I am Originally from constantine in Algeria and I was born and bred there until the tender age of 8 years old, when my parent and I moved to london. And I haven't stepped a foot back until last year march '05. At first I was very wary and unsure, because algeria is not a very touristique country, but I decided to visit again to regain my lost roots. So I took a plane from london to the capital Algiers that took 3 hours and another 45minute plane trip from Algiers to constantine. You gain a taste of algeria as soon as you step on the plane, as the plane was full of algerians only, I felt at home already!!!!!!!!!
I got picked up from the airport by my cousins who I havent seen for 12 years (very emotional), and as we drove to Belvieu let me tell you the road is a shocker. Let me re-phrase that, the city has no road rules (well, they do but they are Defiantly not followed). Everyone is driving into each other, people their dont walk on the pavement they walk on the road, its very scary. Any way I got to my uncles house, and all the memories came flooding back and I felt right at home.
Next morning I asked my cousins what is their to do around here, they looked at me puzzled. I quickly remembered what my mother said before I left for constantine, "because Algeria is a very preserved, culture and religious country, they dont have the faclities of a fun, crazy holiday. The women dont go out unless they are shopping or travelling from one place to another, there is no nightlife, no bars, no alchole, no cinema, no swiming pool, no bowling, bascially no fun Facilities at all. Thats the downside of constantine, but dont get me wrong it has many positive aspects about it as well. I went sightseeing with my cousin, and let me tell you, it was beautiful. The city of constantine is built on highland (very large cliffs). The main tourist attractions was the constanine bridge and the large beautiful mosque, the bridge is huge and very very high, its built from one cliff to another. Another positive aspect about constantine is the food (very yum), let me tell you once you tasted their cous cous and other delicious food you wouldn't want any more fish and chips! And the best thing is the food is cheap, infact everything is cheap. For instance the distance of a cab drive of 5 miles is only about 1 pound, cheap or what!!!!!!!!!!
The city is very religious and has a beautiful culture, and I would Defiantly recommend it to travellers who enjoy sightseeing and are looking for a holiday full of culture and are not afraid in experiencing new surroundings and meeting different people. people who are looking to relax by the beach and work on their tan, experience good nightlife, enjoy alot of different faclities and expect the locals to speak english should defiantly avoid this destination.
Here are some tips if you do decide to visit my home country:
- Dress Appropriate, it is a very strict muslim country so dont show off no skin or wear tight clothing.
- Avoid the buses, can be very packed with no air conditioning, take a taxi instead.
- Avoid carrying too much money and valuable possesions, pick pockets do exist in the area.
- Do explore fully instead of sitting in the hotel all day, for instance visit the country side (jijel) its only 2 hours drive and has beautiful beachs and surroundings.
- Do enjoy yourself.