Thank you :) I think a lot of the reasons I had a negative experience of Tunisia were simply down to bad luck! Losing passports, getting ill, losing glasses, suffering hassle and con-men etc would each on their own have been a minor problem but added together led to having a bad time. I did visit Carthage several times (on different days to visit different sites, although we missed the show at the roman amphitheatre for the International Carthage Festival that we wanted to see so we didn't actually attend in the evening. I took the metro out past La Goulette and I did visit the incredible beaches, Chott el Jerid and Matmata briefly, and there is no denying that Tunisia is a beautiful country. The Bardo museum is fantastic too.
What I think I found difficulties with was something that I was advised early on by a Tunisian man. He said, "Ninety per cent of Tunisians are friendly, kind, helpful and hospitable people. Unfortunately, the other ten per cent are all the ones who will hassle you in the souks and try to pick your pockets."
Because of the differences in culture and the language barriers especially, I found myself interacting mostly with people who approached me, and unfortunately they were mostly the ten per cent wanting my money. I think a lot of tourists are isolated from too much of this hassle (they visit the souk for a half-day trip and don't have to deal with it on a daily basis).
When I first arrived I found myself very lost because all my social signals were messed up. In England, I pride myself on being able to spot the signals between someone friendly and someone to avoid. In Tunisia, I didn't have that to start off with, and not knowing who I could trust I started to mistrust everyone. Having been here a while, I now feel a lot more confident and more and more each day I meet more of the nice 90 per cent.
Thank you very much for your invitation! Whereabouts in Tunisia are you?
About Tunisian experience Dear friends of Tunisia,
It is important to remember that" pathos" shouldn't be part of your evaluation about Tunisia. Information is what makes a difference everywhere in the world. Very close to Tunis, you could enjoyed the East coast of the Mediterranean Carhage, La Marsa, La Goulette etc...beaches swimming and having good time. When I read your comment, it seems to be that you went to Tunisia and kept only the bad things. I am sure that Tunisia is much more than what you expressed in this comment. How can you explain 7.5 million tourists a year.? I hope to host you in my house next time you'll visit Tunisia.
Sincerely
Naima a Tunisian citizen
Hello fair wandering nomads! Wow, sounds like you are having a great time... not envious at all... Finally offed then, we were wondering if you would turn up on Friday. :oD.
Keep safe and keep blogging. I will keep reading and keep in touch.
wandering rose
Stephanie Keeler
Thank you :)
I think a lot of the reasons I had a negative experience of Tunisia were simply down to bad luck! Losing passports, getting ill, losing glasses, suffering hassle and con-men etc would each on their own have been a minor problem but added together led to having a bad time. I did visit Carthage several times (on different days to visit different sites, although we missed the show at the roman amphitheatre for the International Carthage Festival that we wanted to see so we didn't actually attend in the evening. I took the metro out past La Goulette and I did visit the incredible beaches, Chott el Jerid and Matmata briefly, and there is no denying that Tunisia is a beautiful country. The Bardo museum is fantastic too. What I think I found difficulties with was something that I was advised early on by a Tunisian man. He said, "Ninety per cent of Tunisians are friendly, kind, helpful and hospitable people. Unfortunately, the other ten per cent are all the ones who will hassle you in the souks and try to pick your pockets." Because of the differences in culture and the language barriers especially, I found myself interacting mostly with people who approached me, and unfortunately they were mostly the ten per cent wanting my money. I think a lot of tourists are isolated from too much of this hassle (they visit the souk for a half-day trip and don't have to deal with it on a daily basis). When I first arrived I found myself very lost because all my social signals were messed up. In England, I pride myself on being able to spot the signals between someone friendly and someone to avoid. In Tunisia, I didn't have that to start off with, and not knowing who I could trust I started to mistrust everyone. Having been here a while, I now feel a lot more confident and more and more each day I meet more of the nice 90 per cent. Thank you very much for your invitation! Whereabouts in Tunisia are you?