:: Noor ::

:: 11.23.2001 ::

I returned from my trip todayÖI donít really know what to say. What does anyone say after visiting a desperate place? The capital is a complete disaster. The army is in Algiers trying to help out, moving the rubble and clearing the streets. And there are also relief workers from the Red Cross and other countries like Morocco treating the wounded and homeless. Iím sure there is a method to the relief effort, but everything there still appears to be in chaos. People moving in and out with no real purpose. Itís just mud and trucks and homeless. Thatís all one sees in the area of Bab el-Oued, the area worst hit in Algiers.
When I first reached the country I met with my uncle in Algiers, who luckily wasnít hurt by the flooding. I spent four nights with him in the capital, helping out at a community centre most the time. It didnít matter that Iím not a doctor or nurse, their largest demand at present is simply having the manpower.
Then I went to visit my parents in the countryside for the remaining 2 nights. It was a short time but I think I made the most of it. It was strange though to see my family again. I wouldnít say we are close, in fact I doubt they know me as a person. I grew up mostly in the States since I was a child, and I guess we simply come from two different world, separated by culture as well as time.
That being said it was very nice to see my folks, especially at a moment like this. My mother tried to stuff me with food the entire time, while my dad took me out to all the touristy sites. I do love them.
I also took some nice photos from the country. I didnít take any from Algiers ń how does one approach a woman who just lost her family and home and ask to take a photo? It just didnít seem right.

Anyway, I will write again.
:: Noor Noor 11:09 AM [+] ::
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Well, Iíve finally gotten in touch with my mother at home, and everyone is accounted for. I'm so happy - it has been the most stressful week - and at points I was imagining the worst.
I'm going to Algeria tomorrow, to visit my family and lend my support. Itís been years since Iíve seen any of them (and they have no idea of the person Iíve become), but I feel itís important nonetheless.
Wow, itíll be so strange to leave Paris for Algiers.

I will write again upon my return.
:: Noor Noor 10:35 PM [+] ::
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some pictures from the horrible floods in Alergia....

if you would like more information to go this UN report which summarizes the effects of the floods as of yesterday. And if you would like to donate to the relief effort you can review this appeal made by the Red Cross, and make a contribution at https://www-secure.ifrc.org/donation/donate.asp.
:: Noor Noor 7:35 PM [+] ::
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In case you guys haven't been keeping up with the news, this past weekend there was a huge flood in Algeria that killed more than 575 people and completely shut down the capital. I've been trying desperately to get a hold of some of my family down there, but many parts are without telephones, or even road access. I know my parents are safe since they don't live near the capital, Algiers, but I'm still very worried about my uncle and cousins who live right in the capital. This is very scary for me and itís difficult to get any information.

:: Noor Noor 9:03 PM [+] ::
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Another hectic day. nothing really to report. I just returned from work and am now nestled in my oversized armchair with my favourite possession, my lap top.

Boy, the walls in my apartment could use a repaint. Iím looking around my apartment and not liking what I see. I have a really boring apartment! Iím going to have to fix this, perhaps Iíll spend next weekend giving my place a bit of a make over, new coat of paint, some new curtains and lights. I guess I never really took the time to fix this place up since I moved in.

Anyway, thereís nothing terribly exciting too report. Paris is pretty grey at the moment, not that it would ever bother me. I prefer it when Iím walking home from work and the streets are not as busy. Itís sort of peaceful that way.
:: Noor Noor 5:49 PM [+] ::
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Can you see me?

:: Noor Noor 7:41 PM [+] ::
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An interesting website about Gypsy culture and history (at least I think it's interesting): The Patrin Web Journal

...and just so you know, International Romani Day is on April 8th.
:: Noor Noor 5:35 AM [+] ::
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I should also share this site with you. It's called Collected Visions and it allows people to create their own photo journals, which are then archived for everyone to see. And for those voyeuristic bloggers, there are some very interesting personal stories to read about.

:: Noor Noor 1:09 AM [+] ::
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Today has been a rough day and what better way to deal than to vent about it with anonymous strangers over the internet. Boy, I love blogging.

...one of the paintings at the gallery was damaged during the course of the night (we don't by whom), and because it had already been sold, both the buyer and artist came into today looking for blood. I don't mind them being upset, but must they take out their anger and frustration on me. I am in no position to reimburse either of them, so all I could do was listen to them get more and more upset. Things like this can really sour me.

Boy, this blogger thing is very therapeutic...I feel better already.
:: Noor Noor 1:03 AM [+] ::
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