Falling in love

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OK so I really like Tunisia. I cant help it. The people are awesome, the weather is outstanding (I went swimming yesterday Jodi!) and the food is fantastic!

I have been in Tunisia for exactly one week today. I flew from Amman where I nearly missed my flight. Note to self: one hour is NOT enough time to clear security and passport control and check-in. On the up side however, I did not have to hang around the airport looking for something to do. I also got a security escort (3 guys) all the way to the plane!

I was slightly nervous at passport control - I was using my clean passport with no exit stamps from Jordan and I was afraid he would ask to see my other passport. He took half a look and stamped me in to Tunisia.

I went looking for a hotel in the Medina - which is like the old city. Well they re-define the word sleazy. Yes they are cheap ( 5 dollars a night) but that is all that can be said for them. So I found this other adorable place near the Medina (its the place to be) called the Grand Hotel de France. It has big shutters and wrought iron balconies and some really cool tiling.

Tunis is a beautiful city. Although not overwhelmingly clean It has tons of character, beautiful buildings and very nice friendly people.

I met Sawsan and then she invited me over to meet her family - her mother and sister and nephew Rayen (he just turned one and is so cute). Her mother made me all sorts of really good traditional Tunisian food. I also met her friends Haleel and Wael. We all spent several days poking around (they are students but had a break for the id - the end of Ramadan).

The Africa Cup
The final this year (and this is a huge deal - the bragging rights for the whole continent are at stake) was played yesterday. A Tunisian team - the Stars of the Sahel, based in Sousse - and an Egyptian team played. Unfortunately the Tunisian team lost 3-0.

Tales of the Internet in a developing country
128 k connection for 20 computers. Africaaaagh!

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Comments

[Catherine]

So good to hear from you!!
Dear Shira, It is so good to hear of your adventures, and hear you sounding so well. I knew you would meet interesting and wonderful people. The Lord will lead you to others as well. Ask him to lead and guide you each step of the way, and then wait for the "divine appointments". We'd love to see some pictures if you take any, it sounds so interesting. This blog idea is great as well. You are in my daily prayers, love, Catherine

[David Heyman]

Good stuff!
Shira, Thanks for sending me your blog! Sounds like Tunis is a place much where I am, Delhi. Lots of run down stuff then suddenly something interesting. Went to the Bahai Lotus Temple and Hari Krishna Temple yesterday. Keep us informed! Have a great time!

[Aaron&Michelle]

Really cool Shira
Thanks great to hear Shira. Hope to hear you having lots more fun.

[Laura Arnold]

Great
Shira, It sounds as if you are having a great time. Happy Belated Birthday!!

[Nina and Bill Bugg]

Thanks for sharing
Hi Shira. So good to receive your writeup on Tunisia and so glad you are enjoying this wonderful opportunity. Please keep us in the loop for your updates! Will you be able to get to Uganda for your father's ordination? Love, Nina and Bill

[Yvonne Sipe]

Falling in Love
Hi Shira - I see you are traveling in Tunisia - what fun. Heard from your Mom and she gave me this blog. Lots of interesting reads on it from all over...especially interesting to read about countries I've been. How long will you be traveling. I take it you are alone...you are very brave. I don't mind getting lost, but I want to be lost with someone! Look forward to reading your journal in the days ahead. Take care and God bless and keep you safe. Love, Yvonne