Back to Work

We have been back in country for almost 2 weeks and as expected work is work. My local hire physician is on leave and I have a temporary health unit secretary, and 30 DOT drivers physicals to conduct (mostly non English speaking). That does not include all the meetings I attend to prepare for the July 4th soiree that the ambassador throws for 700 people.
Our July 4th independence day is followed by the Algerian Independence day on July 5th. The best news is it is a four day week end.
My other adventure is trying to decide where to go next. Our bidding cycle begins in August and we find out the results in November. Mostly we want to move to the Western Hemisphere. Closer to family friends. We dream of a spot on a Caribbean island where friends and family can come visit. Not likely to happen but the dream is good.
No pictures this week but I'll keep my eye out for some good ones.

A visit to the USA

Wayne and I recently returned to our post here in Algiers after a fun filled R&R in the good ole USA. At first when I arrived I was overwelmed with the complexity and variety of everything. Yes it has only been 6 months but I was adjusting to how we shop and the limited products available. It was short lived but noticible. Of course I could read menus and so I knew what I was ordering, and I could ask questions and know I would recieve an answer I would understand, and I enjoyed pork almost daily. (so much for my cholesterol).
We spent time with our children and had slumber parties with our grandchildren. I visited with friends whom I miss, and did not have near enough time with. We invaded my daughter for the long week end including her aunt and uncle from Ohio. But alas all things come to an end  and we are back in Africa.

  Shoppping with the girls



Part of the Gang

hiking

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

A Visit to The Sea

The view of the catholic church Notre Dame D'Afrique

Last weekend we had took a trip along the coast to a small sea port. There were many small boats and cafes which sold fresh fish. It was a fun trip and good to get out of the city and see some sights. We ate in a restaurant on the second floor looking out over the harbor. You could have your fish fried or grilled but no matter what it came with the head. I have no idea what type fish I ate only that it was tasty and fresh. We also enjoyed fresh shrimp in a spicy red sauce also complete with heads! And various fresh breads. What a feast!

It was very windy

Many small fishing boats and nets lying on the dock. This small port opens to the Mediterranean Sea.

There was no menu, only a waiter with a plate that had the various fish that was available.

An Algerian Wedding

 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.

Mother and Bride

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.

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.

Bangkok

Wayne and I spent a week in Bangkok last week. I had training for MED and he did the tourist adventure. Flying 14 + hours and jet lagged for days, I sat through courses to keep my certification. But before the conference began I did have time to do a few things. The Kings Palace was fascinating, shopping was endless and the river area was busy. Bangkok is a crowded, hot and smoggy city full of sites and smells. The streets are full of vendors selling everything from souvenirs to any food, and the smell of incense at the Buddha shrines and fish fills the air.  I have never seen the massive shopping malls and food areas with more restaurants than you could eat in a life time!

gardens at the Kings Palace

Me

Holding up the temple with the emerald Buddha

Wayne and the Buddhist Monks

A very large reclining Buddha

One of the many buildings on the palace grounds

 This statues reminds me of our little dog peanut!

More like Yoda

The boss was here or Hillary Clinton visits

Some weeks are routine, beautiful Mediterranean weather, but last week the boss came. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spent six hours here in Algiers. I was assigned to her motorcade for the day. What a wild ride both figuratively and literally. I was at the airport for her arrival and there for the departure and all point in between. I shook her hand at the embassy and ate dinner (separate staff area) at the Algerian Palace. The day was exhausting and I can not imagine how she keeps that pace. We were stop 3 of 4 and she moves non stop. Here are a few pictures.

The vip area at the airport where she was to sit on the couch for 2.5 minutes.

Honor Guards

Secretary Clinton and the Algerian Foreign Minister

The ceiling of the reception hall