Mediterranean Navigation Day 8

Day 08 - Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Explore Algiers, Algeria; Visit La Kasbah, The Citadel; Ottoman Palace; Martyrs’ Memorial; and the “Eternal Flame”

Just before breakfast we tied up at the Port of Algiers. The plan for the day was abbreviated because of the storms on the western Mediterranean so we had to make the most of our time in Algeria.

The weather was a bit drizzly so we brought our rain gear and met our new local guide, Luna. We had a police escort car and several armed policemen with us on this day also. The four buses were in a caravan again not only for safety but to help with the traffic.

Today was Sunday, the first day of the work week for everyone in Algiers, the capital of Algeria. The bus driver dropped us off at the top of the Kasbah, the traditional residential district of the city. The buildings are ancient stone with garden hoses for water and all electric wires on the exterior of the buildings. The narrow streets were a bit slippery because of the morning mist.

Luna took us to visit a traditional carpenter’s shop as well as a shoemaker, a barber, and a cabinet maker. Everyone we greeted and we smiled at, wanted to know where we were from and asked if we liked Algeria. The country has just opened for tourism and there were only 2,500 tourists visiting last year. Hopefully, we are making a good impression as ambassadors from the USA.

The next stop was the Ottoman Palace, or Palace of Tiles built in the early 1800’s. The 500,00 tiles used to decorate the palace were a sign of wealth and luxury for the owner, the Mustapha Pasha, Dey of Algiers.

The Kasbah has a large community of stray cats. Vic talked to all of them and one little orange tabby followed him around to the end of our walk.

We visited the Ramadan market and saw the large selection of dates hanging from the vendor’s stalls. It is said that Mohamad broke his fast at Ramadan by eating 3 dates and the tradition is still followed.

On the way to our lunch, we passed through the heart of the city. Many shops were open displaying modern clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and appliances typical of any big city.

After lunch, our driver took us to the highest point of the city to visit the Martyr’s Monument. Luna explained the history of the French occupation and then the War of Independence fought from 1954 to 1962.

We went back to the city center where Luna and the other three guides gave everyone a chance to look at the stores and do a little shopping. Most of us waited at the meeting point and enjoyed the warm sunshine and cool Mediterranean breezes until the group gathered again.

The Captain and crew members welcomed us back on board the Clio at 4:30 and we sailed again at 5:00. The storms have forced us to change plans several times.

We will not make another stop in Algeria but we will sail across the western end of the Sea to the port of Malaga, Spain where the Captain has arranged for us to dock for a few days to wait out this weather.

While we worked on the photos and the journal and we enjoyed the sun setting on the sea from our little veranda. The Port Talk was at 6:45 followed by another dinner with our new friends.

Accommodations: M/V Clio

It seems like you got a bit of a flavor of Algiers even in that short time. The people do seem very friendly. When I was in Egypt, we had police escorts, too. There were only 3 of us on the post trip and sometimes we were outnumbered by the police! Full employment? I hope you'll be able to see some interesting things near Malaga. Good luck.

Day 10: Mediterranean Navigation

Antonio, Our Guide

Gardens at the Alcazaba

Roman Theater

Visiting with Picasso

Gennie & Vic, Malaga 2004

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Day 10 - Tuesday, March 11, 2025 –Ship Docked in Málaga, Spain; Costa del Sol; Andalusia

The Clio docked at the Port of Malaga just before midnight enabling us to have a very calm night’s sleep. The alarm went off at 7:15 and we had...

Continue Reading Day 10