Visit to Constantine, Algeria

I have been traveling around the world for a number of years, visiting many different countries and cultures.  This past week I had the chance to go to Constantine, Algeria.  Constantine is a historic city that at one time was key to the battle between the Romans and the Ottoman Empire.  If you ever visit the city you can quickly see why they would want to have the city... it is on a mountain overlooking the territory in all directions.  Very strategic.

This visit was different for me compared to my other travels.  This time I had to stay on a secured base camp.  See, Constantine is considered a very conservative Muslim city.  To the east a few hundred miles, in the mountains there are known terrorist groups.  There was not real threat to me or our employees, but we take a very conservative approach to these types of things.  Nonetheless we have our expatriate employees and any visitors live on a base camp.  The base camp has 3 levels of security.  The first is the office buildings, second the dining area and support buildings and the third is the living quarters.  You have to use a special badge to enter the areas.  The living quarters are small bungaloos with 3 rooms -- living/kitchen area, bedroom and bathroom.  Nicely kept, clean and air conditioned.

Prior to going, I did experience a bit of anxiety.  Many of our employees have gone there with no issues, but it was my first time going there.  I didn't know what to expect and I prayed a lot that it would be a "no issue" visit.  Much to my relief I found the experience to be very nice.  The people at the airport / passport control were very helpful (with my miserable French skills sometimes it is difficult).  In Algeria they don't speak a lot of English, mainly French and Arabic.  I can understand the French, but not too good with Arabic.  I couldn't believe how friendly and helpful they were.

Shortly upon arrival I'm picked up by a driver and taken to the base camp... ok, when I say base camp what are you thinking.  1945 army barracks???  Again, much to my surprise the base camp was very welcoming.  Clean, well kept and non-threatening.  I found the experience to be very good.  Some of the guys complain about the noise because the walls are so thin, but I had no problem sleeping.

For dinner that night the group of us had an old fashion barbeque -- lamb chops and sausage!  It was a homemade grill, but well done.  Our cooking utensils were a bit primative, but got the job done.  The night was beautiful, the wine was good, food was perfect (except for this "dip" that was like garlic flavored cool whip) and the company was enjoyable -- even if I had to use my French.

In the end I really enjoyed my visit to Constantine.  The local people were very accepting of me, they wanted to know about my feelings of Constantine and Algeria, and were surprised to learn this was my 6th visit to Algeria.  I guess not a lot of Americans go to Constantine.  I will remember my visit to this very conservative Muslim city, what made even more interesting is it was Ramadan.  Taught me another lesson of cultural and religious tolerance / acceptance.

A couple of pictures looking out from the base camp...