Tipaza, Algeria

The area around Algiers is far more modern and prosperous than the provinces of Bejaia and Setef that we saw yesterday. The first thing I noticed was that there was far less litter and that many of the buildings actually looked finished.

Arriving into Algiers, even with a morning mist was wonderful. Algiers the White they call her, because of the buildings. She's a beautiful city, with a rich variety of architecture, some of it a bit battered but with her history, that is only to be expected.

Another early start, another armed guide, with motorcycle outriders, we sailed through the traffic to the province of Tipaza with her Roman site.

I chose this photo, of the villa and the cove, taken from the later Christian church promontory. If you look closely you can see the kestrel hovering. We saw kites, Eagles, egrets and so many birds as we drove around.

A spectacular location, perched on coves with the glittering sea, they rightly suggest that this is one of the most beautiful Roman sites. I wanted to walk through the Casbah but you can't do everything. So I'll have to go back.

On our way back to the ship, we called at the Mauseleum of the Royal Family and the Martyrs' Monument, remembering the dead from the fight for Liberation.

A message from our excellent guides - Tell your friends that Algeria is safe and waiting to give you a warm welcome.

I agree. And I am astonished, given what I had thought we would find.