Sbeitla to Algeria - Souk Ahras

OK, we decided to head into Algeria and after leaving the ruins of Sbeitla we made easy progress over quite small roads.
Both people and countryside were changing fast. Much greener here, and we were certainly a sight when we stopped in a cafe for a break.
Got to the border without too much problem, the Tunisian side went quite well.
The Algerian side, we fell right into their trap. First asked for all the declarations, then we had to buy a month of local insurance, but then of course there was a big problem that our declarations would not match anymore.

Strict currency controls... but nothing that could not be solved with some Italian techniques.
Luggage checks were rudimentary;
Overall it took us about 2 hours to cross.

Leaving we found a very different atmosphere. Hard from the outside, but people are very keen to help us.
And we needed help...
A hotel in Souk Ahras was a major issue. What we found did not really live up to a 1 star standard.
Broken sink; broken toilet; sheets ripped, mattress...., stench from sewer.
Went into town and a very very local restaurant. Had a nice meal but the guy  would not let us pay.
Gave some money to the waiter and ran off, but they pursued us gave the money back, and as he tried to escape; very nearly got run over by a car. We left it at that.

I picked up a blanket from the closet around 03;00 and heard someone trying to get into the room.
Not good I thought. Then heard the same person going around the other rooms too.
Decided to lock the balcony door; just in case; went back to sleep but woke of the same thing again...
Jumped out, woke Andre, and quickly opened our door to find this young chap. Asked him What the f.. in my best French and he ran off saying he was looking for women. Told him to go look somwhere else.

First thing in the morning we discovered a little issue, you cannot withdraw any money here from any of the Money machines, and with the currency controls, this could be interesting.

Tried an official exchange at a bank; but they said only the Central Bank could do that.
After being pointed around the center a few different directions; we ended up there and got some cash at least.

Pay the hotel and off we go; direction Setif, cause we know there is a 2 * hotel there.

The city center here has a very very Arab feel to it; spices; many small shops, good fun

Mike