April 14-26, 2008 found us travelling with Zegrahm on their North Africa's Roman Legacy voyage--from Malta to Malaga with stops in between in Tunisia and Algeria.

The highlights were a late afternoon tour of the American Military Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia. The present site was established in 1948 and lies over part of the ancient Carthaginian city destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC. Most of the Military Dead gave their lives in the landings in, and occupation of Morocco and Algeria and subsequent fighting in the liberation of Tunisia. At sunset men in our group who served in WW II participated in the lowering of the colors. It was beautiful.

Before going on the trip we watched the 1938 movie ALGIERS with Charles Boyer and Hedy Lamarr. While touring the picturesque alleys and souks of the maze-like Casbah we had the opportunity to visit a local home which was 300+ years old. From their fourth floor roof top we looked down on the harbor and could envision the scenes from the movie.

In Algeria we visited a number of places including a Koranic school, the Church in honor of St. Augistine of Hippo who was born in Algeria in 354 AD and the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa.

One cannot visit Algeria without being exposed to the serious political problems--past and present facing the nation. For the Algerians a must see visit for foreigners is to the site of the May 8, 1945 massacre of Algerians by the French. Note: everywhere we went we had police escorts clearing the way. There is still concern about the Moslem extremists and their attacks on the Government.

Also what came through is the split within the population between the Arabs who inhabit the sea coast and the Berbers who are the mountain people with a different language and culture and who are demanding equality within the nation now dominated by the Arabs.

Another great trip Zegrahm!!!!!

Trip: North Africa's Roman Legacy
First Name: Dick & Betty
Last Name: Podol
City: Reston
State: VA