TRAVELS

 It has been a hectic few weeks. Here is Algeria we have extra holidays associated with their country and so on a recent holiday we traveled to the mountains above Algiers to the Tibhirine monastery. The monastery is no longer inhabited by monks but Catholic Mass is said there frequently. It is seeped in tragic history from the recent reign of terrorism in this country.

In 1996 terrorists kidnapped the monks and although the details of their eventual demise is uncertain they were killed and beheaded. They are buried on the grounds near the orchards that they tended. The views are quite spectacular and the jam that is produced quite good.

The walls of the Medina

Then there was the recent week we spent in Morocco while I did some training. We traveled to Rabat, Casablanca and then south to Marrakesh. We enjoyed local the open feel of a county that is friendlier to Americans. The hustle and bustle of the city is ever present. Rabat is much more laided back. Rabat is the capital city.

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V 

Casablanca was our next stop. It is a large noisy port city. It is hectic and dirty. We did however eat at Ricks place down near the water and watched snippets of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman  while dining at the cafe.

We then caught the train south to Marrakesh. This is the tourist mecca for Morocco. What a ride and what a place. We bought 1st class tickets so we could have comfortable seating and air conditioning. Don't be fooled. It was hot, but the seats were comfortable.

 

Transportation is unique, a lot of horse and donkey carts. Scooters, cars, taxis, buses and camels can also be found. The Djemaa El-Fna plaza is the place to be whether shopping in the souks or browsing for spices. It is even busier at night since the temperatures are cooler.

The Koutoubia Mosque

Snake charmers were present with their cobras

And some old familiar faces