Algeria Research Trip | March 2026

Each time I start a journey to somewhere new, there is that quiet thrill inside; an adventure is about to begin. The first hurdle Richard and I had to overcome was to get to Algeria with the current difficulties in the Middle East. Our work around was NZ to Australia to Singapore to Istanbul to Algiers – a total of four flights and would you believe each one was delayed – yet we and our luggage made it! 

Arriving into Algiers we saw sharp glimpses of green and grey. The airport was similar to many airports built or renovated around 1980 – lots of concrete, pillars and large halls. It happened we arrived at the same time as several other planes and I had that isolating feeling that I was a minority of one: blue-eyed, Caucasian, female traveller. Thankfully there were many passport booths open and one of the many, many officials in blue uniforms with military hats directed us to “40”. I think that was one of his few words in English. Nevertheless, anything between 39 – 45 seemed fine and our official’s short, abrupt demands were dealt with. Off to the side we went into a neglected waiting room which smelt of smoke and our passports and documents went off somewhere else. 

After paying the Visa on arrival fees and observing lots of blue uniforms saluting each other we were reunited with our passports and we were free to find our luggage (happy hop that it arrived) and into Algiers. A sea of noisy people and no guide to be seen. Then a tall smiling man with dusky Arab/African features introduced himself – Sofiane Bacha. “Thank goodness”, I thought as step two was beyond my tired brain.

Out into the carpark and French cars parked and not parked and a traffic jam which took 30 minutes to get out of. Out of the airport and we were zipping along the motorway into the white city of Algiers. White buildings tumbling down the hills into the blue Mediterranean Sea. Everywhere resonances of Paris from ornate lamp posts to white road signs to elegant buildings. A beautiful white city with narrow streets dotted with palm trees. 

Bed for these tired travellers and more tomorrow.