Roadtrippin' Down the Coast of Tunisia

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After spending some time in the capital I decided to rent a car and start road-trippin' through the country.

My first stop was Hammamet a small fishing village that is very popular in the summer. Like any good port city it had a fort and lovely beach front to walk and catch the sunset.

Next I traveled to Sousse a town dating back to the first century of Islam. The massive walls of the medina is 2.25km around and height of 26ft tall. Within the walls are 24 mosques.

I visited the Great Mosque of Kairouan. Built in 670 AD it is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Africa and is regarded as the fourth holiest site in Islam. Seven trips to this mosque is equivalent to a pilgrimage to Mecca. In the same Medina (old city) was the governors home once home to the Kairouan’s 18th century Ottoman bey and his four wives. The craftsmanship and detail were incredible especially for the time it was built.

The following day I visited the 'colosseum of Africa’ in El Jem. These well intact ruins of the largest colosseum in North Africa, a huge amphitheater which could hold up to 35,000 spectators. There are three levels and a basement are open for viewing. With it being Ramadan I almost had the amphitheater to myself. Then I was able to have lunch over looking it at the only cafe serving food. My meal was $7 but made me wonder what a similar meal would cost overlooking the Roman Colosseum.

Before heading into the desert I spent one night on the island of Djerba. Legend has it that Djerba was the island of the lotus-eaters where Odysseus was stranded on his voyage through the Mediterranean Sea. You see reference to this in many spots. My favorite part of the island was ‘Djerbahood’ a small neighborhood of winding roads and street art.

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Comments

[james fisher]

Be Safe
Glad you’re having a good time in Tunisia, everywhere looks deserted! Be safe, but don’t be in a hurry to return to W Michigan, it’s freezing cold here! Love you, JF2