Tunis

If Istanbul is the city where Europe meets Asia, then Tunis could be the place where Europe meets Africa. There are two distinct sides to this magical, mysterious and yet very cosmopolitan city; there is the old Moorish medina and the elaborate mosques and the New Town with it's French influences and architectural Art Nouveau styles. I visted Tunis for just one day as part of a weeks holiday in Hammamet down on the coast. We had intended to take the train but, having arrived at the train station at Bir Bou Regba just outside Hammamet around 10.00am, we found out that Tunisan trains operate with the commuter in mind and there would be no more trains until the ...

I lived in Tunisia for a year and have seen the tourist season come and go as a local. I lived in Tunis, up the north near Parc Nahili, the city's 'amusement' park, full of over-sized plastic animals, a few tired looking camels and a lot of sand. (Tunisian's haven't quite understood the idea of kitsch although they are very good at it!) Living in a non-white area (not where most ex-pats lived, such as Gammarth or Sidi Bou Siad) I was immediately very aware of how much I 'stuck out' from the crowd. So much so, in fact, that the place I was living in was twice targeted by burglars. (Once involved me chasing him away - but that's ...

Tunis, the capital city, is situated to the north of the country. It was 3 hours drive from where I stayed and I paid it a visit one day. It is more westernised than most of the country and more modern as well. It caters for most nationalities. It is not on the cost so dont go here if you want a beach holiday! It does have its own airport but its best to stay somewhere like Hammanet on the coast and drive the hour to Tunis. It is full of history, much of it Roman from when it was invaded. Cathage, another historical city is only a hour away. The city is dirty and full of beggars and people hassling for money and to sell you things. Best to avoid it if you ...