I started my travel for 2012 with what my mother would likely describe as my way of trying to give her a nervous breakdown. If I was being completely honest with myself, when the opportunity came up to visit Tunisia I was a little apprehensive as well. This is after all the country that just over 12 months ago set in motion a revolutionary wave that is still making its presence felt across the arab world.
Undeterred by those thoughts, there was still something alluring about visiting a country that is far less travelled than the usual worn track of Asia and Europe. This would also be my first landing on the African continent and for a traveller that’s a totally amazing yet completely pointless stat to add to my resume.
If I had to express how my short stay left me feeling about the country so you could understand then the experience leaving the airport after arrival probably sums it up. After securing our fare the taxi driver in his little yellow and well worm minivan didn’t let the fact he was caught in a row of other taxis with curbs either side stop him. He simply reverses into the taxi behind for space and proceeds to mount the curb and head off.
It’s a little rough around the edges but man will it surprise you
The sprawling medina guarantees to get you lost in a maze of tiny streets lined with clothing (clothing may or may not be knockoff goods from China), jewellery, oils and spices. At times It was like being stuck in a packed nightclub as you fight your way to the bar for another beer. To really appreciate it and explore the Zitouna Mosque located in the heart of the medina, your best to explore early in the morning so you can admire the old town without the chaos under your feet.
If the medina gets too much then head north via train to the Roman ruins of Carthage. A 3000 year old city that for its age still has some pretty amazing sights to behold. At a cost of just 9,000 Dinar plus 1,000 to take photos (5 Euros) you can gain entry to all the sites that make up Carthage. It’s worth noting that to see everything you need to make a day of it, especially in the warm weather given hour much walking is involved between each section. Carthage is serviced by four train stops on the TGM rail line, the best stop being Carthage Hannibal. From there you can roam to the Antonine Baths and onwards.
In addition to the above, Tunis houses some great museums along with the Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul. The largest remaining building left over from the days when the French called the shots. The French did however leave some amazing traits like the Avenue Habib Bourguiba that runs right through the middle of Tunis.
On top of everything to see and do the food in my mind was out of this world. It was so good in fact I ended up ordering the same meal two nights in a row. Nestled away down a side street off Avenue Habib Bourguiba was La Huchette. It was at this restaurant I lost my Berber Lamb virginity. Cooked in a large ceramic pot the staff tip it straight onto your plate where the meat almost falls apart on its own as it lands.
Over the course of the weekend trip to Tunis I went from apprehensive to enjoying the chance to explore a country that is still somewhat unwritten about in todays traditional travel mediums. And while not all the experiences were a joyous one, like their love for smoking in and around everything. From the restaurant to the hotel lobby no area was off-limits for that little cancer stick. Something as minor as that won’t stop me planning my visit Tunisia 2.0 experience for sooner rather than later and I hope you all do the same.
Rough around the edges but it will surprise you – what a perfect summary of Tunisia. You *definitely* have to plan Tunisia 2.0 and get further away from Tunis and you will be surprised every day by how much variety you’ll find – it’s such a fascinating country.
Amanda I’m definitely keen to return to Tunisia. I’d read up about some other ruins that were not far from Tunis and some other friends pointed out some sites but they were just to far away for a weekend visit.
Wonderful photos! I visited Tunisia in 2007 and it was so beautiful!
Looks great! I’ve heard the ruins in Tunisia are incredible.
What a great way to encourage a trip that might have been placed on the back burner! Lot the photos too!
Leslyn I’d never intended to visit Africa for awhile yet, Europe was still very much my focus but Tunisia sure changed all of that. Funnily enough a couple of weeks later I was back there but this time in Morocco. The north of Africa really is an interesting part of the world.
I briefly dated a man from Tunisia and he would tell me all the time about his country and ever since then I’ve been dying to go. Even more so after reading this post!!!
Andi, and here I was thinking you only ever dated aussie’s before your husband 🙂
This is a great invitation.
This place is beautiful. I love the photographs you posted.
I’ll surely try and take some time out for a trip to Tunisia.
Thanks for sharing.
-Roger
I have always wanted to go to Tunisia and this just inspires me more!
Carthage looks amazing! I’m so there… Been dying to go to Tunisia ever since I semi-planned a N. Africa/Middle Eastern press trip pre-Tunisia craziness outbreak. But this just seals the deal. Gotta go now. It’s just so close!
Its super close Abbey you should so go. If not you could at least hit up Morocco as its even closer.
These are some amazing pictures. I’m very tempted to visit this place now.
Thanks for sharing.
-Naomi
Loving your pictures – especially the Market one, it looks like such a colourful and cultural place! xx
I love to travel but I never imagined of having the urge to visit Tunisia. You really inspired me by posting great things about the place. Definitely, my next destination would be here.
I love these photographs very much. I would love to visit these places if I get a chance to visit Tunisia.
Thanks.
-Peter
I was expecting some local talks about the start of the “Arab Spring” and how they’re going about their new life. So it’s a bit disappointing. But yeah you’ve been there and had some fun. And I just know from your post that Roman Carthage is in Tunisia. Way to go! Keep traveling….
Awesome website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Cheers!