MY RECENT TRAVELS

PORTUGAL - MAURITANIA - ALGERIA - FRANCE - IRELAND  

This was going to be a major worry and concern for me.

One of the positives having decided for this travel option was that I did not have the major concerns I would have had travelling to Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi as reports suggested that monkeypox had started to affect those countries.

I did have other issues to address with travelling to Mauritania. Clearly one indisputable fact was that malaria was a problem. Another issue that I needed to address was the safety factor. As Mauritania is way down the list as an attractive destination for tourists (I saw one figure suggesting just 4,000 a year) there appeared little information.

Visas for Mauritania were available on arrival - although I also read that there was a process where you were questioned and interviewed on arriving but having done that before did not worry me unduly. Although it appeared difficult to obtain a taxi - especially late at night and so I arranged for the hotel to send a car for me at my arrival time.

So, with all these things in mind, what could possibly go wrong?

MY TRAVEL BLOG

Tuesday 03/September/2024

The day of travel departure once again arrived. I think I was feeling maybe a little more anxious and apprehensive than some of my previous trips - although that was not unusual.

My departure day was a couple of days later than usual too and with an evening flight from Manchester to Lisbon. Following my train journey to the airport, it wasn’t surprising to see security at Manchester Airport had their usual welcome for me - searching through my bag, removing my belongings which I had carefully packed and thoroughly swabbing many items. The worst part was not being able to repack my bag to how it was!

I had time for my usual coffee and to ponder over the possibilities of this trip - some of which I didn’t really want to ponder over!

My friend (David) who I became friends with when we met in Tuvalu, messaged me to express his concerns at maybe not arriving in Lisbon that night, as his flight had been delayed meaning he was likely to miss his connection.

I was somewhat grateful that my plans went well and after a near three hour flight, I landed at Lisbon airport. I was soon racing down to the metro happy in the knowledge that I knew where I was going. As I checked in at my hotel, I received a further message from David to inform me that he - and his travel buddy Jeffrey - would not be arriving until the following evening due to their missed connection.

I had a short walk round the area of the hotel and had found a couple of food outlets still open and so had a small meal before returning to the hotel for the night.

Wednesday 04/September/2024

I awoke to be greeted by the early morning sunshine and after showering etc, I decided that due to David having not arrived, I would take the opportunity to go to the Algerian embassy in Lisbon with hopes that they could maybe clarify the situation with my visa. The embassy was not far away from some major tourist attractions and so I planned a more leisurely walk afterwards. 

I soon found the embassy and saw a small queue formed outside. Not wanting to waste time queuing only to be rejected, I spoke to the embassy staff that were at the gates.

Explaining the situation regarding my visa, I got little encouragement from them, with them suggesting that maybe I contacted the Embassy in Nouakchott as the one in Lisbon would be unable to deal with it - but I clearly saw issues with that option.

Frustrated, I considered what I believed were the best options to deal with the potential problems and the consequences (both cost wise and travel wise) before heading back to the nearby tourist attractions.

I was soon back in tourist mode with my camera taken pictures of the sights. After a while, I returned by train into the centre, having refreshments and continuing to see the sights there.

Late afternoon, I returned to my room for a rest. I had a message from David that hopefully he would be there late that night, so again I made my own arrangements for evening meal before returning to my room. Late evening, I had the message that David had indeed arrived and we would meet up the following morning.

Thursday 05/September/2024

After showering etc., I exchanged messages again with David and he was coming to my hotel where he and Jeffrey wanted to leave their bags in my room. I waited outside the hotel for them to appear and we once again warmly greeted each other - after 6 years!

We secured their bags in my room (as they were flying again very early the following morning) and then went for breakfast at a local place nearby - whilst we all chatted constantly. Obviously there was some catching up to do about our lives but most of it always reverted back to travel.

After breakfast we had a busy day seeing the sights and chatting - some very special hours. We reminisced about our time in Tuvalu and questioned each other about various countries around the world. The time flew by, and by late afternoon, we started making our preparations to head off to the Portugal V Croatia game which was being played at Benfica’s stadium. Of course attending a football match was something I was more than familiar with but it was a more limited experience for the other two guys and they really enjoyed it.

After the game we headed back to near my hotel, where we found a place to eat pizza and spend a couple of hours continuing our chats.

Sadly, in the early hours, it was time for David and Jeffrey to collect their bags from my room and head off to the airport to continue their travels. We fondly wished each other well and good and safe travels hoping that we would meet again - maybe in another country - and finally the two figures headed off into the darkness to continue their adventures.

Friday 06/September/2024

I awoke with that uncertain feeling. How was the day going to be? More importantly, where would I be sleeping that night…. In the hotel I had booked in Algiers or trying to get some sleep in an uncomfortable place in the airport whilst I waited 22 hours for my flight to Mauritania. I was hoping for the best but realistically expecting the worst scenario. 

I had mulled over my options in the previous few days and decided that option one was that I could go into Algeria stay there and forget about going to Mauritania but that would mean I would lose my airfare and would not visit a new country the second option was to go into Algeria for 22 hours and then travel to Mauritania and try to get a Visa at the Algeria consulate there but I felt that was very unlikely and I would then have to make my own travel arrangements again from Mauritania to the UK. The third option which seemed the most sensible but not very inviting was to just stay in the airport in Algiers for22 hours.

I headed off to visit the other major football stadium in Lisbon, the home of Sporting Lisbon. I had a good walk round and took pictures from the outside. I enjoyed coffee overlooking the stadium before returning back to my hotel to collect my bag and head off to the airport.

As I arrived at the airport, I was not surprised to be seeing Scottish football fans who were already arriving for their game against Portugal a couple of days later. I looked on the departure boards and saw my flight was open for check-in, and so I checked in. Again (as at Manchester airport) I was singled out for swabbing - this time on both sides of my hands and my stomach. Thankfully my bag avoided being emptied and checked. After the checks, I headed for a coffee whilst reflecting on my short stay in Lisbon and meeting up with David again.

My flight was called and just a little late it departed - and I was heading to a new country, although my excitement was curtailed due to the uncertainties surrounding my visa. On landing, I entered the terminal building and saw my two options - proceed ahead for entry into Algeria or follow the signs for transit.

I approached an official to explain my situation and he took great delight (or so it seemed) to tell me I could only entry Algeria once - if I entered then, I could not return after Mauritania (which was a very costly option as my flights home were from Algiers). I asked if I could purchase a transit visa to stay the one night - and although I met all the criteria, I couldn’t. So the reality sank in that I had little choice but to enter the transit area. I was not very happy!

There was just me and another guy and umpteen officials all trying to look busy doing nothing and talking very quietly and secretively with each other. One took my passport - but that didn’t stop several others all coming up to me and asking for it - almost rubbing salt into the wound. I was deeply concerned that I would be kept in the area where I was because the seats were metal with a metal armrest separating each seat - so comfort would be non existent.

After a while, one of the officials returned handing me my passport and my ticket for my flight the following night.

This was certainly one of those occasions where I wanted to scream “Why do I do these things?”

I was then escorted through the building to a VIP area as I was told, where I could wait in more comfortable surroundings. At least it did have soft furnishings… but there were no catering facilities.

I tried cheering myself up… that I would still get to visit both countries and be able to fly back to the UK with my booked flights. I was just missing one night and day in Algiers. I also tried to convince myself that the 22 hours in the airport could be a flight to Cambodia!

A couple of other families entered the area so at least I wasn’t alone. After a couple of hours I saw one of the families starting to tuck into fresh food and after asking if they spoke English, the young girl told me there were some stairs down to the main departure hall were refreshments could be purchased.

So after a sandwich and can of coke, the end of the day was fast approaching, but it was going to be a long, long night and longer day… until my flight.

Saturday 07/September/2024

I couldn’t help but think that some incompetent official at the Algerian embassy in London was the cause of this. If there had been any problem with my application, they would have rejected it. So it was accepted - but their incompetence or carelessness - gave me the wrong visa type. That plus their unwillingness to answer the phone or emails only added insult to injury.

I also couldn’t help thinking…

I had completed all the paperwork, gone through the necessary official channels only to be refused entry to their country where I had paid for a hotel and to have to wait in a transit area before being flown out.

How many Algerians have had no paperwork (and no intention of getting any) entered the UK illegally and spent numerous nights in 4 star hotels for free?

If I thought 12 to 14 hour long flights were long, they are nothing compared to sitting in an airport for 22 hours.

After endless hours of nothing, I realised the time was advancing and with only 6 hours to departure time my enthusiasm started to return. Then (whether it was because of lack of sleep), I started worrying about other possible scenarios…. What if the flight was cancelled? What if I fell asleep and missed my flight? What if I got to Nouakchott and they refused me a visa?

Well, I thought, if all goes well then maybe at midnight I would be safely in my hotel room looking forward to the next few days and what travel treasures it may produce.

Come early evening, as my flight time approached I proceeded to the departure gate. I immediately noticed the assortment of colourful robes and garments worn by fellow passengers representing various types of nationalities and religions - and me wearing a Leeds United training top! My flight was called and with passport and boarding card in hand I passed the airline staff to access the corridor to the plane.  A second check of documents was being made by a police officer. As I approached  him, I gave him my passport and boarding card which he began to scrutinise before looking at me, pointing to a nearby wall and instructed me “Wait”, whilst placing my passport and boarding card into his pocket. If I didn’t already feel a little conspicuous, I certainly did now as many fellow passengers clearly saw me being prevented from progressing to the plane.

The police officer made a phone call on his mobile and within a short time two fellow officers came along, spoke to him and then proceeded to take me back into the waiting area. I waited a short while -  asking them what the problem was but they did not respond. A further couple of police officers attended and the officers consulted each other but they spoke little or no English. 

I kept positive by thinking… so now I was having problems getting out of a country that I wasn’t even in!

A further one or two officers appeared and eventually one put his arm on my shoulder and in English told me I could board the plane and escorted me past the officer who had initially stopped me. However, as I reached the doorway to the plane, a further office checked my documents and then made another phone call. Thankfully he must have been told to let me board and so I eventually sat in my seat ready to fly off to a new country - somewhat relieved.

A few hours later I landed at Nouakchott airport in Mauritania. I had my visa to obtain - which entailed heading into a couple of offices to complete the paperwork and the second one for payment and printing the visa to be inserted in my passport - then proceeding through passport control.

I was in a new country - Mauritania. I exited the airport and looked around for someone holding something with my name on it. I could not see anyone at first and was wondering where my driver was, however after a minute or two, I saw a man holding a piece of paper with my name written on it. I approached him and he introduced himself to me and I introduce myself to him. He then directed me to his car which wasn’t the best vehicle I’ve travelled in - but it was a relief to actually have a driver and a car to ensure my safety to the hotel in the centre of the city - which was around 38 km away and so took around 40-50 minutes to get to the hotel. My driver (Kaba) was telling me a little bit about Nouakchott - although his English was limited, he managed to give me some information and I was able to ask him a number of things. I also asked him if he would be able to take me to several places during my stay and he was only too willing to oblige. I was a little surprised to see that there were a number of food outlets open, many people walking about in some areas and it appeared to be more inviting than I had anticipated. I checked in at the hotel, was shown my room and having eaten on the plane I had several biscuits which I had in my bag and a bottle of water in the room before showering and ending the day in bed in Mauritania with some relief.

Sunday 8 September 2024

I woke and showered wondering what the day would have in store for me - before heading down for breakfast. The staff in the restaurant were very pleasant and welcoming and I was served a delightful continental type breakfast after which I returned to my room, collected a few of my things and headed off towards the streets of Nouakchott. It was soon evident that it was a poor country. The streets were fairly sparse in some areas and there was a lot of sand around because of the location of the city next to the desert. I was starting to get a feel for the place and seeing what I thought would be the positives visit in the area. Obviously I was taking photographs to record my experiences as I walked along the streets. There was a group of boys playing and they became intrigued when they saw me with my camera taking a few pictures and they were half posing - wanting their picture taken - and half hiding behind a car.

As often in these situations I didn’t have a particular route I was going to follow - I just walked around trying to find what looked the most interesting and inviting place to see however these were very limited in Nouakchott. In the afternoon I returned to my hotel to meet up with Kaba (my driver) once again as we had arranged that he would take me to the fish market on the coast. I had seen that this was an interesting place to visit and so was keen to go. We set off and chatted as we drove along and once we arrived he was able to drive the car in towards the market. We headed down to the beach where some of the boats were arriving back with their catches of fish. Other boats were about to leave and it was interesting watching the men pulling and pushing their boats in and out of the water. There was the market area - where the days catch were being shown and sold. It was a busy area and reminded me very much of a similar area I had visited some years before in Senegal. The boats were colourfully painted and it made me realise how beautiful this side of Nouakchott was in many respects.

Once we returned to the car I agreed with Kaba for him to drop me off in the market area where I wanted to visit and see what things were on offer. It wasn’t a typical market but a number of various stalls and shops in a busy shopping area.

I did feel rather conspicuous walking around but it was interesting watching many of the locals washing their feet and their faces (I think it was in preparation for their religion activities). As I wandered the streets, there were many various garments on sale - typical of what the locals wore - and I was approached by one of the shop owners about purchasing a tagelmust - which is local head wear for men in the region to help prevent the dust in the heat from affecting them as much. I had some friendly banter with his limited English As he wrapped the garment around my head converting me into a local looking guy, we jokingly haggled over the price and in the end after getting the price down to the equivalent of around £3, I decided I would become a local. 

I needed a taxi and a young man helped me by taking me to the local taxi area. The taxi was a shared taxi of course and after being shown the backseat I was was then shown that I should sit in the front passenger seat after which I was then asked to leave the passenger seat while someone else (another man) got in and then two of us were sat on the passenger seat while the taxi headed off on the journey the passengers wanted!

The taxi dropped me off at the football stadium in the city where I took some photographs and then headed to a local café/restaurant. I asked the owner for a couple of cold drinks however he told me he didn’t have any - despite his fridge looking full of cold drinks! I then purchased a couple of cold drinks from the local shop and continued my walk back towards my hotel where I was ready for a rest and a bit of a break from the heat and dust of the city - where the temperature had been around 40C.

In the evening I proceeded to go out but to remained aware of the safety aspect of being out on an evening in the dark. I was relaxed about it and there were many people about. There were few eating places which was disappointing but in the end I managed to find a pizza place and had a pizza sat on a wall watching the world go by. I enjoyed my walk around in the night time with slightly cooler temperatures - watching the locals as they went about their shopping or whatever they were doing - before returning to my hotel for shower and sleep.

Monday, 9 September 2024

I awoke and prepared myself for the day ahead - which would entail heading back to Algeria late that night. After another Continental style breakfast I chatted a little while with Kaba and we confirmed our arrangements to go to camel market that afternoon. I headed off for a walk around the city and headed to a popular shopping area where the locals were busy in their daily activities. I needed to change some money however the banks didn’t appear to offer that service. A police officer outside a bank directed me to a local money changer however, he was clearly trying to rip me off and I refused to deal with him. I did find another money dealer - with his son - who were very pleasant and gave me a good rate and so after changing money, I proceeded on my way. After a couple of coffees in the local coffee bar I headed to a street where I believed there were a few gift type shops and where I may be able to buy something to remind me of my travels to Mauritania. I was in luck and I managed to barter the price of an item I wanted down to a level that my small amount of money could purchase and I also managed to purchase a fridge magnet to add to my collection. The souvenir gift I purchased was a replica of the fishing boats that sailed from the beach with their colourful paintings around the hull of the boat.

In the afternoon I returned to the hotel and met with Kaba again - ready to head off to the camel market on the outskirts of Nouakchott. Surprisingly, it began to rain heavy and this was rather amusing to the locals that the rain had  come.

It did cause some problems because it appears that the roads don’t have any drains because they have so little rain so the roads in places became flooded because they have high pavements too - so it was quite a novelty to see roads flooded on the edge of the desert. Kaba took me to the outskirts of the city which was interesting - to see places away from the centre of the city. As we approached the desert, we came across the camel market. Kaba knew exactly where to go and drove the car in. It was strange but amusing to be surrounded by so many camels - maybe hundreds of them - and the camel herders all in local dress and clearly didn’t speak any English. Kaba directed me around and took photographs of me with the camels and it it was a strange but treasured experience to be there.

After we returned to the hotel I chatted with the staff for a short while before it was time to head off back to the airport for my night flight to Algeria. At the airport, I noticed a group of athletic man wearing tracksuits displaying badges displaying BFA - and apparently it was the Botswana football team that had been playing in Mauritania a couple of days previous.

After filling in another immigration form I presented it to the officer who then took around half a minute checking my passport and comparing that it looked like me and reading everything in fine detail. I had noticed that he had quickly checked other passports. I just put on a bored looking face and looked around - waiting for him to finish playing his game.

I eventually boarded my flight and not too long before midnight the plane headed off into the dark sky and I left Mauritania behind with many memories - some good, some not so good - but an interesting experience.

Tuesday 10 September 2024

After an uneventful flight, my plane landed at Algiers airport a little before 04:00. I had previously cancelled my hotel reservation for the night of the flight knowing that with the formalities entering the country etc., I would not arrive at the hotel until maybe 06:00.

Once I had cleared immigration and passport control, I was officially in Algeria - country number 144 for me. I changed a small amount of money with another money changer and decided to go for an early morning coffee to pass a little time. I eventually took a taxi to my hotel arriving there around 08:00 with the hopes of leaving my bag there until checking in time in the afternoon.

Surprisingly, I was offered breakfast in the hotel restaurant and when I returned to reception I was told I could check in as my room was available. With this, I decided to shower and have a few hours sleep as I was feeling somewhat tired.

Around lunchtime, I awoke and was eager to get out and about in Algiers. I headed for the local tram station a few minutes walk away. I asked a small group of several young people how I could buy a ticket. A young man kindly took me cross the road to the hut which sold the tickets explaining the simple process. As the smallest note I had was 500 Dinars and the fare was just 40, he very kindly bought my ticket for me.

Whilst we waited for the tram, he told me how his father lived and worked in London.

We caught the next tram and I continued my journey until nearer the centre. I then enjoyed walking along - taking in the scenery, until I reached a main and busy square. I spent a little time wandering around the busy area but had soon been tempted to a local coffee (espresso). It was busy and rather hectic with locals eating, drinking and shopping.

I realised that the metro also passed through this area and so I headed off to go on the metro to the area I really wanted to visit - the Casbah. The metro was easy to use and purchasing a ticket was too. After around 15 minutes I arrived at my destination - officially called Martyr’s Square. 

As I ascended the escalator, there was a real buzz about the place on arrival in the huge square. Many people appeared to be just relaxing in the shade, watching the busy activities of others, but many were busy shopping in the nearby Casbah.

I stood and watched - totally enthralled - and despite all the amazing sights I have witnessed on my travels, this sight send shivers down my spine.

I needed to change money and having done my homework, I was aware that  a few minutes walk away was another square were money changers were always available. Whilst technically changing money this way was illegal, it was accepted as normal. When I arrived at the square, I strolled around a few minutes watching others change money. Men with huge hand fulls of banknotes stood in the road offering to do business whilst several police officers stood nearby - almost acting as security guards. I was approached by a moneylender and was happy with the rate he offered me (over 1.5 times the official bank rate). 

I returned to Martyr’s Square and headed into a local cafe for a coffee and bottle of water. An old gentleman asked where I was from in his limited English and was very happy and welcoming when I told him. I was soon on the busy streets again - where it appeared anything and everything could be purchased in the area. It was busy and noisy but I noticed a number of stalls were beginning to pack up for the day.. I was not concerned. I knew I would be visiting again before I left Algeria.

After returning to my room for a while, I was again out surveying the local restaurants for my evening meal. I selected a place that was popular with the locals and was welcomed. Whilst they had roast chickens cooking, I was also shown other dishes available in the kitchen. I selected chicken, chips, vegetables in a sauce and bottle of water. It was also served with a large French stick cut into 6 pieces. It was really enjoyable - and so was the bill at a total equivalent to £2.77

I returned to my room and prepared for the following day knowing it was to be a long and busy one.

Wednesday 11/September/2024

I started the day with another excellent breakfast selection before collecting my things for the day ahead. The hotel transport then took me to the airport as I was visiting another city (Constantine) for the day. Late morning, I caught my flight for the near 250 mile flight to the city which was scheduled to take around 75 minutes. The return fare had been just £24 - but with a bit of clever activity I got it for a little over £10.

On arrival at Constantine airport, I caught a taxi to near the centre - with the taxi dropping me off at my first destination.  Immediately, it gave me the wow factor - with huge reservations. I was looking at a spectacular bridge but it was at a spectacular height and I had to walk over it. Heights being something I have always found difficulty coping with, I very gingerly walked as fast as I could and clearly leaning to the centre as I walked along! With huge relief I reached the other side and proceeded the route further towards the centre of the Constantine only to realise… I had another bridge to walk over. Once I had mastered this bridge too it was time for refreshments.

I found a delightful cafe where coffee and cake was enjoyed - as enjoyed a chat with the young waiter who served me. He was keen to know about my travels and wanted his photograph taken for me to add to my collection. He also confirmed the sights that I planning to visit. 

I spent the remainder of the afternoon visiting the sights around the city, some of which offered amazing scenes. I was keen to get photographs from all angles but one did beat me when I just could not bring myself to walk across it - although I did think about getting a taxi across!

As the evening approached, I decided to find something to eat. I always enjoy a snack as I walk along and noticed a popular place selling various food. I selected a bourek - which was really tasty and most enjoyable. After a final walk round the centre I caught a taxi back to the airport ready for my return flight to Algiers.

The airport was very busy with what looked a pilgrim group heading for Saudi Arabia. I had my usual discussions with passport control and security. Passport control was upset because I had not entered my accommodation in Constantine and I had to show him my flight ticket from the morning to show him I did not stay. Then despite putting my personal belongings in a tray as I was scanned, I accidentally left a tape measure in my pocket. Security frisked me and was somewhat puzzled what it was and questioned me. After showing him what is was and explaining I had it to measure football shirts I may buy for a boy , he howled with laughter and put his arm round my shoulder as I walked on. Thankfully, the rest of my flight was routine.

On my return to Algiers, I headed to the area I had visited the previous evening and had a couple of snacks as I enjoyed the evening atmosphere before returning to my room - with memories of another wonderful day.

Thursday 12/September/2024

After my final breakfast at the hotel, I finished packing and checked out leaving my bag at the hotel until late afternoon. There was only one place I was heading for… the Casbah once again.

When I arrived in Martyr’s Square again, it was even more busy and chaotic than my previous visit. The nearby streets were packed with shoppers all seeking a bargain - although most things seemed a bargain to me! The colours of the locals dress made for very picturesque scenes. The noise was a mixture of sales people offering their goods, buyers asking questions and offering money, loud chatting among the crowd and the occasional vehicle trying desperately to crawl through the masses of shoppers. There were the smells too - of local foods… and I even saw two fights - not sure what the cause was.

I was conscious I had a lot of currency left - which because it was a closed currency meant I would be unable to change it when I returned. I had my usual fridge magnet to purchase and a souvenir gift to add to the huge collection at home. I also knew I would make a young teen happy by taking home an Algerian football shirt for him to add to his collection. I even went in local cafe and had a large coffee with cake but that only cost the equivalent of around 45p.

I just loved walking the streets and some alleys, taking in the sights and everything else reaffirming that this was what travel was all about. 

Sadly, as mid afternoon approached I realised I needed to make my way back to the hotel. With one final look at the scene, I turned and descended down to the metro.

On returning to the hotel, I collected my bag and was driven to the airport ready for my mid evening flight. I still had plenty of local currency left so scanned the airport to see what I could spend it on and managed to spend some - if not all - of it.

The time came to board my flight but boarding appeared extremely slow and by the time my section was called, we were already late for departure time and I could see why. There was the usual police officer checking documents after the airline staff had checked them. Just one lone officer, who was taking up to half minute to check each passengers documents once again. At least, this time I had no further problems and was allowed to proceed onto the plane.

Eventually we took off into the night sky and around 90 minutes later I landed in Marseilles (France) albeit around an hour later than scheduled. The return route I took suited my needs and pocket the best. It allowed my an overnight stay near the airport and after checking in my hotel I settled for my final sleep.

Friday 13/September/2024

Although I had set my alarm for 07:00, I had not slept too well and was already awake. After checking out of the hotel, I walked back to to terminal taking in the relatively French fresh air. I was swabbed once again on going through security into the departure lounge after which, I was ready for my morning coffee before going threw into the departure gate area. Suddenly, I realised I had not bought a fridge magnet. Despite my many previous visits to France I had never bought one and had meant to make up for that. Not the best start to the day!

There were no direct flights to Leeds from Marseilles - but again I was doing what suited my needs and pocket by flying to Dublin and then taking another flight onto Leeds. 

The flight arrived in Dublin late morning and due to the nature of my flights, I had to clear immigration etc. It allowed me around 4 hours in Dublin - but really only about an hour or so free time should I want to go in the centre and back. Having been to Dublin possibly 20-25 times previously and feeling a little tired, I decided to just have a short walk outside the airport before returning through the checks ready for my flight.

Again, despite having been to Ireland so many times, amazingly I had never bought a fridge magnet and so I had the opportunity of rectifying that - which I did. I also enjoyed my last coffee overseas for some time before boarding my homeward bound flight. I had ensured that I had a window seat on the left hand side of the plane, as I knew that normally the flight would pass over Leeds and give me the best sight of my travels… Elland Road - the home of Leeds United.

Every trip I have ever undertaken has had its ups and downs - and this was certainly no different.

Whilst the visa issue with Algeria was a first for me, it was still frustrating and disappointing and did cast a bit of a shadow over events at times. The other issues with officials regarding documents and having luggage (and me) swabbed are nothing unusual and have become almost normal on my travels. Unusually, there were no announcements made in English - either at the airports or on the planes on the flights involving Mauritania and Algeria.

As for the locations…

Portugal:

Lisbon is a lovely city with plenty to see and do. Going to a ‘neutral’ football match was a rarity and seeing a bit of history (Ronald scoring his 900th goal) made it a bit special.

Mauritania:

I had been very unsure what to expect in Mauritania. Due to the limited amount of people who visit the country there wasn’t too much information and there were contradictory views regarding safety. I personally found it much better than I expected. Maybe I have a higher tolerance towards unsafe situations due to other countries I have visited and I did note a couple of travellers stating it was not suitable for less experienced travellers.

I enjoyed my short time in the country. I found most people friendly and helpful if I needed to ask something - although English was very limited. The hotel and staff were great and especially Kaba who drove me to a couple of places I wanted to visit. I will have fond memories of my time there - a country clearly Arabic and African together - and an odd English man for a short while!

Algeria:

Again I was not too sure what to expect from the country - however, having visited it, I find it difficult to think of anything negative about it (disregarding the visa issue).

The hotel and staff were first class. Many of the people I met on the streets were so friendly and helpful too. I enjoyed the culture, the architecture, the food, the transport system, the extremely cheap prices - and of course - the Casbah.

Constantine was a fascinating city too and I was so pleased I decided to have a day trip there. It certainly gave my camera a busy day.

Another country I shall remember with much affection.

Overall:

Loads more travel memories to add to the millions already - and loads more photographs! The rewards of travelling are truly amazing and the more you go out of your comfort zone, the bigger the rewards can be.

PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE/SCROLL

PORTUGAL

MAURITANIA

ALGERIA

FRANCE

IRELAND