We really like Tunisia

As we leave Djerba we will relate a little tout scam. While strolling about this beautiful town a cheerful fellow greeted us with "hi, do you remeber me...I work in your hotel.". We assured him we remembered him (we    didn't) and ended up in a government carpet shop that s only open twice a month with Berber women who come in and today is the last day. The only Berber woman we saw was a young sales girl who reluctantly took a few tentative jabs at a half made carpet and scurried away as soon as we turned our heads. On finally extricating ourselves it wasn t long before another young man came up and said " hi do you remember me".

We should say that the people of Tunisia are the most friendly, most helpful we have yet met. From the young girl on a louange who gave Jane a bracelet and made sure we got the right taxi to anyone we ask for directions.This includes the cab drivers, although it is still a good idea to settle the price beforehand. This has made our use of public transport a breeze. as well as finding hotels museums and so forth.

Village market

Tataouine is well into the Sahara and was our base to visit Chenine, a unique Berber village, although most of it is now unoccupied. We did come across a functional olive press.

The homes are at the bottom of enormous holes dug into the ground.

The dining room foyer.

Matmata is beyound cool and really you don't need to go beyond the Hotel Mahala. It is twenty feet below the surface reusing a troglodite Berber village. Origionaly they were to provide shelter from the summer 50 degree temperatures.

Last stop for the Sahara was Douz where we did the camel safari thing.We will let the pictures tell that story.

Now back in Tunis we have taken the train to Sidi Bou Said which is a remarkably picturesque village on the edge of the Mediterranian. We had a long walk through the lush vegetation and the Arabic buildings with their blue shutters and doors. It claims Ben Ali's over the top palace as well as the homes of various diplomats.

We leave early tomorrow for our final African stop....check back here for a review of Rick's cafe in Casablanca.