"The more you sweat in training the less you bleed in battle." - Navy Seals saying
I completed the ATM Tour on 19
January 2026 and returned to India on 21st January via Kuwait City
international airport on Kuwait Airways. The transit was a good time to record
my impression of the countries I had been to - Algeria from 3rd to 6th January,
Tunisia from 7th to 10th January and Morocco from 11th to 19th January.
1. The countries destroy the
template of an African nation as being unfriendly and not so hospitable. On the
contrary, I found them genuinely friendly and hospitable. Especially when they
came to know that I was from India. What I heard the most was, " Welcome
to Algeria/Tunisia/Morocco. Enjoy."
2. Another template about Africa
is about the infrastructure. We anticipate primitive and poor infrastructure.
Nothing could be further from reality. I enjoyed awesome motorways in Morocco,
public utilities and transport in all countries, no power cuts, paved walkways
and such like. Something I cannot boast of in my own country.
3. I believe in walking and
seeing places. So, whenever I lodged in a new place I would ask anxiously if
the town or city is safe to walk in. Not only was I reassured of safety but was
also told that I could contact them in case I felt even uncomfortable anywhere!
4. The medinas are crowded. These
are ancient cities where commerce happened. With the souqs, restaurants and
lodging places having revved up in the past few years the medinas have seen
exponential growth in people visiting them. Though this, in some of the medinas
like in Tunis and Marrakech, vendors and suppliers drive motorised transport so
expertly that I have stood and stared many times, marvelling at the skill and
flourish.
5. On highways and motorways,
even within towns, cities and villages people use the roads sensibly and with
complete respect for the pedestrian. Lane driving is the norm. Roundabouts are
sacrosanct. Pedestrian crossings are inviolable.
6. The variety of food is large
and the quality is awesome. Food is fresh and inexpensive. If one avoids
high-end cafes, restaurants and hotels, a tight leash can be maintained on the
budget. The ingredients are fresh. To an Indian, the food may taste bland as
they use mostly fresh spices and herbs to spice the food. The hottest they go
is with Harissa, which tasted quite mild to me. Since there is no masala in
their cooking the food is light on the stomach and digests easily. No bloating
or gastric issues.
7. A common thread among men of
the three countries is that they are chain smokers. They literally light one
cigarette with the butt of another. Though they don't litter normally, tossing
a ciggy to the ground wherever they are is a given. I did not come across any
female smokers during my ATM Tour.
8. You don't come across any
public show of affection as one does in most European and some Asian countries.
Even visitors are aware of the etiquette to be followed in public and adhere to
it.
9. Littering in public places is
almost totally absent, with the exception, as mentioned earlier, of discarding
used cigarettes. People use bins or discard garbage responsibly. Local
authorities regularly clear garbage and in many places, I even found streets
being water cleaned. Residents and retail outlets take care to keep their
premises clean. The exception is when they leave leftovers to feed pets.
10. Morocco is scheduled to host
the Football World Cup in 2030. In all the three countries I could see
infrastructure being readied in anticipation of the increase in tourism to the
countries. State promotion of places of tourist interest is quite visible.
11. It is hard to escape the
overarching influence of Bollywood movies, stars and songs in the three
countries. Shah Rukh Khan is the flavour of the day as are the foot stomping
music of Bollywood movies. A certain generation recall the salad years of Dilip
Kumar and Raj Kapoor too. It would not be incorrect to say that Bollywood is
the true ambassador of India.
12. While alcohol is not illegal
in the countries, its sale and consumption are heavily regulated in keeping
with the cultural sensitivity of the Muslim majority population. Public
drinking is illegal and alcohol is available in designated stores and licensed
establishments only. Demands of religion and tourism are finely balanced.
13. Public transport is a mix of
metro, bus, tram and train. The fares are cheap and normally is a single fare
from end to end. The public transport is decently maintained and passengers use
them responsibly. Besides these, cheap 'petit' taxis and luxury taxis are also
available.
14. Even in the crowded cities
cars and public transport don't create a nuisance honking and tailgating.
Public nuisance is not something one comes across normally. There is respect
for individuals and pedestrians. The orderly movement and respect for traffic
rules, particularly at roundabouts, is exemplary.
15. The presence of traffic
police and police patrols helps to maintain order, where necessary. Attention
to traffic incidents is immediate. The speed limit on roads is clearly
indicated at frequent intervals. Radar controls and mobile units keep irresponsible
driving at bay.
16. All the three countries are
crazy football following nations. Morocco, incidentally, hosted the Africa Cup
2026. Football is overwhelmingly the most popular and main sport in the three
countries, serving as a significant national passion and is deeply rooted in
their culture.
17. Another common thread among
the three countries is the French occupation - 1912 to 1956 in Morocco, 1830 to
1962 in Algeria and 1881 to 1956 in Tunisia. Therefore, French and Arabic are
equally widely spoken in the countries.
18. Architecture in the countries
is a diverse, historically layered blend of Berber, Roman, Islamic, Ottoman,
and French colonial influences, defined by stunning tilework, horseshoe arches,
carved wood, tranquil courtyards called riads, and fortified kasbahs.
19. There is a thriving and open
black market for foreign exchange in Algeria and Morocco and not so open in
Tunisia. Taxi drivers and touts in medinas are the main sources.
20. Arts and crafts in the three
countries is stunning, be it woodwork, ceramic, pottery, leather, metalwork,
textiles, carpets, masks and much more. The craftsmanship is exceptional and
the products are relatively cheap. Professional bargaining skills can further
lower the purchase price.
21. Salespersons never pester or
buttonhole. When you politely decline their approach, they let you be. They
never pursue the visitors and tourists aggressively and make them
uncomfortable. On the other hand, if you show overmuch interest in a product and
hard bargain, they expect you to conclude the deal.
22. People are never loud in
public. Their celebrations, greetings and gatherings are never a nuisance to
others.
23. Respect and dignified treatment of others is a hallmark of people in these countries. They make you so welcome in their country and at home that you never feel like an outsider. To them, their country is your home to be made comfortable in
24. Historical buildings like
riads and old homes have been developed into tourist guesthouses with ornate
decorations, artefacts and colourful tile and woodwork.
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