Tunisia is a very popular direction to go nowadays. It’s cheap, hot, safe and there is plenty offers available. However, when we were planning our holiday this year we didn’t consider this country seriously. Why? We wanted to see some interesting places, feel its atmosphere and have something more to remember than just lying on the beach. It definitely didn’t correspond with common image of Tunisia
When we asked our friend, who has been to Tunisia four times already, what he was doing there, he said he was spending time in his hotel using all its facilities. Another colleague said: ‘Tunisia? Oh, it’s like going to swimming pool for whole week.’ It turned out that beach and swimming pool are the biggest adventures of many people visiting this country. No, that wasn’t something that could encourage us to go there :-)
Actually, I couldn’t believe that there is nothing to see in country inhabited by Phoenicians, occupied by Romans and finally invaded by Arabs. I made some research on the internet and found few places which seemed to be worth of visiting. Our journey showed that in fact there is plenty of them, but most of people just don’t even try to check it.
What else may discourage travelers? Arabic countries are known for low standards of hygiene. As we are not very rich people, we decided to risk and choose 2 stars hotel. Therefore I was prepared to find lizards in the bathroom, ants on the floor and learned how to not let cockroaches get into my bad. Fortunately, we had no insects in our room. Nevertheless, there is some true in bad fame of Maghreb countries – beach is clean only if it belongs to hotel and streets are simply cluttered in many places. Though, Tunisia is getting cleaner and cleaner every year thanks to government’s efforts: there are educating campaigns and awards for clean cities or districts. This terrible statue on the left is an example of this kind of award. Now try to imagine it in antique part of town ;-)
There is one more reason that might scare tourist away. Europeans as well as Americans don’t trust Muslims. Arabs are associated with 11.09 and kidnapping. Perhaps that keeps some people closed in their hotels. In fact, level of crime in countries of Northern Africa is relatively low. The natives are terrified by police known for its efficiency and cruelty. If you have any problems, “police” is usually a magic word to calm down your native opponent. In Tunisia tourists (as clients) are always right.
Below more friendly face of Tunisian police:
If you have ever been to Tunisia, I’m looking forward to read about your impressions. Otherwise – do you have similar image of this country as I did before? What’s your idea of perfect holiday?
This year I thought that it would be impossible to go anywhere on holiday. On the one hand due to working and on the other because of preparing licentiate it was unrealizable. Fortunately on October we managed to make some break. We were considering countries like Spain, Greece and Italy but finaly, mainly because of lack of money we made up our mind on Crete. Frankly speeking we were talking about Tunisia as well as Egypt and Turkey but I didn't take into account any of them. I read some opinions on the Internet (blogs and forums)about Tunisia in which many people dissuaded others from planning this kind of a journey. I am not keen on holidays on the beach.I truly hate lying in the sun and doing nothing. Probably that's why I was so opposed to Tunisia. Nowadays when I think about it I consider my attitude as ignorance. It is said that there are no places to go and also nothing to see but in fact it has remarkable and fascinating history. After distruction of Carthage, for several centuries Tunisian seashore had been part of Roman province and that is the reason why Tunisia is abounding in plenty monuments and edifices. Unfortunately they are ignored and unterestimated by public opinion and stereotypes. It is common true that our judgement or view on some subject should be based on own knowledge and opinion. Well, I will certainly consider Tunisia as a place for holiday next year:)
Maybe people think that way because Rome simply wiped Carthage off the face of the earth. To be honest before I read your post I wasn't enthusiastic about Tunisia traveling potential. Wasn't even close to thinking of going there - now maybe next year I'll do it.
On the other hand I was in Egypt and must admit that I was quite disappointed. Should choose Tunisia back then :-)
Carthage is not all. Arabian architecture and Roman antiquities are also great. There are also residues from early Christians and Turkish occupation in some areas. And - last but not least - desert and beautiful Atlas mountains :-)
About two years ago, I was in Tunisia with a backpack. People are incredibly friendly and hospitable. I had to be careful and not take pictures buildings, sites of military and police. But this is not paradise. Most of the country is desperately poor and backward. Some Tunisian earned on tourism. Most Tunisians do not want to be educated and do not have an idea for life. The exception is women (gained more rights) willing to learn and deal with busines. I have some photos of the (un)real Tunisia. if anyone is curious as, for instance look like fuel stations in the desert where they sold stolen fuel from Libya, I try to share photos.
Sure do! It had to be amazing journey! Actually the fuel from Libya is very often smuggled and it's usually tolerated by custom officers (bribes). The situation is a bit similar to Polish eastern border smuggle - it's the only gaining for many families. Still, I wouldn't name Tunisia a "desperately poor country" - remember, it's Africa. Everything depends on what do you compare it to :-)
I've never been to Tunisia. My perfect holiday would be going to Barcelona. I would like to sightsee the town go to Camp Nou and see a Barcelona football match. After that I would like to meet the Barcelona player's. And party all night long ;]
I can imagine that it very much depends on people when it comes to what interesting things can be done there, and as a matter of fact in all other places.
Point being that if you are lazy you will stay all day in a hotel or at the beach and not see anything else.
Now if you really -want- to do something interesting Im sure there are plenty of atractions to be found. Depending on what people like too.
As in case of most things, some initiative is just needed. Else no matter where you go, you will find yourself staring at the TV in a hotel room or getting sunburns on the beach where person who lives next door to you has a great time because he/she bothered to stick the nose outside and actually look around.
Thats when it comes to theory at least. I never been in that country so I cant really say what I think about its overall state but still Im pretty sure of what I said above.
If you want to find something interesting to do, you will.
I have never dreamed of Tunisia as a place for holidays. But after reading article surely I'll have to revise my opinion :) I think that bad PR (or lack of it) made us think of Tunisia as country of hotels with swimming pools with nothing to do more. Now I'm interested particularly what Roman monuments there are and how they look. A one or two day outing to the desert seems to be interesting possibility.
I wonder how many of stereotypes are really true. Firstly I thought that none of them but now I am quite confused. Two- three days ago I was talking with some colleague and he was very disappointed with Tunisia. He told me that it is dangerous and unpleasant country. Well I will never become convinced if I didn't check it on mine own.
I've never been to Tunisia, but my parents were. From what they told me and what I saw on video they brought, I want go there right now! :) Of course arabic countries are a bit scary (i.e. terrorists) but there are many beautiful places. I guess that I've just confirmed one of the stereotypes :)
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ReplyDeleteThis year I thought that it would be impossible to go anywhere on holiday. On the one hand due to working and on the other because of preparing licentiate it was unrealizable. Fortunately on October we managed to make some break. We were considering countries like Spain, Greece and Italy but finaly, mainly because of lack of money we made up our mind on Crete. Frankly speeking we were talking about Tunisia as well as Egypt and Turkey but I didn't take into account any of them. I read some opinions on the Internet (blogs and forums)about Tunisia in which many people dissuaded others from planning this kind of a journey. I am not keen on holidays on the beach.I truly hate lying in the sun and doing nothing. Probably that's why I was so opposed to Tunisia. Nowadays when I think about it I consider my attitude as ignorance. It is said that there are no places to go and also nothing to see but in fact it has remarkable and fascinating history. After distruction of Carthage, for several centuries Tunisian seashore had been part of Roman province and that is the reason why Tunisia is abounding in plenty monuments and edifices. Unfortunately they are ignored and unterestimated by public opinion and stereotypes. It is common true that our judgement or view on some subject should be based on own knowledge and opinion. Well, I will certainly consider Tunisia as a place for holiday next year:)
ReplyDeleteMaybe people think that way because Rome simply wiped Carthage off the face of the earth. To be honest before I read your post I wasn't enthusiastic about Tunisia traveling potential. Wasn't even close to thinking of going there - now maybe next year I'll do it.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I was in Egypt and must admit that I was quite disappointed. Should choose Tunisia back then :-)
Carthage is not all. Arabian architecture and Roman antiquities are also great. There are also residues from early Christians and Turkish occupation in some areas. And - last but not least - desert and beautiful Atlas mountains :-)
ReplyDeleteAbout two years ago, I was in Tunisia with a backpack. People are incredibly friendly and hospitable. I had to be careful and not take pictures buildings, sites of military and police.
ReplyDeleteBut this is not paradise. Most of the country is desperately poor and backward. Some Tunisian earned on tourism.
Most Tunisians do not want to be educated and do not have an idea for life. The exception is women (gained more rights) willing to learn and deal with busines.
I have some photos of the (un)real Tunisia. if anyone is curious as, for instance look like fuel stations in the desert where they sold stolen fuel from Libya, I try to share photos.
Sure do! It had to be amazing journey! Actually the fuel from Libya is very often smuggled and it's usually tolerated by custom officers (bribes). The situation is a bit similar to Polish eastern border smuggle - it's the only gaining for many families. Still, I wouldn't name Tunisia a "desperately poor country" - remember, it's Africa. Everything depends on what do you compare it to :-)
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Tunisia. My perfect holiday would be going to Barcelona. I would like to sightsee the town go to Camp Nou
ReplyDeleteand see a Barcelona football match. After that I would like to meet the Barcelona player's. And party all night long ;]
I can imagine that it very much depends on people when it comes to what interesting things can be done there, and as a matter of fact in all other places.
ReplyDeletePoint being that if you are lazy you will stay all day in a hotel or at the beach and not see anything else.
Now if you really -want- to do something interesting Im sure there are plenty of atractions to be found. Depending on what people like too.
As in case of most things, some initiative is just needed. Else no matter where you go, you will find yourself staring at the TV in a hotel room or getting sunburns on the beach where person who lives next door to you has a great time because he/she bothered to stick the nose outside and actually look around.
Thats when it comes to theory at least. I never been in that country so I cant really say what I think about its overall state but still Im pretty sure of what I said above.
If you want to find something interesting to do, you will.
I have never dreamed of Tunisia as a place for holidays. But after reading article surely I'll have to revise my opinion :) I think that bad PR (or lack of it) made us think of Tunisia as country of hotels with swimming pools with nothing to do more. Now I'm interested particularly what Roman monuments there are and how they look. A one or two day outing to the desert seems to be interesting possibility.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many of stereotypes are really true. Firstly I thought that none of them but now I am quite confused. Two- three days ago I was talking with some colleague and he was very disappointed with Tunisia. He told me that it is dangerous and unpleasant country. Well I will never become convinced if I didn't check it on mine own.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Tunisia, but my parents were. From what they told me and what I saw on video they brought, I want go there right now! :) Of course arabic countries are a bit scary (i.e. terrorists) but there are many beautiful places. I guess that I've just confirmed one of the stereotypes :)
ReplyDelete