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Roadtrip 2020
  • UtLieske OnTour
  • Loek Scheepers
  • Nika Scheepers

Roadtrip 2020

An old ambulance, a dad and his daughter, a 7 month journey through Europe, North Africa and a slice of Asia. Thats the epic roadtrip of 2020 Leer más
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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Halleluja, Diarrhea!

    13 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Last night I was a bit foolish to take a nice chocolate eclair with lovely creamy filling at the tea shop we visited.
    I think that one did the trick.

    Nika did a short drive, her first drive in Afrika!!but I was too "short sighted". So I will officially anounce that we had our first... exactly.
    My fault. Again.

    We are now in a hotel in Ain Sefra, because I am absolutely not wel.
    I have a 39° fever, and a nice headache after we drove 340 km to the gate of the Sahara desert.
    I will take a double paracetamol and have a early night.
    Maybe...Maybe watch the sunset. But that's over 2 hours. So we see.

    More tomorrow..
    Maybe.
    😉😘

    Enjoy the pictures of a goodbye, and maybe Nika took some more.    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Sometimes you have to decide..

    14 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    Today we drove of from our hotel, were I spent the night with fever and had a long sleep.
    So today I did not want to drive too long, and needed a break. We were invited for the night at Omar in Beni Ounif. We're treated on a nice and tasty couscous and tea. It was a warm welcome.
    But sadly we pushed on. And maybe we disappointed Omar, but he was and will be not the only one. Sadly.
    We have choices to make. And sometimes, we can't keep all our promises. Too little time, and so much to see.
    I am sorry.    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    Lieske has made us proud!

    14 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We have arrived on the doorstep of the Sahara. And all this. Thanks to Lieske, wo never complained, and to be honest, hope she never will.
    Tonight we found a place were we intend to stay two days.
    It's a strange place. Fun part, we are in the middle of an settlement who is visted by tourist. We have found a place in the historic part of Taghit.
    Tomorrow, Walk the sand dunes, see the sunset and be the real tourists.
    All is been taken care of. Like they love to do. Plans are made for you.
    For now. We go with the flow and see were we got into.
    Taghit. Further south than this are we not going. We intended to, but as said so often,
    Too much too see....    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    Houston, we have a problem!

    15 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Because Lieske is asleep above a smear well (??) In Dutch we call it a "smeerput", I grabt the opportunity to check her out. Smear as much as possible and see if all the bolds a nuts are still tight.
    And there it was..
    The rubber of the "intermediate bearing" is "gone".
    So this needs repair.
    We are going to try and order it at Mercedes Benz in Constantine. Otherwise have it shipped from Holland.
    We will see how far she will bring us before it gets critical...
    Please keep your fingers crossed!    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    11

    All good things end..

    15 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    But not yet.
    Today we enjoyed a full day as tourists in Taghit.
    Visited the prehistoric sites, oases and the K'sar on the hills.
    Climbed up a sanddune, horrible, to watch the sunset, ran it down,..wonderfull.
    Relaxed and had a nice diner in the desert.
    Now we have put our mattresses on the roof of our home, and sleep outside, listen to the concert of frogs in the oases, and howling dogs.
    Tomorrow morning we want to get up early and climb the dune again.
    Sunrise.
    Good night!    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    Goodbye Taghit !!

    16 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We slept on the roof of the Kasr.
    We were lucky to have the opportunity to stay in this wonderfull place. However it was not suitable for tourist, but ... We are no tourists. ;)
    In the very early morning we went up that bloody sandhill again. Man what a job.
    But our own choice. We wanted to see the sunrise.
    And I am happy, grateful and proud that we did.
    Took a few snapshots of Lieske in the Desert, and took of, to a place, and on a route all are afraid of...
    ..    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    El Bnoud??!! .. No Good!!!!

    16 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    What should you do, if every local, every policeman and even gendarmerie and who ever more tells you NOT to go on the N6B to El Bnoud??
    ...
    Excactement.
    ..
    You Go!
    Even with a small handicap on the car.
    We are Dutch explorers. Ain't we?!

    325km desert, no communication, no help, ..No nothing.
    .
    And....We made it. Of course.
    As we arrived in the little desert town of El Bnoud, (look it up!), it did not last long before the police found us at the local "pitstop".

    "You are a very courages but foolish man. You took a great risk!"

    But it was worth it. Almost every kilometre.
    The desert changing, the road and landscape was breathtakening. The Dromedaris...
    We made one mistake, by leaving a elderly man on its own, who was hiking. But we decided in France, that Lieske has no space for an extra passenger. I, the driver, should had made a other decision. And hoped that karma would not hit us in the face.
    At the last 100km there was a change of driver, and suddenly also a change of road. Did I drive 250 km on a flat sheet, now it became almost a desert path with deep holes. This lasted for about 30 km, changed to better, and at last, good tarmac for the shaken old Lady again.

    Anyway.
    We had to register at the policeoffice, got the private number of the chief in charge, and were ordered to park the car in front of the police headquarters.
    So tonight.. We are guarded as babies!
    ..
    Tomorrow, we sadly do not go to Ghardaïa, as planned, but go up into the direction Tissimsilt, to meet another waiting new friend.

    -Too much to see, too little time-    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    How far is it?

    16 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Not so far.
    As we took of this morning from El Bnoud, our guardian Karim found us at the "pitstop" were we washed and used the toilets.
    He wished us u good journey, and as we left, we got filmed again. Getting used to that.
    Our plan is to get half the way up to Tissimsilt.
    The whole ride is to much for us.
    So I started slow, 70km/h, Lieske hummed like a summer bumblebee...
    We entered the village of El Abiodh Sidi Cheikh. No pavement. Only holes and lots of it. But a very busy town and quite big. Bought some bread.
    On our way on, I was looking for a place to stop and eat. And found a cemetery for the victims of the war of independence.
    That's our stop!
    Had a nice picnic, and checked out by the police again.
    The trees are coming back. So we are definitely going into the right direction, although I miss the Sahara.

    We stopped at El Bayadh. Had a strange, risky diner and sleep early.
    Sometimes it is just no more than that.
    Sleep well, my friends!    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Is this The End??

    18 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Was i proud on the old lady yesterday, as she was humming like a summer bumblebee.
    Today, as we took of she started to smoke horribly as the engine was stationary.
    We thought first it would be the bad fuel.
    But 100km up the next village I smelled coolant.
    No signs on the meters, so we just pushed on.
    Tested her stationary again, and yup. Smoking like a old sailor.
    I immediately thought about the headgasket.
    And I am for sure it is.
    We pushed another 200km and arrived at Billal, our host for now, and maybe a bit longer...
    Checked the engine. No coolant. Hot as a oven, and now temperature is rising.
    As it looks, the wind had it cooled for the ride.
    We are going to see how bad the damage is.
    But .. to be honest..

    This might be it....    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    The Engine is seized....

    18 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    😢

  • Roadtrip 2020

    Inshallah....

    18 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Slight update.
    I removed the glowplugs of the engine on the parking.
    Cylinder no1 was full with water. Luckily it turns again. So the engine is not seized.
    Might have bend a connecting rod by trying to start it, but I hope not. We will see.
    Lieske got a bit hard handed transport, but we are in Afrika. Not in Zoetermeer.
    So a scratch and a dent makes her even more beautiful.
    At this time. We are safe at our great host, who will be put up with us a bit longer than expected. But the Algerian hospitality know no borders, so we are well taken care of.
    We do need a Headgasket, and I hope we can get it.
    And... opening her up makes me a bit worried. But we have to.
    In the worst case, she gets transported to Tunisia and see from there, or into a container back to The Netherlands.
    ..
    Keep you updated.    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    Dirty fingers and letting go..

    19 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    It is very difficult for me, to let go.
    I had this car longer than the love of my live.
    And it was always a dream fixing her up. So now, as other people under these conditions are tearing out the intestine of my baby, it's hard so see. So again...I cry. .. I am really a softy.
    I have to let go, and trust the mechanic.

    It took us three hours to take the "head" of, and indeed we found a broken gasket.

    Now we are on the quest for the "Holy Gasket"
    .

    But in my stomach it feels like we might be lucky.
    Help is everywhere,
    We even made it to the Tissimsilt Newspaper.
    So what can go wrong now?    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    As the oil soaks into the earth..

    19 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    One of the main points for choosing Algeria as destination, is it's rich history of Roman sites. Tipaza, Kehmissa, Tiddis, Djemila, Timgad...
    But it is closer than expected.
    ..
    Next to Lieske a old Roman collum is lying in the oil spoiled earth and has seen a lot of strange thing passing by.
    ..
    As we expres our interest, our host takes us up in the hills, to see the old Roman graves and remains of a villa, nobody cares for.
    ..
    As we return from this soothing walk, we have coffee at his brother in law, who lives in the hills.
    And you can imagine,.
    We sit on a Roman stone, A piece used as doorstop, and just lies there..for centuries to come?..    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    1
    1

    Algeria. Its a miracle.

    20 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    And wonders they preform in less than 2 days.
    Yesterday dismantled the cylinderhead.
    And all around Algeria people got involved to get us going.
    During the day we could get a headgasket from a newer model engine, a OM615. But we needed a OM621.
    Anything better than nothing, and so we went for what we could get, and do it the African style.
    During the night the gasket has been transported by taxi from Blida.
    It was a gift from Hamidouche, So you can imagine how grateful we are.
    Today, we took a look at the fit of the gasket, and we found no reason to not go on with it.
    So. ..
    ..
    Are you curious???
    ...
    ..
    .    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    it never rains but it pours...

    21 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Now, my sweet Nika is sick. Started yesterday during the day with a funny tummy.
    And worsened over the evening.
    With a climax of .... at 05.00 this morning.
    So. We take it easy now. Rest, sleep, relax.
    Might be something she ate, might be the stress, might be...
    At least she can smile again...
    ;)    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    11

    Maidentrip.

    22 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Today... we changed oil and oil filter and took the old lady for a first ride after the repair.
    It seems as if she liked it.

    Our host, Billal and his friend Tefiel took us to the Forrest of Théniet El Had.
    A beautiful old forrest full of ancient cedar trees.

    If I would had known what path he took for our recovering lady I would have declined.
    But now, I just was trapped.
    A small, rough mountain path up the hill, and...later on... down.

    We were late. So we had to drive in the dark, also a thing I did not like, and even never do again, unless it is necessary.
    But the forrest. That was great!    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Preparation for a new journey

    23 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Today we kept it easy.
    Checked out the car, as there was (is?) a inconsistant rattle in the front, after our 4x4 trail up the Théniet El Had.
    I found the right wheel bearing a bit too loose, so I hope that settles it. But we did not test drive.
    Looks that everything is tight and secure, so we will see.
    We do have a slight oil leak at the rear, but that we will keep under surveillance. ;)
    And still a driveshaft that needs attention.
    But that might be solved in Italy. Hopefully.

    And so, next to just have a walk through hot Khemisty, we did not do much, and went inside as the sun got too hot. And just been lazy.
    We prepare for tomorrow morning as we go to pick up our journey. We planned to go to Blida, to visit Hamidouche, who helped us with the headgasket.
    So for now, that's it. We just relax,.. so..enjoy some pictures from yesterday, as we said goodbye to Kadi, the mechanic who helped getting Lieske back on the road. And some pictures Berakaa made from a driving beauty..
    ..
    See you tomorrow!    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Blida, on the doorstep of Alger.

    24 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Today we left Khemisty, leaving Bilall, Barakaa, Omar, Kadi... We almost felt at home.
    But we are on a roadtrip, so, now Lieske is back, we should go.
    The journey through the mountains took it's time. Maybe 1,5 hours for 50km.
    The last part on the Trans Sahara Highway.
    Now we are at Cherif's place. What a host!
    After parking Lieske on a secured parking, we left for the first sightseeing tour through the city, and into the mountains to see the monkeys.
    Tomorrow he wants to take us to Tipaza.
    The place we wanted to cancel, due to the overplanned schedule.
    Algiers we skip. It's a very, very busy city, were our car is not welcome.
    Wednesday we will leave Blida, and head for the coast.
    But first... Blida.    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Again, ..More than expected.

    25 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    As we went to meet Cherif, the hero who helped us to the headgasket, we had no expectations.
    We hoped to see a bit of the city if Blida, and that might be it. However Charif and his friend Abdo surprised us again.
    On the first day we went half way up the hill of nature reserve Chréa.
    What a stunning view over Blida and his surroundings.
    The next day, Cherif showed us the area, were his father and grandfather has lived.
    But the grandfather's house was bommed during the war of independence, to hunt the people out of the mountains and break resistance. They still own the ruin. Also a small shack on the hill who belonged to his father, a beautiful spot. No water, no electricity. A place of peace and tranquillity.
    We also visited a friend of his father who lives here all his life. With his animals and his wife.
    What a character!
    We visited the springs, his bees and vegetable garden.
    After this up and down climbing walk we are invited for a gorgeous lunch at his family home.
    As this was not enough, Cherif knew that our time was limited by the longer stay at Khemisty, and we had to skip Tipaza and Algiers from our tourlist.
    But he, and Abdo took us to Tipaza anyway.
    This was a great day trip!!!
    As I am a fan of Roman sites, this is really unbelievable.
    Although there were schoolkids, and couples in love, we were, as almost always the only "real tourists".
    And.. We could visit the site the Algerian way.
    This, would never be possible in The Netherlands or elswere.
    You literally walk between, over and under all the archaeological sites. Climb ancient walls, follow footpaths along the walls. Almost get the feeling of being a Roman.
    What a site!! And if we are lucky, this is only the beginning.
    Tipaza itself is a small and nice city.
    If you ever have the chance. Do it!!
    ..
    The day was not over yet.
    So we quickly hit the road to get to the " Royal mausoleum of Mauretania"
    It's allegedly the tomb of King Juba II and queen Cleopatra Selene II.
    As you can imagine, we enjoyed and had a lot of fun!
    Driving back to Blida with the sunset was great.
    As this day had no end. Cherif had made an appointment with a local shoemaker, who he knows from his work, Mr.Larby, who surprised us with some handmade slippers.
    Now we are -almost- real Algerians!
    Thanks, Cherif,
    Thanks, Abdo
    You were, you are amazing!!!    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Miss Algérie

    26 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Just like always. ..
    .
    We are honked at,
    Waved at
    Filmed and photographed..
    Thumbs up and followed..
    ..
    But if we park, just for diesel or stretch our legs...
    ..
    There is no escape.
    ..
    #onourwaytoBejaïa    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    We missed it all...

    26 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Yesterday we arrived in Béjaïa. It was a thriving city. But... We missed the things the tourists come for.
    Was it a shame? Maybe. But we had a nice walk through the city, and got the scent of it.
    We missed a lot of things. That's the way it goes.
    This morning we took of for the famous and beautiful road along the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, to Jijel.
    We really enjoyed that ride.
    Arrived in Jijel, it took not long before the police took us in.
    First time we were checked very thoroughly.
    And as this was not enough.. We had to go to the police station again. Were again al papers are scrutinized...
    Ending it all with the almost famous words:
    "Welcome in Algeria"...
    ..
    We found a place to sleep at the home of Bachir. He lives here with his sister and mother.
    And again.. We were taken good care of.
    Only Lieske is a bit worrying.. as she is parked outside. Although she is near a police station and all say, nobody will touch her..
    I am nervous.
    Will all be all right in the morning??
    ..
    We will see.
    Again.
    Inshallah.    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020

    Hotel Milev

    29 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    As we left Bachir in Jijel, we were, as most of the time when we leave a host, a bit heavy hearted. Bachir wanted to show us more of his famous city. He was a bit confused about us wanting to visit a city as Mila, were nothing was to be seen.
    But we were determined to see Chaffik, one of the first people i met during the planning of this journey more than a year ago.
    As we left Jijel, the road took us along the sea, to bent into the mountains again. Not my favourite, since the operation on Lieske. Because temperature is her enemy. (Cherif ;))
    But the scenery was overwhelming.
    As we crossed the bridge over the Beni Haroun Dam, we almost arrived at Grarem Gouga the little village Chaffik lives.

    Chaffik, always told me he could not host us, but i just wanted to meet him, and we would see were we would sleep.
    I suggested to sleep in the car, next to a police checkpoint. And it looked like, that's settled.

    After a nice lunche, we tried to visit the dam again, but as a law obeying Dutch citizen, i did not want to stop on the bridge, as there was a no stopping sign. So we had to satisfied ourselfs with a glimpse of its beauty.
    Chaffik was not convinced of sleeping in the car, and wanted to show us a hotel in Mila.
    As we arrived, all changed.

    We were treated as long lost friends, and our night in the Hotel was offered to us as a gift.
    Only in Algeria!

    We went out to the old city of Mila of which existents we did not know, and we were very impressed.
    As we discovered, Mila was founded around 250 AD, and it has one if the oldest mosks in the world.
    And... a fountain, the only one in the world, who still works since the Roman time.
    ..
    Today we visited again.

    But now, together with the chef of the hotel, and Chaffik, we are on the quest for an "momentsleutel"..
    A ratchet with torck moment, so I can check the torck of the headgasket. It has to be done between 300 and 1000km
    Seems difficult to find...
    ..
    Keep you updated.

    (And Nika had her Docs fixed...)    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    1

    Update before we lay our head down.

    29 de febrero de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Today we managed to find a "momentsleutel"..
    And I did re-tighten the cylinderhead and adjusted were necessary the valve clearance.
    All on the street in front of the hotel.
    And of course many people were interested and kept me of my work..

    On our tour we found a guy who finally could fix Nika her watch, who she has in her bag since we left The Netherlands.

    Again, tonight we enjoyed a diner with our friends of the hotel and I had to smoke a Chissa.
    All this while Nika gets lessons in Arabic.
    ..
    Tomorrow we have to go, although it is very..
    ..very... gezellig!!

    Constantine. Here we come!    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    111113

    Things happen for a reason...

    1 de marzo de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    After we left the very welcoming Hotel Milev,
    who did not want us to pay anything for our two day stay, it did not went very smooth..

    I took the wrong route, so I turned, and by doing this, I did not notice the police officer, who, in Algeria, dictates the rules.
    After a time costly power demonstration, we were free to go.
    Sadly I had to turn again, and pass this officer again, who, again was not happy to see us...
    ..
    Finally on route. Climbed a mountain, as by Instagram a message appeared: you forgot your passports...
    ..
    Scheisse.. back to the Hotel. Avoiding the officer. That was the biggest challenge...
    ..
    All in.. we arrived in Constantine.
    We were lost and i was horrified by the traffic.

    Chaos, traffic jam, and the infrastructure was very strange.
    One mistake, and you had to go all around the city again. Back in the jam.
    And not an easy route. All hill up.
    Help!!!
    .
    So there was that moment I wanted to decide to cancel this city and go to Timgad.
    ..no Constantine for us.
    But our host, who could not host us.. :) convinced us of giving it another try.
    .
    And I..We.. must admit: this is a wonderful city!!
    And our host surely did his best to make it into an experience!
    We walked all the bridges, saw the most magnificent scenes, but also did a unbelievable intens city expedition under the first one of Constantine's bridges.
    Bab El Kantra.
    A place were normally you would not find a tourist...nor a citizen of Constantine.
    I had to overcome my fear of heights, but it was worth the effort.
    ..
    We met with Spanish Jordy, a host Bardo and Yassine. And together went for an early diner.
    We had to leave Lieske at the secured parking in Old Constantine and took the tram to the new city, were our host, Billal, with his lovely family was waiting for us.
    ..
    And now..
    ..
    I have to sleep!!    Leer más

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  • Roadtrip 2020
    11

    Timgad

    2 de marzo de 2020, Argelia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Today we left Billal and his family.
    It was a short stay.
    We were droped of at the tram station, and went to see the Mosk Abdel Kader.
    What an impressive building!
    As soon as we crossed the gates, Nika had to wear a hijab, but sadly she did not want me to take a picture.
    ..
    After this visit, we took the tram again to the city Center, and walked a second time along the kasbah, and the "elevator bridge"
    Took a picture to show you were we went down yesterday, and still impressed by this city we surely leave to early.
    I was very anxious to see Lieske again.
    We were never so far from her..
    It looked like she befriended a cat who did not want to meet us..
    ..
    On our way to Timgad, -we want to see the enormous Roman city-, we lost our chrome headlight ring. So this is the first real "scar" on Lieske's face.
    I wonder what reason this would happen for.. ;)
    ..
    We arrived. It was a bumpy ride, slow but as until now, safely. That's what counts.
    We took the Youth hostel of Timgad.
    2000Dinar for two nights.
    We want to stay one day at the Roman ruins,
    Maybe it is too long but it's a big Roman city to be discovered.
    Sad thing.. as we left Constantine, the wind was strong, and it started to rain on arrival. But it's good for Algeria, cos it is already too long, too dry.
    Hopefully for us it is sunny again tomorrow.
    For now. We locked ourselves up in our room,
    And just relax.
    ;)    Leer más

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