How To Buy A Present For Someone Who's Really Interested In Algeria

Buying presents is really difficult, sometimes, right? In fact it can suck. But at least it helps if you already know some of the things that the person you need or want to buy a present for is interested in. Have you done your homework? Or scouted around after them like a cross between a stalker and a private detective?

And what have you found out – that they like everything about Algeria? Hey, it's a start! You have something to go on!

But, you also have a problem. Because, what exactly do you get someone who is interested in Algeria, if you don't know anything about Algeria yourself? I mean, how much does your average person (read: me) really know about Algeria?

Ah, let me just check that out. What do I personally know, or think I know, or maybe have a feeling about, regarding Algeria? Uh, Rai music. I know that that's a thing. I couldn't actually define Rai music, probably, even if my life depended on it. But Rai music is definitely a thing that exists! Also, political unrest at one time: although doesn't that apply to pretty much every country in the world? Also, I would hazard a strong feeling, an ethnically diverse population, which, not so much.

Also, geographically, possibly North Africa? Jeez, I really have to start reading more random Wikipedia entries and getting more educated.

So, Rai music! You could get your Algeria-fancying buddy a Hasdouni CD or download? Or Mahanti or Waldiha? Or just plug 'Rai' into the Amazon search engine and see what you get!

How about Algerian writers? Maybe you could check out some Algerian novelists, poets, essayists or short story writers, and then spring them on your fanboy or fangirl friend and amaze them with your erudition! Out of Algerian writers, maybe give St Augustine of Hippo a try. (Okay, I picked the one I'd heard of! Which speaks more to my cultural impoverishment than to the skill, style and wit of Algerian writers.) Maybe still better, maybe get them some non-fiction on the history, geography and social and current affairs of Algeria. Your buddy's gonna love you!