Tunis

Tunis is the capital of Tunisia, and we put into port there for half a day.  It was an early start - 7:30 in passport control.  Again, as we only had a few hours in port, we had elected to take a ship's tour called (somewhat scarily for Dave) "Tunisia Shopping".  It was, however, an excellent trip.

The tour takes you from the port to Sidi Bou Said, a slightly sanitised tourist trap of white buildings with blue shutters and lots of souvenir stalls.  It is attractive, but perhaps not quite as attractive as it is sold in the brochures!  We also saw around a museum which purported to be a typical Arab house.

Sidi Bou Said

Note the traditional village satellite dish.

Inside the museum.

After this experience, we headed into the centre of Tunis to spend some time in the Medina (the Old Town) and the souk (the market). This was a fascinating and different place, unlike anywhere else we had ever been to.  The various shops are all gathered together by type - one street may contain jewellers, the next leather, the next food, then perfumes and so on.  Every shop-keeper tried to entice you inside their shop if you so much as glanced through the door - "Free to looky looky!  Francais?  Deutsch?  English?  Ah, for you, I do very special price!"  All prices are very negotiable.  It is crowded, noisy, exhausting, smelly, stimulating and well worth the visit.

Inside the souk.

"You buy this carpet, I only make small packet!"

On the roof of the Medina, minaret in background.