ALGERIA

Hello bloggers

This morning we arrived in Algeria. Algeria is not an obvious tourist destination. After the devastating civil war in the nineties, the country gets only the news as an abduction occurs or bombing perpetrated.

We stay here only for four days, because there’s a lot of criminality out here especially in the border areas, at night and early in the morning. So we will visit the country only during the day, at the evening we decided to stay at our hotel.

Thursday the 30^th of April 2015

So we arrived at ten o’clock, we checked in at our hotel and then we went outside. Beforehand we made a plan of what we want to visit, to spare some time. On our first day we visited the capital Algiers.

After visiting the capital we went to the Kasbah of Algiers. The Kasbah, meaning citadel is specifically the citadel of Algiers in Algeria and the traditional quarter clustered around it. More generally, a Kasbah is the walled citadel of many North African cities and towns. The name made its way into English from French in the late 19th century.

Th Kasbah was very beautiful, we were happy that we put the citadel on our number one to visit list! It is a really must see!

After lunch we went to Le Jardin d'Essai du Hamma.

In the garden was it very quiet and peaceful, quite the opposite of on the streets. It is a beautiful place of peace and tranquillity with a plethora of fauna on offer. Some rare specimen. Ticket purchasing is a major put-off. Chaotic scenes at the booth with crowds shoving a shuffling - no organisation whatsoever. Trees and their fallen foliage (often rare varieties) not managed - kids climb branches in view of security staff (lack of awareness?). 

Restaurants on offer: OK but with major hygiene and cleanliness issues - rubbish strewn everywhere.

In the evening we ate at our hotel and after we ate our meal we immediately went to our beds.

Goodnight xoxo

Friday the 1^st of May

Hi bloggers!

We decided this morning that we’ll stay at the capital for four days, it’s too dangerous to travel on the road.

Today we visited La Grande Poste d'Alger, it’s the most beautiful post office I’ve ever seen!

Its true beauty is in the inside. Neo-Moorish architectural beauty that is aged. It's a throw back in time as you step through the doors. If taking pics, don't take shots of the counters or people or the authorities will stop you. Stand near the entrance for a general overall shot which is acceptable to them.

For the rest of the day we just walk through the city and bought our gifts for our family.

Goodnight Bloggers

Xxx

Saterday the 2^nd of May

Today we had a good sleep, we slept untill 12 o’clock! You get really tired of traveling around. So today we visited only one thing, Tombeau de la Chretienne.

It is built like a domed pyramid. The crosses on the doors of its four entrances gave it the name "Tomb of the Christian", but most likely it is the tomb of King Juba II and his wife Cleopatra Selene (the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony). A very unique looking structure. There was a time one could go inside the tomb but unfortunately it is now closed to the public. It was looted in antiquity and there is no vestige left that could identify the purpose of the tomb. An interesting historical enigma.

After a long walk we went back to our hotel.

Xxx

Sunday the 3^rd of May

First we visited Memorial du Martyr.

We took the cable car up to the monument then you had to get your camera ready. Amazing views from the top and be sure to go into the military museum. Nice to see all the Algerians there to celebrate all they sacrificed to be Algeria. Wonderful landmark that is bigger than life that memorializes life and sacrifice.

After lunch we went to a bar to discuss our next trip, because tomorrow we’re going to Morocco!

Goodnight!

Monday the 4^th of May

This morning we packed our bags and went to the airport in Algiers.

Now we’re still waiting for our flight… We’ll write you after landing!

Bye!

Xxx

Femke Raman

Sources:

- http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/algeria-travel-warning.html
- http://www.worldtravelguide.net/algeria
- http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Algeria/Things_To_Do-Algeria-TG-C-1.html