Tunisia

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Tunisia is located in North Africa in-between Lybia and Algeria.  Like Morocco, the country also has a large French influence and was one of the few North African countries we were welcome to visit.  Tunisia has a high level of education and is very proud to be the country that ignited the Arab revolution.  Their dictator of 23 years, Ben Ali, was accused of corruption and recently fled into exile in 2011.  Needless to say, the country has been turned upside down.  Unfortunately, with the loss of stability, some of the people of Tunisia are doubting whether democracy is better for them than a dictatorship.  With the lack of law and order, it is going to take time before things get better.  We visited over the summer just before the horrific attack on the US Embassy, and we are truly saddened by the recent events.  Our hope is that the people of Tunisia will be able to be pick up the pieces and over time create a stronger country.

Tunis

We flew into the capital, Tunis, where we stayed with an amazing FAO family, the Musgraves!  They gave us some great advice and we quickly bonded over shared experiences and similar views.

Tunis was founded by the Berbers and dates back to the 4th century BC!  The city was conquered by the Carthaginian Empire.  Carthage was later conquered by the Roman Empire and then by the Arabs.  Now, the city of Carthage is a World Heritage Sight located in a suburb of Tunis.  Here also lies the North African American Cemetery and Memorial where more than 2,841 Americans have been laid to rest.  Most of them served in North Africa during WWII.  The mosaics here are quite impressive!

 

 

Sousse

Down the east coast of Tunisia is a city that sits on the Mediterranean coast.  We relaxed at a hotel on the beach and Jamil breezed through the medina while the boys napped.

El Djem
On our drive to Kairouan, we made a day trip to the amphitheater in El Djem.  Honestly, we rarely get excited about ruins, but this place is pretty amazing.  This 3rd century amphitheater is said to be one of the most impressive Roman ruins.

Kairouan/Al-Qayrawan

Below is the city of Kairouan, which holds one of the oldest places of worship for the islamic world.  The Mosque of Uqba/Great Mosque of Kairouan was also once the center for both islamic and secular education.  This city is believed to be Islam's 4th holiest city.

This is the pool where Gabriel learned to swim!  He made it from the ladder to half way across the pool!  We are so proud of him!

Hammamet & Nabeul

Driving back to Tunis, we breezed through the beach town of Hammamet, which is known for its secluded resorts, and then stopped in a city known for its pottery, Nabeul.  Many of the pieces reminded me of Moroccan pottery, but I noticed much more ornate tiles and elaborate mosaics.

Although our pictures tell a pretty story, I have to be honest.  Below is a more accurate picture of what we saw most.  Since the revolution, the trash in this country has simply gotten out of control and seems to be a symbol for the loss of stability.  There have been trash strikes, and from what I understand, Ben Ali's wife, who was considered to be a symbol of greed, previously put a lot of effort into cleaning up the trash.  Since the president's exile, the country has basically thrown a certain finger in her direction.  Unfortunately, their reaction is definitely not benefiting the people of Tunisia.

The Bardo Museum, Tunis

The Bardo Museum was our first stop back in Tunis.  The Mosaics in this museum were absolutely incredible!

We had to wear little paper shoes to walk across the mosaic floors.

Once again, thank you to the Musgraves who welcomed us into their home.  Although they have been relocated, they will always be our fellow North African friends!  We wish the country of Tunisia hope and perseverance.