My Algerian friends

In 2010, after 43 years, I returned to Mers-el-Kébir and caught up with many of my Algerian friends I hadn’t seen since 1967.  I revisited the house where I lived and grew up, my Primary School and many other places filled with the memories of my early years there.  Since 2010, some members of my family have also returned to the old country with me and they too rekindled many relationships long interrupted since the sixties.

It is most comforting to realise that in spite of all the years spent apart from each other and without any contact, the relationship, the closeness and the feelings between my friends and me had remained as strong as they were all these years ago.  The hospitality I receive and the welcoming I am shown from my old friends and the new ones I have made each time I return there is simply overwhelming.

I met Alilou; my friend Kader's nephew in 2010 during my first trip to Algeria.  We somehow connected straight away and our friendship has continued to grow ever since.  Like my father, Alilou is a keen spearfisherman and we exchanged many fishing stories and the best spots to catch groper among other fish.  He gave me the cross which I am holding in the photo.  Alilou found that cross while diving one day and was waiting to meet someone to whom he could give his find.  I was that person and that gift touched me immensely. 



Alilou, an Exceptional Man and a Keen Spearfisherman 



Ryad is another of Kader's nephews.  He is married to Nawel and has two delightful daughters; Ella holding his Dad and Farah.  I spent three unforgettable days with this gorgeous family during the 2014 "Aid Festival" celebrations.  This festival is one of the most important events in the Muslim calendar and they shared this private and most special time with me.  I was very touched and honoured by their gesture and welcome.  Nawel is holding a bowl of savoury couscous which we enjoyed shortly after this photo was taken.

Couscous at my Friend Ryad his Wife Nawel and Daughters Farah and Ella
 

These are some of the children who live and play in Kader's street.  I am here showing them some of the video footage I was taking of them at the time and their fascination for what they were watching was very touching. 

Daniel & the Neighbourhood Children
 

My friend Kader and I standing by the main entrance of the high School we both attended in Oran.  Going back there and revisiting the place was a very emotional experience.  

Kader by the Entrance of the High School we Both attended
 

Rahmouna comes from a very large family and has many sisters and brothers with whom I am also very friendly with.  She however was my favourite of the lot and our friendship now goes back more than sixty years.  I never fail to go and see her each time I go back to the village and we always have lots to talk about and reminisce.

My Childhood Friend Rahmouna

Fatima is another dear friend of mine from that same period and it is always a great pleasure to catch up with her and her husband Basha who is also a very good friend.

My Friend Fatima

I met Mohamed in 2014.  Mohamed owns a seafood restaurant and specialises in assorted fried seafood platters and his unique seafood paella.  We have shared many wonderful moments together and his hospitality is second to none.  I will definitely go back to see him this year.

My Friend Mohamed at his Restaurant with one of his Cooks

My other friend Mohamed is a school teacher who lives in Kristel; situated a few kilometres East of Oran.  We met in 2012 and we have become very close ever since.  Mohamed's mission in Life is to provide as many educational and cultural opportunities as possible to his students and I truly admire his dedication and commitment to his people.  We are currently working on a project which we hope will soon bring some assistance and benefit to his students.

My Friend Mohamed the School Teacher

This photo was taken at Mohamed's house in Kristel.  His daughter and wife are the sweetest people you could ever wish to meet and each time I visited there, I was treated to a fabulous feast and the warmest of welcomes.  Thank you ladies for your delicious food, your wonderful smiles and your beautiful hearts. 

My Friend Mohamed's Wife and Daughter

Youcef is a very dear friend of mine and it is always a pleasure and a rare treat to catch up with him each time I travel to Algeria.  Youcef works at the Mers-el-Kébir City Council and I always enjoy my time with him.  He is a very educated, sensitive and most caring young man who always have time for me and my family when we travel there.

My Friend Youcef Chouchelamane

I took this photo of Rahmouna on the left and her sisters Farida - (centre) and Fatima in 2014.  My cousin Gyselaine and her husband Jean-Louis came to Algeria that year.  Gyselaine had been to Primary School with Fatima and wanted to catch up with her after having lost touch for 52 years.  

My Friend Rahmouna on the left and her sisters - Farida and Fatima

Moufida is my friend Farida's granddaughter who lives at Farida's along with her sister.  Quite often, couples who struggle with the upbringing of their children are helped by the grandparents in this task. 

With Moufida - My friend Farida's Granddaughter