A couple of weeks ago my family decided to take a trip to Tunisia for a few days, a warm country at North part of Africa, and since it was a family thing, it was really important that I go too. At first I wasn’t really excited about this vacation, but it turned out reality was better than my expectations this time. Only a few hours flight away from my city and we were there! This North African nation did not disappoint as the ideal destination for holidays out of season, as temperatures remain around 20 degrees even up until December.
The fresh air, white sandy beaches and fine weather made the everyday stroll incredibly relaxing and pleasant. We even considered indulging ourselves to take a dip in the waters, which were apparently still warm as we saw a lot of people doing the same. Someone told us it’s like that till the end of November. Among our choices of resorts most frequented were the Hammamet, famous for its spas, La Marsa, full of colonial-style villas and Gammarth, the city most popular with young people. We picked the first and it turned out to be great for a family stay. The facilities were all top notch and the service didn’t leave much to be desired. I can say with certainty that the resort helped us get closer and have some quality time together. Since everyone is busy with work and other obligations having time like this together had been impossible back in the city.
A trip to Tunisia does not just offer baths and walks on the beach though. In fact, this earth that we were walking on is the remains of an ancient and glorious past. It was there that the kingdom of Carthage, the great and formidable enemy of Rome existed once. After many wars these lands became part of the Roman Empire, who built this beautiful city. Or so said someone we heard while walking around that seemed like a tour guide. Actually we did pay a cultural visit to the remains of the past Thugga Numidian, Masinissa as the Mausoleum, located next to Roman monuments such as the capitol, the Baths of Commodus, and the beautifully preserved theatre. What was breath-taking was the amphitheatre of El Jem, a real African Colosseum, where gladiator fights and chariot races used to be held. Even though I wasn’t very interested in the history behind all this, I can’t say I didn’t feel the great importance these relics of the old times once held.
As if that wasn’t enough my parents wanted to visit the Monastir, a typical and charming medieval town of Arab. The country is surrounded by mighty defensive walls, which enclose mosques and buildings of great charm. The square of the Ribat has often been used to record biblical films, like Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth. While the parents were taking pictures of the place I had to endure the rejuvenating effects of an ice cool beverage in the company of other young lovely tourists. ‘Definitely’ a bother. Back at the resort we were told autumn and winter, are the best seasons for a trip to Tunisia, if you prefer to enjoy the authentic spirit of the place, thus the big influx of tourists.
All in all I had a great time and I wished it would have lasted longer. After all I rarely see my family back home and I was grateful to be able to spend time with them during this vacation. Maybe I even learned a thing or two about being appreciative.
By Elsi H
Photo: Gallagher.michaelsan, Photo 2: hkysk8r187Photo3: M. Khatib, Photo 4: elcynico, Photo 5: MIKE TIPPING, Photo 6: Arion Khedhiry ,
