Media in North Africa

We (Daryl Cagle was the other American cartoonist who went to the Exhibiton in Algiers) were lucky enough to get some press while there. We weren't sure if they'd be interested in two Americans, but we had a great press conference with a capable translator. The most difficult thing to translate is a discussion about censorship, a BIG topic there, but between our bits of French, our translator, and the reporters knowing some English, I think we did well.

At the main press conference I found myself without a way to give electronic images to the media... but had a load of stickers in my pocket. (Made for me a few years ago by a Stone Soup fan and all-around great guy Rick Cricow.) I took these along to give to kids and art students... but it worked amazingly well for the journalists, too... El Watan scanned the stickers!

And from the Arabic Daily El Khabar (no I can't read it either, but it's just too cool)

And then from L'Opinon in Morocco ...

 

Note that I am in the above article "Jean Eliot". Apparently "Jan" does not translate well, and have accepted often being called "Jane" or  "Jean". 

C'est la vie.

Oh, by the way, I only speak a minimal smattering of French. And when tired, well... one night in the Hotel D'Aljazair I ordered room service. When the kitchen guy said "Oui, Madam, tout de suite" I gave him my room number. (He was saying yes, madam, immediately).

Well, I got a laugh.

Comments

[Cathy Jazynka]

Hi Jan. I finally read your blog on Algiers and Morocco and it sounds like the experience was great for you and your newfound friends. I'm so glad you were able to participate. I also am making sure our speakers bureau has your contact information in case another post or posts wants to program you. It was a pleasure working with you and if you ever pass through Washington, DC, please drop me a line! Coffee's on me :-)