TRAVELS

We have managed to get away for a short trip in August. The religious period of Ramadan ends with the celebration of El ul Fitr. Muslims have prayed and fasted for 30 days and they conclude with a celebration. This means a holiday for us government workers, So Wayne and I escaped to a town in southern France called Aix en Provence. For those who are geographically challenged it is near Marseilles France. The town is full of old buildings mostly 16th and 17th century, sidewalk cafes, street markets, fountains and good food. It was a refreshing change of pace even if we could not always communicate. We do not drive here in Algeria so street signs are not a problem but we rented a small car and drove the French countryside. To say the least is was challenging! "X" as it is commonly referred to is the home of the painter Paul Cezanne. He is noted for his paintings of the mountain Sainte Victoire. It is a stunning mountain that rises up and dominates the scene outside of town.
We also traveled to the coastal town of Cassis, an ancient fishing port famous for its cliffs (falaises) an its sheltered inlets known as the calanques. Both are beautiful. And what trip to France is complete without visiting a winery or two for a tasting. Mountains and vineyards and olive groves abound.
It was relaxing and refreshing.

Fountains abound in Aix. Many are quite old and stories of people using them for various reasons. The large fountain above is the center of town and it is the Cours Mirabeau. Shopping and sidewalk cafes abound

 

 

 

 

 

 

a view to the town hall and public
square

 

Vineyards abound, the area is famous
for their various blends.

 Need a toilet? For a Euro or two you have access to the street corner toilet. This is one of the main intersections in town. Handy huh!

Cassis France the sea is beautiful
and
crystal clear

INDEPENDENCE DAY

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.

Monument of the Martyrs for the unknown lost in the revolution

Christian church turned Mosque

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.

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.