS

Today is Christmas eve and as good Americans we spent the morning shopping! Here in Algeria they do not celebrate Christmas because less than 1% of the population is Christian. But the store was crowded and the mall was decorated with lighted palms and presents so it was a reminder of season. I have talked about shopping in other posts so today we went far across town to the local mall. Yes it truly was a mall with clothing stores, home stores, and tv and appliances. There is also the Algerian big box store Uno. It has everything under one roof, including meat, fruits, veggies, baked goods, and other groceries. It has a good variety but none of the charm and for those who know me, big box stores are not my thing.
I also had a cooking lesson this week. I learned to make couscous. The local varieties are not prepared like American couscous. It is steamed, not once but twice and hand managed to keep it from clumping. It was yummy!
I have to say that we miss everyone, this is a time for friends and family and Skype is our connection. Thank goodness. I hope all have a very bleased holiday. Happy Noel.

AMERICA

I know that as an American I have taken many things for granted. Yes, I have given occasional thought to how wonderful my freedom and how great my country, but I have never thought about it in the ways I do now. Think of your last vacation. Wow what fun, but you were ready to return to the comforts of home. The small things you miss when you are away. When I think of America and home now it is odd items I miss. I can not buy saltines. You would think saltines are universal but they are not. In fact here there is no substitute. A sliced loaf of bread is not found just anywhere. And please do not want anything but white bread. The bakery has lots of bread, but not what we commonly use. If you get there early you have a pretty good selection of baguettes. Then there is snack food. French fries are everywhere, They are generally soggy and they put them on baguettes for sandwiches and they tell me they even eat them on pizza. I wouldn't know we only eat homemade pizza without pepperoni or sausage. (No pork here) They appear to have alot of packaged cookie type foods but few snack chips. You can find a few potato chips but give me Doritos any day. Now here is my week spot. Not much compares to a Doritos. So then the question...what price are you willing to pay for that comfort food of home? We have a small commissary here which imports some speciality items and chips are a big seller. Chips are my weekly purchase. (and I spend alot on one bag) but to me it is a small slice of home and Americana!

WHAT A WEEK!

It has been a hectic week. I had a visiting American doctor from Cairo, a visit from a German doctor, visits to various hospitals, an official dinner party, and a Christmas party. The visiting American doctor is my medical advisor and she wanted to see our local facilities. With that came the official visit from the German doctor. I also was the occasion for the dinner party. We met with several local physicians from multiple practices to facilitate care of Americans if it is needed. Their English was better than my French and the food was outstanding. Of course you eat salad as a last course here which will take some getting used to.
Algeria was celebrating a local lunar holiday so we had a day off on Monday. So it was decided we needed a celebration to begin the Christmas season. We even sang Christmas carols!
I would like to tell you this is the view from our apartment but it is from the party. Pretty nice.

The Mediterranean Sea, Algiers

Then there is shopping! We went to a large fruit/veggie/meat market. Well some fish too. The assortment available is incredible. We bought quite an assortment to get through the week. Learning to eat differently with local selections.



Spices are in large barrels or buckets, they scoop out and weigh home much you want. Of course I could not read any of the words, but bought some chili powder.

Yes this is the fowl and rabbit selection. They leave the head feathers and feet fur on the head and legs so you know what you are buying. Other things to buy are tripe, bull testicles, lungs or even the entire side of beef or lamb for you to pick the cut you want.

This is a huge and crowded market.

Algiers

Well we are here. What an adventure. We arrived in the evening and could not get a good feel for our surroundings, but since have ventured out some. Our temporary apartment is large and unusual but comfortable. We have settled in for our 2 week stay before our permanent home is ready.
Work is interesting, the patients are like anywhere else in the world with the same complaints and problems. Then there are the water and food issues that I must deal with that are different.
Yesterday we went to the French embassy for a Christmas bazaar and saw local artisans works. It was a cultural experience and I need to quickly adjust my language skills. Today was shopping which was even more interesting. There are no supermarket as we know it. You go to one store for dry goods, then to the fruit or veggie market and then on to the butcher. Labels are not in English so you buy food based on pictures, shapes or color. The butcher is even more interesting since meat is in large chunks (like the whole leg) and you pick what kind you want and how you want it sliced. In all I think we spent 7000 dinars for groceries and went to 5 different stores.
I will post pictures when I can and update at least weekly with some new adventure.
Au revoir