Tunisia is quite an interesting place. It's located in Northern Africa, between Algeria & Libya. Everyone speaks Arabic & French, so I was out of luck here. Hardly understood them most of the time, but there were quite a few people who spoke English. They have been courting the tourists, trying to attract them there, but them they've got some work to do.
We landed in the middle of the night and it was hot then - should've known what we were going to be in for...lots of heat!!
So, our first experience in Tunis was quite an interesting one. Remember we were just coming from Sicily - very European, calm, serene, peaceful.... Tunis = EXACT opposite!! Our frist stop with our guide, Tarak & driver, Rauof, was the Medina and the shopping there. Imagine a small, dark, cramped alley filled with little shops and VERY pushy people trying to sell you stuff you don't need at elevated prices....yep...learn to haggle. Of course, they're trying every language, guessing where you are from, and trying to engage you, hoping something in their tiny shops will catch your eye. With my sunglasses on, I was told I would get a good deal because I have pretty eyes....yep, had shades on, so would be a little difficult to tell. Got a "English? Fish & Chips" comment, which I quickly replied, "No, burger & fries." :) Good idea to travel in packs down through the Medina - never wander alone - you're a sitting duck!! Did pick up a watercolor piece of art for a "good deal." Some people made out like bandits - others, not so much.
Luckily it was a National Holiday, so it wasn't so busy, so we trotted on over to the Market - which had just about anything you could think of - fresh fish, fruits, veggies, spices, camel testicles, leg of lamb, etc.... The floor in the fish market was disgusting - it was not for the weak of heart, or stomach.
Sadly, one of my amigos got pick-pocketed in the Medina or Market and lost his passport & credit cards, so off to the police station & Embassy they went.
After a glorious lunch, we headed to Carthage - that was amazing - with all the ruins and Roman baths...wow!! Such a gorgeous setting right on the water - wow! But, damn, it was hot - we were guessing over a 100, easily!! Stopped at another Roman amphitheater and climbed to the top. Was very well-preserved.
Our last stop was Sidi Bou Said - a combo of the white-washed, blue-domed villages of Greece with some Spanish architecture perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Tunis. The legend tells of Saint Louis - coming to wage war he fell in love with a Berber princess and, changing his name became the patron saint of this village where he lived in joy and peace. Was lovely, and hot.... pushy people here as well...never wander alone!!!
Evening entertainment? Dancing the polka with the other travelers and doing a snowball dance - everyone got involved. Wine always helps with this!! I've got some entertaining people traveling with me, that's for sure!!
Good travel tip if every going to Northern Africa? Never leave home without toliet paper and some hand sanitizer. They rarely have TP nor soap, possibly not even toliet seats, in the public toliets. Yes, there's a stool, but people have bad aim. There's also a hose right next to toliet for a fresh feel, but then the floors are disgusting...get my drift?!!? Tunisian bathrooms are DISGUSTING!!!! (just thougth I'd share....)
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