Headed south towards Batna but first made a detour to see the mausoleum at Medracen.
Lots of unknowns - like why did it collapse (bad renno job?), why the most recent renovation just abandon the site and disappear?
No matter an impressive structure.
Then on to Timgad but before the ruins lunch at a local families house. Delicious Algerian dishes we hadn't seen before.
Our host is a retired guide who taught Said the ropes 20 odd years ago and was deactivated today for us.
The thing that is different about Timgad is the state of preservation and it's sheer size
- Djemila still has it beat in the location/situation department. There's something magic about seeing the deep ruts in the Decumanus Maximus made by the chariot wheels.
The theatre is stunningly complete, courtesy of the French.
Also one of only two known public roman libraries is here
along with fourteen (14) separate bathing complexes. The market has fabulous carvings over the 16 stalls and the public multiple-seat toilets look like a great place for a debate. Trajans arch is magnificent
and the "capitol" with it's two (of four) extremely tall columns reconstructed. This temple was a three-way venue with 3 sides of a square dedicated to Jupiter(4 columns), Juno (3 columns) and Minerva (3 columns).
The associated museum which houses the fabulous mosaics lifted from the floors has been closed for 10 years. No one knows why. There still mosaics in place on the floor of the Grand South Baths. The steps to the forum are where the famous motto: Venare, lavari, ludere, ridere, occ est vivere. (hunt, bathe, play laugh, that is life) can be found carved. Still working..
Washing machine
Next we zinged the short distance to the museum at Tazoult where we did see mosaics from houses in that garrison town. Formerly the home of the third legion (Legion III Augustus). Took a stroll to the huge (reconstructed surely) praetorium, a four side arch.
Then the fun was over and time to start the 5 hour drive back to Algers and the return flight. But dinner - Said and Faysal were all over our suggestion to return to Setif and eat the fabulous street food of two nights ago. Topped off with some pastries that involved transversing a crazy ad hoc street market where I saw an amazing knock off of an iPhone4. Chinese I was told - but aren't the real ones Chinese?
Dropped Said at home then Faysal dropped us at the airport. We insistedhe takeoff home and sleep. Now it's 2am and we are at the gate waiting for the 3:25am to Francfort.
- from my iPad
Location:Algers airport
