Tunisia: A Whirlwind Adventure

In just under 48 hours, I found myself in the heart of North Africa, eager to explore the vibrant city of Tunis. With a rich history and a Mediterranean climate, I knew this trip would be an unforgettable experience. However, I hadn’t anticipated the intense heatwave that would greet us upon arrival, with temperatures soaring up to a scorching 104°F. Despite the heat, I was determined to make the most of my brief visit and see as much as possible of this fascinating city.

Arrival and First Impressions

Our arrival in Tunis was marked by the overwhelming heat, a stark contrast to the Mediterranean climate we had expected. The high temperatures posed a significant challenge, especially when it came to exploring the bustling Medina. Unfortunately, the heatwave kept us from delving deeply into the narrow, winding streets of the old town. Nonetheless, we were able to visit several key landmarks and experience the essence of Tunisian culture.

The Old Town and The Kasbah

The Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Despite the oppressive heat, we managed to visit the old town and the Kasbah, an ancient fortress that stands as a testament to Tunis’s storied past. The Kasbah's architecture and historical significance provided a compelling glimpse into the city’s heritage, making the visit worthwhile even in the intense heat.

Carthage: A Journey Through Time

One of the most anticipated stops on our itinerary was the archaeological site of Carthage. Once a powerful rival to Rome, Carthage’s ruins are a poignant reminder of its former glory. We explored the ancient city, marveling at the ingenuity of the Carthaginians, particularly the cisterns of Malga, which played a crucial role in the city's water supply. The ruins of Carthage, despite the heat, offered a captivating journey through time.


Sadly, our visit to the Antoni Baths, a sprawling complex of Roman baths that exemplifies the grandeur of Roman architecture, hit a snag. Our driver made a lot of effort to drop us off closer to the Antoni Bath Gate, so we didn’t have to walk under the scorching sun. However, the on-going road construction prevented us from exploring the Antoni Baths.

Our exploration also took us to some lesser-known Phoenician ruins and a cemetery, adding another layer to our understanding of Tunisia’s historical tapestry. 

The Village of Sidi Bou Said 

The visit to the village of Sidi Bou Said was particularly refreshing. Known for its stunning blue and white buildings and beautiful gardens, Sidi Bou Said offered a welcome respite from the heat and a charming contrast to the ancient ruins we had seen earlier.


Reflections on a Brief Visit

Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage, influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, Arabs, and French, is truly remarkable. Despite the heatwave limiting our exploration, the highlights we visited left a lasting impression. Tunis, with its blend of historical landmarks and vibrant culture, is a city that beckons to be explored more deeply.

Although our time in Tunis was brief and the heatwave presented significant challenges, the experience was unforgettable. From the ancient ruins of Carthage to the charming village of Sidi Bou Said, we glimpsed the rich history and culture of Tunisia. I look forward to returning one day, hopefully in cooler weather, to explore even more of this fascinating country and uncover its many hidden treasures.


PHOTO GALLERY 




The Ancient Olive Tree

Respite from the heat at the North Africa American Cemetery 


The Village of Sidi Bou Said 




NOTE:  All photos by the author

Comments

Post a Comment

NEW POSTS

The Banaue Rice Terraces: A Living Cultural Landscape

Image
My interest in exploring the northern part of the Philippines started from looking at a piece of art at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California.   Among the display of ceramics and pottery engraved with gold and other decorative stuff,  a wooden carving of a male figure squatting on a platform with the lower arms on top of each other, resting upon his knees, caught my eye.  According to the docent, the wooden sculpture was called "Bului" which literally means "granary guardian" in the "Ifugao" tribe dialect. The carved wooden sculpture was set on a platform on top of another platform, a mortar.   Our docent explained the significance of the wooden mortar (which was used with the pestle, to separate the husk from the rice, sort of rice mill) and linked the story to the Rice Terraces in the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines built 2000 years ago by the “Ifugao” tribe. So two years and three hundred kilometers north of Manila later, we explo...
Read more

Madagascar

Image
My visit to Madagascar was an unforgettable experience, filled with vibrant scenery, rich culture, and fascinating wildlife. Starting from the east coast, we journeyed across Nosy Be, a lush island known for its beaches and biodiversity. Our destination was Nosy Komba, famously known as the “Island of the Lemurs.” The journey took us past the verdant Lokobe Mountain, a stunning green expanse that added to the island’s natural beauty. Eventually, we arrived at a small village, where I had a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. Children played joyfully around the village school, and it was clear that tourism — particularly visits to see the lemurs — played a significant role in supporting the community. As we approached the trail leading to the forest and the lemur sanctuary, vendors lined the path, selling colorful pareos and scarves in vibrant colors. Their cheerful displays added a lively charm to the surroundings. Once inside the sanctuary, we encountered numerous lemurs. The ...
Read more

The Amazon, Part 3: The Tree Killer Tree

Image
"There are 121 ecosystems in the world and 80 of those can be found in the Amazon, and it is in the Peruvian Amazon that you will find the green biome , more than two-thirds of the world's plant species,” said Vics, our naturalist-guide.   Through our small boat excursions, we were able to see the most bio-diverse part of the Amazon, the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, the largest wetlands in the world.  We went through its narrow rivers, tributaries and black waters and lakes to hike the “Amazon Jungle”. Day-3: Jungle Trek Strangler Tree or Tree Killer Tree From the Turmalina, we hopped into a small boat.  The boat hardly moved, we just used it to get offshore.  We walked a tiny bridge and short pathway to get to the lake.  We then crossed the lake using a catamaran to get to the edge of the lake where we found the entrance to the trail.  Within minutes of leaving the larger river, we entered a narrow trail into the canopy of trees, kill...
Read more