ZECO TRAVEL TALK

When we scouted Algeria more than 18 months ago, we knew we would be visiting a land only recently opened to outside travelers. As shore excursions were established, we sought to make the experience as personal as possible for our travelers. We wanted to share with you what amazing things can happen when simple face to face interactions occur between people who often see the world through different eyes. This is the letter we received from our local tour operator in Algeria:

“Thanks to your insistence that your travelers visit both the Koranic School and Great Mosque, along with the Basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba, we managed to draw together the leaders of the two largest religious institutions in Algeria. Father Raphael and the Imam, Cheikh Sid Ahmed Kaila, knew of each other but had never had the occasion to meet, so inevitably there were some misconceptions. We invited them both for dinner (it was quite a job to find a good restaurant that does not serve alcohol—which would have offended the Imam), and they got along remarkably well. The Imam mentioned that he buys delicious Hobz tal-Malti (Maltese Bread) from a local bakery, something Father Raphael loves but was not aware it even existed in Algeria. Well, since then, the Imam has sent Father Raphael several loaves at the Basilica.

So, in the moment when there has been growing religious tension in the country, the Muslim community thought the Rector of the Basilica was causing problems… once these two holy men sat down together and, while breaking bread, discovered the source of their misunderstanding, they began to enjoy each other’s company so much that close to midnight we had to remind them that other groups of travelers were arriving early in the morning. You can imagine how relieved we were to have this encounter turn out so well… we were terribly worried that their meeting could have been a PR disaster, but in fact it was a great success. If there was wine on the table, you can be sure we would have toasted you. Thank you for bringing our two worlds together and allowing us to give cruise passengers an insight to Islam—a religion that is often misunderstood and misreported by the media. Enjoy the photo of that special evening.”