Welcome to my blog about my experiences while living in Algeria!The President of Algeria was visiting Setif today and tommorow. I took the kiddies downtown to see him. There were sooo many people and even we were very close, we didn’t catch a glimpse. I did take some photos though. You can see all that I took in my photo album. And below are a few of the highlights. Viva Algerie!
Technorati Tags: president’s visit, algeria, setif
I just posted some photos of wedding and party dresses found in Setif shops to my new photo gallery. The wedding dresses are made in France. They can be rented for between 5000 - 7000 DZD or bought for around 30000 DZD. Still, looking at them closely, I thought they lacked quality. I don’t know if you could see that in the pics.
Technorati Tags: algeria, setif, dresses, gowns, party, wedding, shops
Setif Wins 1-0 against Jordan in the Arab League Championship 2007 game. Very very exciting! Setif is a madhouse. Cars honking, fireworks igniting. Setif is oozing with pride right now. Wish you could be here to experience it!
Visit the ESS official website for up to date information and goodies.
Viva Setif!
Technorati Tags: ess, setif, algeria, arab league, championship, 2007, soccer, football
This last week I read that Al Qaeda was encouraging their followers to boycott today’s Parlimentary elections. And I thought, “what a way to make changes, not supporting the democrat process, … idiots!” But, then last night when I was doing my weekly grocery shopping, I inquired with the merchants if they were going to be voting. And they said ‘no’ they don’t want to vote because all the nominees are corrupt! Well, that’s a system that works, huh? So, I am left thinking to myself what is the solution to this problem. The president hasn’t, thus far, promoted an atmosphere where the people of Algeria can freely express themselves about what they want or how they feel. My God! The press are locked up for criticizing government officials. How can an average Algerian feel confident to do so. So, of course, the nominees are corrupt! They know someone, or knows someone who knows someone who will help them get to the top in a corrupt system. It’s a shame, really. Algerians as a people are very kind and generous. Their country has so much potential for being great! But, the ignorant and greedy just can’t get enough! I wish upon a wish, pray upon a prayer that Algerians could come together in an intelligent and peaceful way, of course, and effect some real changes within their communities and government.
Technorati Tags: vote, parlimentary, election, algeria, algerian, setif, corruption
Once again, I had the pleasure of taking my kids to the Florilegio Circus. We did take them last year, too, and it was great. The kids just loved it. Well, anyway, during intermission we went outside with the crowd to grab some snacks. There were some booths set up for product promotion. There aren’t too many family events in Setif for this kind of thing, so I think it’s always interesting to see them. Well, there was a booth for Kiri cheese. Kiri cheese is like the American Philidelphia cream cheese. Yum yum yum! At their booth they were painting kiddies faces with special paint markers and setting them up for a free photo with the Polaroid camera. You can see a photo below of my kiddies(I got a polaroid, but it kind of looks washed-out, so I’m just including my digital pic). I thought it was so smart because what better free publicity than that? All the moms will show their pic off to their friends and family and all receiving Kiri’s smart branding!
So, I talked to the booth operator and they are an independant PR company in Algeria. I took their card and thier information is as follows:
Kamel KHELLAL, Conseil en Communication
6, Rue Jean Jacques ROUSSEAU, El-Biar, Algiers, ALGERIA
Tel/Fax: +213-21791085
E-mail: k2c_dz@yahoo.fr
They are a full service provider. They do market research as well as all types of promotion. Here is a pick of the booth operators(they are holding my daughter):
Aren’t they smart?
Technorati Tags: setif, algeria, circus, florilegio, kiri, pr, promotion, product, smart, idea
A reader wrote in and asked for some interesting traditions. One, that came to mind is the saving of bread. When I first arrived, here in Algeria, after dinner we were cleaning up. And as we were clearing the table I tried to throw out the half-eaten bits of baguette. Immediately, I was told not to through it but save it. It is basically sacrilege to through away bread. All uneaten bits are saved and then taken to the cows or sheep to eat. I’ve even seen some doorsteps full of old bread where the city sheep herders will come and let thier sheep eat it. I even, now, save all my old bread and keep it in bags until my father-in-law takes it to wherever it goes.
Thanks Lauro!
Thank you for receiving me, yesterday, at the conference! I really enjoyed meeting you all and hope to, again, very soon. You really blessed me with all your kind comments and genuine desire to learn and do something great with your lives. Don’t hesitate to contact me with all your questions and concerns. It will be my pleasure to help you with your projects.
Til Later,
Harmony 
Technorati Tags: setif, university, english, conference, algeria, students
This a recipe for a lovely treat to serve at 4 o’clock with your milk and coffee.
Ingredients:
Mix with a handmixer the oil, sugar, eggs, baking powder, salt, lemon rind. Mix for a few minutes. More air the better. Sift and add 3 cups of the flour and stir in with wooden spoon until well combined. Pour all but 3/4 cup(190ml) of the mixture into an oiled 13 1/2 inch(44cm) diameter round baking pan. Spread evenly with oiled hands or spatula. Evenly, spread the preserves over mixture with spatula. Take the remainder of the mixture and add sifted flour, little by little, until it is kneadable and does not stick to your hands. So, not too firm. Take the dough and use the large holes of a cheese grater to grate the dough on top of the confiture. Be careful to spread the gratings evenly and close to the edges. Put into a preheated 350°F(177°C) oven for 28 minutes. Checking the middle of the cake with a dry knife to make sure the center is cooked. Voila! Let cool, cut and serve!
I hope you enjoy this recipe. It is quite simple and fast to make. You can use any flavor preserves you like. Apricot is the most popular around Setif. I am not sure about all of Algeria. Please report back to me if you prepare it, to let me know how it turned out. And of course please post your comments if you have further questions or need help.
Technorati Tags: algerian, setifien, recipe, snack, cake, dessert, algeria, milktime, food, cuisine
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