Every day is opposite day in Algeria. Opposite from Mauritania! Even though both countries are located in the Maghreb, the differences could not be greater.
Here are a few of my observations:
1.
Algiers: One of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to before the 5th century
Nouakchott: A relatively new city, dating back to only about 1958
2.
Algiers: Mountainous
Nouakchott: Flat
3.
Algiers: Cool and rainy
Nouakchott: Dry, hot and windy
4.
Algiers: Covered in green parks
Nouakchott: Covered in sand
5.
Algiers: Government works for the population- free health care, free education, including University level (with free meals & transportations for all students), subsitized services (transportation, gas prices, food, etc.)
Nouakchott: Very little government visibility (no roads, water, or sanitation provided for poor neighborhoods, etc)
I could keep on listing but you get the idea!
Of course, there are MANY similarities between the two countries, politically and socially. I can save that list for the next time.
Also, I do not want to put a value on one place vs. the other. Every city has it's advantages and special secrets.
Most of all, I want to make it clear that I love Mauritania. I love the year-round sunshine and the warmth of the people. I miss the ease of life in a small city, where I had a clear vision of my capacity and role in the country. I feel a bit lost here right now but I have felt lost in my first year in every city where I have lived (LaCrosse, Nairobi [Kenya], Olympia, Gbeko [Benin], Chicago, New York, Shimelba [Ethiopia], and Nouakchott). I hope I can stay for longer than a year to really feel adjusted to life here. If not, at least I will try to learn as much as possible during my time here.
I know that I will be back to Mauritania soon.
Of course, there are MANY similarities between the two countries, politically and socially. I can save that list for the next time.
Also, I do not want to put a value on one place vs. the other. Every city has it's advantages and special secrets.
Most of all, I want to make it clear that I love Mauritania. I love the year-round sunshine and the warmth of the people. I miss the ease of life in a small city, where I had a clear vision of my capacity and role in the country. I feel a bit lost here right now but I have felt lost in my first year in every city where I have lived (LaCrosse, Nairobi [Kenya], Olympia, Gbeko [Benin], Chicago, New York, Shimelba [Ethiopia], and Nouakchott). I hope I can stay for longer than a year to really feel adjusted to life here. If not, at least I will try to learn as much as possible during my time here.
I know that I will be back to Mauritania soon.
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