The weeks are going by and slowly I am navigating the confusing waters of bureaucracy. Of course there are many waves along the way that are rough! I am amazingly busy but rarely see my accomplishments. This week my evaluation is due, and I have to write it myself! Boasting about yourself is crazy!
In the last few weeks, patients have come and gone, visitors too, and terrorist cells have taken over the county to the south of us. Just an ordinary week.
Easter is this weekend. I have yet to see any bunnies. Maybe some chocolate eggs will appear.
What I did do was go to an Algerian wedding. As in the US, all weddings differ based on many factors. This was a mix of Berber and Algerian culture and I can not explain what that means. Although many similarities exist between an American wedding and the one I attended there were some striking differences! The most noted difference is the groom. He does not attend. The entire celebration is for women only. NO MEN! I am told that sometimes the groom comes at the very end but not this time. The celebration is loud music, a lot of dancing, eating wonderfully sweet cakes, socializing and seeing the bride in many different outfits. She changed clothes at least 7 times while I was there. Each outfit has a different significance. The last one is the white bridal dress we think of. With each change she emerges to a loud clicking noise by the guests to announce her arrival.
On the left is the local physician I work with wearing a traditional Algerian dress.
The music is rock concert loud with a female announcer keeping the party going. The guests, both young and old flock to the dance floor.
Below are some dancers. The scarf is tied around the hips and you dance by shaking your booty. All ages dance this style.
Then there is the bathroom. You have read several bathroom stories in past blogs.This one is the best so far. You have heard the stories of toilets that are simply holes in the floor. Well here it is. This is a fancy one, it has raised areas to place your feet. There is no toilet paper, and the bucket is to wash down what misses. There is a spigot on the wall. Needless to say I did not have much mint tea to drink.
In the last few weeks, patients have come and gone, visitors too, and terrorist cells have taken over the county to the south of us. Just an ordinary week.
Easter is this weekend. I have yet to see any bunnies. Maybe some chocolate eggs will appear.
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| Mother and Bride |
On the left is the local physician I work with wearing a traditional Algerian dress.
The music is rock concert loud with a female announcer keeping the party going. The guests, both young and old flock to the dance floor.
Below are some dancers. The scarf is tied around the hips and you dance by shaking your booty. All ages dance this style.
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| The bride (on the right) in one of her many outfits escorted by her sister. |
Then there is the bathroom. You have read several bathroom stories in past blogs.This one is the best so far. You have heard the stories of toilets that are simply holes in the floor. Well here it is. This is a fancy one, it has raised areas to place your feet. There is no toilet paper, and the bucket is to wash down what misses. There is a spigot on the wall. Needless to say I did not have much mint tea to drink.
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