Use Your Income Tax Return to Take a Vacation to Algeria

Income tax is something that we all have to deal with. Whether you get a return at the end of the year and are able to head to Algeria for your next vacation, or if you have to pay in the country or state, it is something that is virtually unavoidable.

Today, many people are discussing and debating the different tax break that there are out there, and the benefit or detriment that they may pose. For example, if there are too many tax breaks, there will not be enough money going back into the government of a country to keep it going. On the other hand, if people are taxed too heavily, you may have to worry about broken economies, and people not being able to thrive the way that they should.

All countries have their own way of taxation. No matter how your country taxes, it is important to follow the laws of the area you live in. Getting an income tax return, while nice, is not something that everyone has to look forward to. In fact, some people are so concerned with getting a tax return, rather than paying in, that they may deal in tax fraud. This is most definitely not a good idea, simply because if it is found out, you can get in a large amount of trouble.

While most people will not receive enough of a tax refund to head out on a huge vacation, you might be lucky enough to find a great vacation for yourself or your family for a great price. Consider heading to Algeria on your next income tax funded vacation. You’ll have a great time, and the memories that a trip to Algeria will offer are priceless.

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All Recipes Can Be Healthy With a Few Changes

A flour vendor at Alamudun Bazaar, Bishkek.
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Not all recipes for your favorite meals need to be tossed in the trash now that you are living a healthy lifestyle and making healthy eating a daily habit.  You can tweak your favorite recipes and turn those unhealthy meals into low-fat, tasty cuisine.  Let’s take a look at how you can save all those family recipes handed down from grandma, to mom, to you and your family.

Without looking at specific ingredient changes, let us take a quick overview of some things you can do to easily make your meals healthier.  One of the easiest things you can do is to decrease portions.  Another healthy change is to change your cooking methods.  You might have to bake that chicken instead of deep-frying it.  Next, you can make healthy substitutions for unhealthy ones.  Try canola oil instead of lard.  Use honey instead of refined sugar.  Try herbs and spices or sea salt instead of table salt.

Now that we have looked at three, big-picture changes; let us look at some other changes you can make on a case-by-case basis for making all recipes in your recipe book healthier.  When something calls for using a whole egg, try using two egg whites.  If you see whole milk or cheese on the list, change that to skim milk or low-fat cheese.  Change all refined flour ingredients to whole-grain or whole-wheat instead.

Speaking of whole grains, you could switch out all your unhealthy carbohydrates (white flours, refined sugars, white potatoes, white rice, etc) for good carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.  And when possible, also substitute fattier, marbled cuts of meat for lean ones.

The easy, minor changes and substitutions above can change all recipes in your favorite cookbook or recipe file from unhealthy to healthier versions.  Enjoy your healthy meals!

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Explore the Mountains of Algeria

Dunes in the east of Merzouga, Morocco near th...
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You are ready to visit the exotic country of Algeria. Don’t let the laws of the land worry you or perhaps you just want to discover a new culture – take a trip to the mountains of Algeria and you’ll find yourself in an amazing landscape.

The landscape of the Algerian mountainscape is absolutely stunning and covers a large amount of the country. You’ll find mountain ranges between the coast of the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert. These mountain ranges are both fascinating and diverse. Some Algerian mountain ranges are situated only with the country’s borders, while others are part of the Atlas Mountain Range.

This mountain range flows approximately 1,500 miles across Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. This mountain range is a border between the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea. In these mountains you will find Algerian Arab villages remotely tucked away. The Atlas Mountains comprise the Tell Atlas, Saharan Atlas, Anti-Atlas and Middle Atlas. Algeria hosts Sahara Atlas and Tell Atlas ranges.

The Tell Atlas range goes across Algeria, through Morocco and into Tunisia. Some of Algeria’s most significant cities are located within and along this range including the capital city of Algiers. The Chelif River is also located in this range and runs into the Mediterranean and provides water for a rich agricultural swath of land.

The Sahara Atlas range is part of the east section of the Atlas Mountains and is home to Djebel Aissa – the highest peak in the Sahara Atlas range. Other small mountain ranges that make up the Sahara Atlas include Ksour, Amour and Ouled-Nael. The Tell Atlas and the Sahara Atlas meet to form the Medjerda and T’bessa ranges. Seasonal river beds known as wadis flow through this range to help with the agriculture of this region. Chaoui Berbers are the main residents of this area.

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Discover The Flavors of Algeria

Fresh Couscous with vegetables and chickpeas.
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Take a whirl through the cuisines of Algeria and you’ll be sure to find some new and exotic flavors! There are no rules or laws in place that will guide you on this new and delicious journey, so just enjoy yourself and the cuisine. There have been many international influences that have added to the uniqueness of the country’s cuisine. Many of these influences come from the French, Spanish, Turks and Romans as well as the area Berbers and Arabs. These cultures have added aromas, spice and flavors.

From the Berbers, you’ll find Algerian meals that include dried fruits, stews, lamb and grains. Spices were added from the Arabs and the Turks, in addition to tasty pastries. Aperitifs, sweets and tomato puree are parts of the influence from French cuisine.

Algerian cuisine usually includes chicken and lamb as well as Mediterranean fish. The national dish of Algeria is couscous. This grain dish is usually prepared steamed and served with sauce, vegetables and meat. An extremely strong coffee is popular in this country and is usually served with a glass of water. But the main drink is tea with mint. You can also enjoy fruit-based drinks as well.

Appetizers within the Algerian meal can include marinated olives (mslalla) and pastry stuffed with onion, egg and meat (bourek). Many main dishes feature lamb including roast lamb (mechoui) and spicy lamb sausages (merquez). Other dishes include coriander-spiced chicken (Djel bil Quasbour), spicy kebabs (brochettes) and a spicy chicken or lamb stew (chorba). Tasty vegetable dishes are zucchini stew (mderbel qar’a), roasted aubergine salad (badendjal) and spicy fava beans (ros bratel).

Don’t miss the pastries and desserts. These yummy sweets include a semolina, rose water and almond paste favorite called kalb-el-louz. Samsa is a sweet filled pastry and ghribia are sugar cookies. You’ll find a wealth of new flavors in Algeria!

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Algerian Ecotourism

UNESCO World Heritage flag
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Ecotourism focuses, as a tourist-based industry, on the natural areas of a particular country. Algeria is no exception to the fact that ecotourism is becoming more and more popular. Not only does Algerian ecotourism conserves and preserves the fragile environment, but it also sustains the Algerian people. Algeria contains some very expansive landscapes. Put this together with Algeria’s biodiversity and this type of tourism is more than ideal. A far-reaching network of national parks is found within the borders of Algeria. There are also large expanses of land that have been declared as protected areas. These factors make Algerian adventures in ecotourism are a sure thing.

There are many opportunities to experience ecotourism in Algeria because many tour guides and operators offer them. These adventures can include a trip into the Saharan Atlas Mountains or a week or two of exploring the Mediterranean coastline. As with any business, be sure that your operator is adhering to the ecotourism standards. These standards include using local services and vendors whenever possible, using good ecological practices. The support of local services helps sustain the local population. Your tour guides should be knowledge about not only the sites and attractions, but the ecosystems as well. These can include both flora and fauna.

Tassili n’Ajjer National Park is one of the most visited ecotourism locations. The mountain range of Tassli n’ Ajjer is included within park boundaries. This sandstone range presents visitors with beautiful rock arches as well a large stand of woodlands. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of both its archaeological and biological significance.

These adventures in Algeria can include horseback or camel riding and trekking. Because of the closeness to the earth you experience during these adventures you will gain a much closer appreciation for the breathtaking wonders of Algeria and its communities.

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Algeria’s Animal Kingdom

Animals help populate the globe. Every country contains their share of scaled, furred and feathered creatures. They take their place in the nation’s ecosystem. Here is a look at some of the animals that call Algeria home.

The regions of Algeria range from mountainous terrain to the desert, and the coastal line. Native animals to Algeria include lions and leopards. Barbary lions are under conservation methods and have not been seen in the wild since 1922. These lions are the heaviest of the lion family. The Barbary Lion Project is an international cooperative attempt at helping to restore the population of this majestic animal. The Preservation Station in Algeria is also dedicated to re-establishing the wild feline population of the country.

In the Atlas Mountains, the Barbary Macaque makes its home. This primarily herbivore primate loves to dine on leaves, fruit, roots, and occasional insects. The Barbary Macaque is known to be peaceful. You can find them in mixed gender groups of 10-30. Males of the group tend to caring and raising young macaques. Lineage and hierarchy of this gentle animal follows along its lead matriarch.

Most commonly spotted animal life in Algeria include jackals, wild boars and graceful gazelles. Little jumping desert rodents such as the Jerboa can also be commonly seen. The nocturnal Jerboa lives in the hot desert sand. During the scorching daylight hours, this silky-furred creature burrows under the sand until nightfall. They spend their time creating two permanent burrows, and two additional ones for eluding predators.

Algerian law protects several species of endangered wildlife like the Serval, a wild cat with a graceful body and long dainty ears. The Serval is larger than a domesticated house cat, but smaller than a leopard. This slender, long-legged feline may grow up to 26lbs (female)or as heavy as 40 lbs (male). Servals are known to have the longest legs of any species of feline in relation to their body.

Other abundant wildlife in Algeria include many birds, reptiles, and fennecs (foxes). Even a variety of bats and the Mediterranean Monk Seal call Algeria home.

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Algeria’s Largest Cites

The coast of Algiers (Algeria), as seen from t...

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Algeria is a complex collection of cities. With a count of 48 wilayat (provinces) and 553 dairas (counties), Algeria’s population is spread over a geography that spans out to be the biggest North African nation on the map. A few cities topple over in population beyond others. Let’s take a look at the three largest cities in Algeria.

Algiers tops the list as the biggest city in Algeria. This capital city, according to a 2007 U.N. estimate of the metropolitan area, soars upward of 3,354,000 people. Located along the western bay of the Mediterranean Sea, Algiers is known for its stunning white buildings that lay along the waterfront. Architectural beauty can be seen here in buildings like the government offices, to the Kasbah quarter, Ketchaoua Mosques and more. Algiers is also home to the oldest mosque in Algeria. The Great Mosque has graced the city landscape since 1097. This economic and sporting center of the nation is filled with striking buildings that add to its aesthetic appeal.

The second most populated city in Algeria is Oran. Oran is situated on the northwest coast of Algeria. It’s metropolitan area has a population count of approximately 2 million citizens. Points of interest in Oran include three universities and an 18th century mosque. In 2005, Oran held its first international marathon that attracted runners from the world over.

Constantine rounds out our list. The third largest city in Algeria, Constantine is a collection of culture and important historical sites. The Gustave Mercier Museum holds both ancient and modern art pieces. Sporting events take place at the Ben Abdelmalek Stadium, which seats 20,000 spectators. Constantine is also home to some of the most amazing bridges in the world. A deep ravine, which the four massive bridges traverse, add to the picturesque beauty of Constantine.

Cities like Algiers, Oran and Constantine show the world the cultural and architectural beauty of the nation.

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Flavors of Algerian Cuisine

This is one of the variations of Moroccan Cous...

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Nothing connects a community like the meals they share. Something about the familiar aroma of the food we grew up with can conjure up wonderful memories of our lives. In addition, many occasions in life are marked with the combination of celebration and food. A country’s food is its flavor. Algeria bursts with flavor. Here’s a sample of the culinary delights of Algeria.

What makes Algerian cuisine one-of-a-kind is a tasty blend of cultures. Touches of Morocco along with Turkish,French, Arabic and African influences lend a hand in the dishes of Algeria. Algeria is known for its fertile soil in the northern mountain region of the country. This gives the perfect environment for olive trees, figs, grapes and other plants to flourish.

Couscous is a wheat-based food that originated in Berber culture. Traditional preparation of couscous involves steaming and serving it under meat or vegetable stew. Many a mealtime is focused on a steaming dish of spicy couscous surrounded by slow-cooked meats such as lamb or chicken. Dates are also a household staple, eaten after meals, alongside fresh fruit. Couscous may often be prepared in the top layer of a bi-level dish called a couscousiere, with a stew contained in the bottom level of the pot.

A familiar breakfast dish in Algerian households is popular in other parts of North Africa as well. Chakchouka is made with fragrant ingredients such as garlic, paprika, onion and tomatoes, topped with an egg and served over rice, bread, or pita.

Known around the world, Merguez is a delicious spicy sausage made from lamb and/or beef. A touch of Algeria is added with spices such as sumac, cayenne pepper, and harisa. Harisa, a hot red chili paste is what gives this unique sausage its characteristic red hue. Merguez adds a kick to tagines (stews) as well as sandwiches. Mint tea and sweetened coffee are commonplace drinks. They are often offered to guests and enjoyed among good company. Delectable desserts like Makroudh and Asida have their place at the table as well. Algerian food offers the globe a unique taste of a unique nation.

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Bridges of Constanine

Pont suspendu de la ville de Constantine (Algé...

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Bridges can be simple devices to carry us from one area to another. At times they can represent architectural beauty and design. In Algeria, the bridges of Constantine are picturesque and awe-provoking. The city of Constantine is home to some of the most striking of these structures worldwide. Take a glimpse at these monolithic marvels of Algeria.

The Constantine Province lays in Northeast Algeria. It’s capital city of the same name is home to a number of bridges that have great impact on the viewer. With a population of over 750,000 citizens, Constantine is the third largest city in Algeria. Notable Algerians born in Constantine include Nobel Prize winner in Physics Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, World Boxing Champion Alphonse Halimi, and distance runner Hassiba Boulmerka. Boulmerka is noted as the first Algerian to win an Olympic title.

The el-Kantara Bridge is an amazingly striking structure that stretches 420 feet (130 meters)across a gorge. The dimensions of its width vary from 15 feet to an expansive 1,200 feet. El-Kantara provides main access to the city. The bridge went through a series of restorations to preserve it in its state today. This bridge is worthy of postcards and paintings. Its natural beauty catches the eye.

The Sidi M’Cid Bridge is an Algerian icon in Constantine. This breathtaking suspension bridge opened to the public in April 1912. The 525 feet long suspension bridge connects the casbah to Sidi M’Cid hill. A distance of 575 feet dangles between the Sidi M’Cid bridge to the river gorge below. The bridge of Sidi Rached spans just over 1,466 feet long and 39 feet wide. Its curved arches can be seen printed on postcards.

The Mellah Slimane is a pedestrian bridge constructed between 1917 and 1925. This bridge stretches forward 410 feet long and connects the railway station with the center of the old town.

The Algerian bridges of Constantine are dramatic and can never be forgotten.

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Telephone and Internet Access in Algeria

For a country to attract visitors, development, business and trade a country needs a vital and efficient communications system. Tourists are especially important in this formula. They use the system to gain information about their travels using Internet and other forms of communication. These systems are also important to tourists who want to stay in touch with their home bases.

Because Algeria is still in the early stages of becoming a developing country, its systems for communication may seem immature and undeveloped. However, the country is placing a lot of effort on communication system improvements, such as higher rates of Internet and phone access. Tourists and other visitors will not feel like they are out of touch with home while in Algeria.

Some numbers and statistics place the number of phones in Algeria at five phones per 100 citizens. In 2004 the numbers state that there were approximately 2.288 million phone lines. Telephone service that is most reliable is in the main tourist region -northern Algeria. There is also an Algerian domestic satellite system that comprises 12 terrestrial stations with additional stations in the works. There are also underwater cables in addition to the satellites, all of which provided international calling services. Algeria is connection to France, Spain, Morocco and Tunisia using microwave technology. There are approximately 5 million cell users, according to 2005 numbers.

There is a generally satisfactory level of Internet access found in the main cities of Algeria. Approximately 1,1175 Internet hosts and 845,000 users were in Algeria as of 2005. Algiers, Oran and Constantine all have Internet cafes. Some hotels also have Internet access services for their guests. Tourists will find these outlets beneficial for checking email, confirming travel arrangements and such. Most Algerian websites originating out of the country are presented in both French and Arabic.

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