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.