On Day 4, we booked the cruise's excursion for Tunisia. It was much cheaper than the other excursions they offered, and we felt like being in a country where we had never been, it would be a good thing to have a tour guide. We brought the girls with us, just so they could say, "I've been to Africa." But they did not want to go. They wanted to stay on the ship. Throughout the day, though, I wished I would have left them on the ship. They're bored with touring new countries now.
So, we climbed on the tour bus and took a ride into the city of Tunis, Tunisia, Africa.
I'll be honest. I don't remember much about this trip. What I do know is this city dates back thousands of years. A lot of the information was very interesting, it was just hard to retain because it was so hot, and I had grouchy kids. So, you're all going to be so sad that I don't have a super long commentary. ;)
There are just two things you should know about Tunisia. The first known record is from the year 5,000 B.C. B.C.! 7,000 years. And the first city "Carthage" that still has parts of it standing was built in the 9th Century B.C. We saw lots of very old Roman bathhouses, archaeological sites and graves.
The other thing to know is that it's not quite the "Africa" most people associate with the continent. It is made up of mostly Arabic Muslims. Much of the language was written in Arabic, but sometimes you'd see English.
First we visited an old water system that has been around since carrying water up to one of the oldest parts of the city, called Carthage. It also gave us a good view of the Carthage up on the hill. It actually was quite beautiful, but we didn't stay there long.
Do I look like such a tourist or what? |
A cool Stop sign |
Brian looks like a tourist too! That was a last minute purchase because he lost his first hat. We left it on the cruise ship after we realized we weren't as fond of it ON as it looked in the store. |
The first archaeological site. These are graves from an ancient Roman Empire.
An Ancient Bathhouse
This used to be two stories and a pretty impressive bathhouse with a full irrigation system. They made a smaller replica of it (see picture below).
The irrigation system |
The pillars in the background show where and how tall the second story would have been. |
I just love "people pictures." |
I wish this picture turned out better. The pillar was pretty amazing. Still in tact with the hand carvings for 1,000s of years. |
Carthage Ruins
This is the oldest part of the city. I didn't hear much of the commentary as I was chasing Spencer around. But the jist was that it's old. Really old. And the statues they had were pretty cool. |
The Beginning of The Pin Trading Phenomenon
The Souks
I don't have any pictures of the Souks, but know that I don't want to remember this horrible experience. This is one of the reasons I want to choose to remember NOT to go back to Tunisia.
The Souks are tiny little walkways inside these buildings, almost like flea markets. There are tiny little stores to go in and shop, but these shops contain the rudest and most offensive Tunisians I HAVE EVER MET. My friend, Lindsey, who went down there on her own came back stressed and wasn't surprised when I told her I was about ready to punch someone. These salespeople were so devious and dishonest I couldn't even believe it. There were no prices on anything, they only bartered with you. They started with exorbitant prices and got mad if you left their store. So mad that they followed you down the little street way yelling at you. Yes, that happened to us. One guy started yelling at me when I refused to buy something, he then put two of the item in my bag and tried forcing me to pay for it. When I wouldn't, he slapped Brian on the way out! Lindsey and her husband were told to follow the guy, that they had this amazing view, so they followed them down this winding hallway, which ended up inside his store. And he expected them to buy something. Need I repeat how angry they got if you didn't? We were being tricked all over the place, even by our tourguide who was probably getting a kickback from the store he led us into. I felt much like the unknowing tourists who were being led to the Volturi vampires to be eaten. Never again.
Outside the Ship
This is the front of the entrance to the port. I thought it was a really cool building. |
This was inside the port right outside our ship. What would Africa be without camels? |
And what would the night be without our towel animal? |
6 comments:
I'm researching cruises right now!
"we felt like being in a country where we had never been, it would be a good thing to have a tour guide." ummm... But I know what you mean.
I'm envious. Though pretty happy that I still have my own blood.
very cool...Im with Amber i want to go on a cruise right now
I love your hat! You need to wear it to a tea party somewhere. This seems like a very historical stop. I am sure that the girls will appreciate going when they are older even though they may not have been too excited about it at the time.
Hey Christy! I'm going to be a J E R K and point out that the 9th century would only be 900 years...so less that 3000 years :-D Still really old though :-P
Hey, who is this? I have my suspicions but just wondering. Let me say that I wasn't clear in my post. And should have reread what I wrote. The first records of civilization is from 5000 B.C. but the city of Carthage was founded in 9th Century B.C. So, yes I meant 7,000 years, but just "may" or "may not" have forgotten a sentence in there. I'm going to fix it. :)
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