Sean and I finally arrived in Algeria yesterday after a very long day of travel. While we spent a total of 24 hours in airports and on airplanes, we can't complain too much- we also made $1200 in the process by voluteering to extend our layover and take a later flight. Since a round trip from the US to Algeria costs about that, we definitly are thankful.
Upon arriving at Sean's (and now my) apartment in Algiers, we were un-welcomed by the mess his old roommate/colleague left. His contract did not get resigned, and clearly he's unhappy about it. So he decided to handle it like a grown man and trash the apartment before leaving. Fortunately we were able to get a cleaning lady to come this morning (who I must add is the hardest working, fast cleaning lady I've ever seen... and only cost $13).
So what's it like so far? I've been sleeping a lot, recovering from the trip and adjusting to the time difference. I've never thought of myself as high maintainance, but that's all I've seen myself as since arriving here. It really makes you appreciate what we have in America. Like water. Water here is not only not for drinking, but also not always hot and not always available. And here I thought water fell under the "need" category. Apparently here you don't shower when you're getting ready to go out, you shower when you can. I felt so dirty from the flight and sweaty from the heat, so I had to shower today with no hot water. So there I am, holding my head upside down, trying to wash my hair without the water really touching anything but my hair, then attempting to shave, which is counterproductive with all the goosebumps on my legs. (I can't help but notice how the covered women I see in the street don't ever have to worry about greasy hair or hairy legs... coincidence??)
The other crazy part of life right now is that it's Ramadan. In Algeria, Ramadan is taken very seriously. No one eats or drinks during the day, and very few work. Finding food for us to eat during the day hasn't been easy. We can go to the Sheraton resort, but that's resort pricing ($50 for my ceasar salad and Sean's cheeseburger). The other option is to sleep most of the day, and eat at night, which is what the locals seem to do. Apparently they can eat when the sun goes down. It makes me more curious about what working muslums in America do during Ramadan.
While there are quite a few things that make life a challenge, everything feels like an adventure, and for that reason it's fun. And spending this time with my hubby after not being able to for so long, is just awesome. :-)
Upon arriving at Sean's (and now my) apartment in Algiers, we were un-welcomed by the mess his old roommate/colleague left. His contract did not get resigned, and clearly he's unhappy about it. So he decided to handle it like a grown man and trash the apartment before leaving. Fortunately we were able to get a cleaning lady to come this morning (who I must add is the hardest working, fast cleaning lady I've ever seen... and only cost $13).
So what's it like so far? I've been sleeping a lot, recovering from the trip and adjusting to the time difference. I've never thought of myself as high maintainance, but that's all I've seen myself as since arriving here. It really makes you appreciate what we have in America. Like water. Water here is not only not for drinking, but also not always hot and not always available. And here I thought water fell under the "need" category. Apparently here you don't shower when you're getting ready to go out, you shower when you can. I felt so dirty from the flight and sweaty from the heat, so I had to shower today with no hot water. So there I am, holding my head upside down, trying to wash my hair without the water really touching anything but my hair, then attempting to shave, which is counterproductive with all the goosebumps on my legs. (I can't help but notice how the covered women I see in the street don't ever have to worry about greasy hair or hairy legs... coincidence??)
The other crazy part of life right now is that it's Ramadan. In Algeria, Ramadan is taken very seriously. No one eats or drinks during the day, and very few work. Finding food for us to eat during the day hasn't been easy. We can go to the Sheraton resort, but that's resort pricing ($50 for my ceasar salad and Sean's cheeseburger). The other option is to sleep most of the day, and eat at night, which is what the locals seem to do. Apparently they can eat when the sun goes down. It makes me more curious about what working muslums in America do during Ramadan.
While there are quite a few things that make life a challenge, everything feels like an adventure, and for that reason it's fun. And spending this time with my hubby after not being able to for so long, is just awesome. :-)
I'm so glad that you guys made it! I'm so excited that you decided to start this blog! I'm enjoying it already! You'll get used to the cold showers after a while, though they suck, but just think how much more you will appreciate EVERYTHING when you get back! Enjoy your adventures, and I'm trying to figure out how I can join you! :)
ReplyDelete