Exploring Algiers
Thinking of Algiers might conjure images of a busy North African city with whitewashed houses tumbling down a hill, the Mediterranean glittering nearby, and history lurking everywhere. For the most part, you would be right. Algeria's capital, Algiers, is among those towns that creep upon you. At first glance, it could appear a little chaotic, a little too much traffic, a bit too many honking horns, but with time, it charms you in the most unexpected ways.
Probably the first place anyone will mention is the Casbah. Fundamentally, the Instagram goldmine of Algiers, this antique neighbourhood is a tangle of narrow lanes, decaying Ottoman-era structures, and small stairwells that feel like they were created by someone who hated straight lines. Wandering about for hours, getting somewhat lost, discovering a secret coffee shop, and asking how anyone could have perhaps lived here in the 18th century without a GPS can fill you with questions. That, however, is the essence. The Casbah encourages you to stop, take in the beauty of anarchy, and explore.
Algiers is more than simply historic walls and twisting alleys, naturally. The city's amazing architecture could cause you to wonder why you even bothered studying modernism in college. If you prefer simplicity, the Martyrs' Memorial, with its huge concrete hand reaching for the heavens, is a little of an eyesore. It is, nevertheless, complex to forget and challenging to ignore. Probably you'll snap a picture even if you're not sure why. Another must-see is the Basilica of Notre Dame d'Afrique. Perched on a cliff, it appears to have been snatched off a postcard and thrown into real life. From here, the perspective of the sea can cause you to become at least somewhat philosophical about life or, at the very least, about your choice to climb all those stairs in the heat.
Furthermore, the beaches of Algiers are pretty pleasant. Most visitors are unaware that one can literally sunbathe in the city without having to travel two hours. The Mediterranean is warm enough to let you forget the traffic, the noise, and the odd, hostile seagull attempting to steal your lunch. Keep in mind that local beach rules here might be a little different from what you're used to. View it as an aspect of the trip.
And then there's the food, which might make you briefly question every other meal you've ever had. Couscous is, of course, king, yet don't pass up mechoui, a slow-roasted lamb that tastes like heaven but demands a great deal of devotion. Served in small glasses, mint tea will make you feel like you're starring in your own travel documentary, even as you try to get through the midday heat.
If you let it, travelling to Algiers may be a bit too much. The smells, the people, the history, and the sights bombard you all at once. But it's the kind of city you carry with you if you see it with curiosity and a sense of humour. It's unforgettable primarily, though it's disorganised, amazing, and sometimes aggravating.
Get ready to be enchanted in unexpected ways by loading your camera, maybe a little bottle of hand sanitiser, and walking shoes. Really, the best aspect of Algiers is its refusal to be normal.
