July 4th. Independence day. A day of back yard barbecues, friends and family. The great American holiday. In the past we have always had a July 4th party. Hot dogs, hamburgers, apple pie, fireworks and a day off work, but I have to say this year had new meaning. Seldom did I really consider the meaning of Independence day. Yes you know it is about gaining our independence from England and became our own county, but we also gained freedom. As I celebrated the 4th with other Americans here in Algiers doing typical American things I had the profound sense of the freedoms Americans have that many in the world do not have. As I watched America's fireworks on TV and saw our military being honored I had chill bumps. They fight for our freedoms! We just enjoy freedom without much regard.
July 5th was Algeria's Independence day. Fifty years ago they gained their independence from France but not their freedom. The people in this county are part of a government that although they say are a democracy, it is not our democracy. The government is oppressive and difficult and life here in Algeria is hard. Twenty -five percent unemployment, minimal free enterprise, and banks that charge people to put money in them. I don't claim to understand how their government works but it is not about freedom.
I did do some sight seeing and shopping over the long week-end. We had planed a small trip out of country but some US congressmen and their wives wanted to come shopping that weekend so all leave was canceled.
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Monument of the Martyrs for the unknown lost in the revolution
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Christian church turned Mosque
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| Public transportation |
Public transportation is interesting in Algeria. Since our hills are so step you can ride a cable car down toward the sea and then ride the metro. The metro is new, clean and efficient. Unfortunately it costs more than the bus.
