Snapshots from Tunisia

Over the May holidays we took a quick trip down to Tunisia to get away from the clouds and rain of Paris. It always is sunny in Tunisia though our timing was impeccable and we happened to arrive just in time for a late spring storm just as Paris warmed up and enjoyed non-stop sunshine. Lots of friendly people who enjoyed chatting about everything including the US election. Some loved Hillary (or at least Bill), others loved Obama though McCain or Bush remain about as popular there as at home.

Above is inside the old walls of Tunis in the souk. During the summer heat the ceiling above the streets protects you from the sun and during our rainy visit, it kept us dry as we enjoyed a wonderful mint tea in a sheesha cafe. What a great place to just relax and watch the world go by. I wished there was more sun - both for the photos and just to see the sun - but it wasn't in the cards this time.

More photos after the link.

Inside the inner courtyard of a stunning house in Sidi Bou Said. Lots of open spaces within the property which surely helped keep air flowing during the hot summer days.


The private prayer room inside a house previously used by the local Imam of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia. The look is so different (for a Westerner, at least) with the various colors and designs.


At the grand mosque of Kairouan, Tunisia. This is the oldest mosque in North Africa and considered to be the fourth most important religious site in Islam.




Inside the Zaouia mosque, Kairouan, Tunisia.


A close up of the lovely wall tiles inside the mosque.


A Berber family arriving at the Zaouia of Sidi Sahab mosque in Kairouan with their young boy. The ceremony at the mosque was for his circumcision.


Little boys will often receive a little bag of sweets on this day.


A typical street shop with local goods such as shoes and handbags. Kairouan is well known in the country for lovely carpets.