My secret Algerian obsession is, indeed, lampposts. If you’re still reading, you might be asking yourself, of all things to obsess over in a foreign country, why choose lampposts?
Well, my friend. I did not choose lampposts. Algerian lampposts chose me.
Algerian lampposts are fascinating, because they are like people.
Some of them are living monuments to history.
The date engraved on this may or may not have anything to do with French taking over the country.
Some are dainty and well-poised.
Some of them are introverts who see the big picture
Some of them like enforced socialization, with objects from other worlds
Others are extroverts and prefer to spend time in clusters
They can take the role of official soldiers guarding a palace
but inside they are actually unruly schoolgirls who want to dance in the wind
When they’re young, they sometimes have no idea who they are or what they’re supposed to be doing.
Some of them figure it out quickly and become pillars of learning at universities
Others skip out on the formalities and live the happy life in the countryside
Some try to fulfill a desperate need to fit in
and serve a purpose
get decked out and join in festivities of national importance for the common good
Some find themselves in situations they can’t detach themselves from,
so they adapt
A few find themselves suspended in between the good old times, and modernity
And some throw themselves into modernity with nary a qualm about its potential ugliness
Can’t really blame me with being obsessed with them, can you?
Where Is My Suitcase 