The Catamaran Adventures of Noel and Ceu

Tunisia

Current Location: Southern Tunisia
Current Position: 33 52.06 N 008 35.48 E Click to view map.

 

Wow. Time flies. I cant believe it has been a month since we arrived in Tunisia. We spent a bit more time there than expected because of the work being done on the boat. But we got away and couldn’t wait to  explore more of the country, especially the South.We have moved on spending a couple days in Malta and are now in Greece sitting in a pretty little Bay in a small fishing village.

 

Our first stop in Tunisia was Kelibia,the northern end. We tied up along Paul and Gabby who we met in Marina di Ragusa. It was nice to meet up with them.

Our first stop in Tunisia was in Kalibia,where we met up with people we met in Marina di Ragusa. We hicked up to this Fort for some amazing views. Bellow is the Harbour where our home is

We hicked up to this Fort for some amazing views. Bellow is the Harbour where our home is

 

Our home is down bellow, you can see the red kyack on the side.

Our home is  on the center pontoon. You can barely see the red kyak on the side.

 

Another nice view form the Fort. Tunisia has beautiful beaches of very fine sand

Another nice view form the Fort. Tunisia has beautiful beaches of very fine sand

 

From Kelibia we had a quick sail down to Hammamet, where we anchored right here, just outside the Medina (The brick walls on the right):

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When we got back from the yard and into the marina in Monastir we met up with some other boats that we had met in Sicilly. So they too joined us for a 3day adventure into the South of Tunisia. We had so much fun!!!

Bellow are some photos but for more go to the gallery

we could not pass the chance to ride the camels through the desert and into a cam where we stayed the night. great dinner in the restaurant,nice sunset and yummy sand blowing into your mouth

This is in Douz. We could not pass the chance to ride the camels through the desert and into a camp where we stayed the night. Great dinner in the restaurant, nice sunset and yummy sand blowing into your mouth. ahhh the bon fire going til late evening with the waiters playing and singing….we loved every minute of it!!!

getting ready for the ride

getting all dressed up and ready for the ride

Magical! the ride was about 1.5 hrs.We were so lucky to have such a calm afternoon .The previous week one man we know from a brasilian boat got caught there in a sand storm. No fun........

Magical! the ride was about 1.5 hrs through the sand dunes. We were so lucky to have such a calm afternoon .The previous week one man we know from a Brasilian boat got caught there in a sand storm. No fun……..

DSCN1445-640We visited this beautiful mountain Oasis with many palm trees and natural Springs in Chebika. It has a new and an old village that was destroyed by storms but much is still intact. It was build around this steep gorge and amazing scenery all around. Check out the photo gallery for more photos

 

DSCN1402-640Haha…..The palm trees have a lot to offer besides providing shelter, juice, dates and everything else they use palms for!!

DSCN1376-640IMG_7114-640Here in Nafta is where we slept the second night. We were picked up at our hotel by horse and carriage to visit another Oasis, the prevoius photo.Here we tasted yummy palm juice, deglet dates and smoked the leaves. I was surprised how much they can actually grow between the palm trees. I saw lettuce, apricots, pomegranate, peaches, tomatoes, potatoes, lots of flowers and more!

 

 

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Chott El Jerid is a Tunisian name for Salt Lakes. To drive on a newly built road in the middle of the dried up lake was an amazing experience . One can see a variety of colours and mirages. The lakes go on forever. They have filmed many movies along here.

 

 

On the second day we had lunch in this typical Berber house.  Troglodites. This was part of the set of one of the Star Wars. The house are cute. Underground but they all have a large courtyard for brightness and all the rooms around it.

Troglodytes. On the second day we had lunch in this typical Berber house.  The houses are cute. This is underground but they all have a large courtyard for brightness and all the rooms around it.

This was part of the set for Star Wars.

This was part of the set of Star Wars.

Lunch time

Lunch time

 

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As big as a modern football stadium, El Jem accommodated more than 3o thousand spectators. The Roman Amphitheatre is very well preserved, very impressive. The movie Gladiator was filmed here. Imagine the roaring of crowds as they watch gladiators fight against tigers and lions!

 

 

Noel and I also took a day trip to the ancient city of Carthage. We took a train ride from Monastir to Tunis and there took another one straight to the Archaeological Parc.  The Antonine Thermal baths were built between 145 and 162 A.D. They were destroyed by the Vandals and stayed burried till 1945 when they began the excavation.

Noel and I also took a day trip to the ancient city of Carthage. We took a train ride from Monastir to Tunis and there took another one straight to the Archaeological Parc. The Antonine Thermal baths were built between 145 and 162 A.D. They were destroyed by the Vandals and stayed buried till 1945 when they began the excavation.

These Roman baths are the third largest in the world. The remains of the buildings is the basement where all the installations for running the complex were housed.

These Roman baths are the third largest in the world. The remains of the buildings is the basement where all the installations for running the complex were housed.

Although, the Roman baths are spectacular, we really enjoyed walking through the roman villas that stretched out behind the Baths. I took the photo above in one of the courtyars of one of the Villas from the 3th century. Still some nice weel preserved mosaics and you get a pretty good idea from the group of buildins in these gardens, of their urban plan and life styles. It was sure a full on day!

Although, the Roman baths are spectacular, we really enjoyed walking through the roman villas that stretched out behind the Baths. I took the photo above in one of the courtyards of one of the Villas from the 3th century. Still some nice well preserved mosaics and you get a pretty good idea from the group of buildings in these gardens, of their urban plan and life styles.

Part of the collection of mosaics at the Carthage Byrsa Museum. It had a big colection from diferent periods in Carthage history: Punic,Roman, Paleochristian, Benzatine and Arab.

Some of the  mosaics at the Carthage Byrsa Museum.  It had a big collection displayed from diferent periods in Carthage history: Punic,Roman, Paleochristian, Byzantine and Arab.  The display included, Ivory, ceramics, glassware, terracotta, and also jewlery.

 

while walking through the new part of town in Carthage, I was surprised to see my country flag. The Portuguese Embassy building was surrounded by beautiful gardens.

While walking through the new part of town in Carthage, I was surprised to see my country flag. perching atop the park like settings. It was the Portuguese Embassy surrounded by beautiful gardens. From there, we moved on…..

 

 

From Carthage we took a taxi just a few km away to the picturesque and turistic village of Sidi Bou Said. Wth it's narrow streets, all blue and white houses and lots of bugenvilea.

From Carthage we took a taxi just a few km away to the picturesque and touristic village of Sidi Bou Said. It is perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the bay of Tunis

We walked through the many narrow and winding streets with many shops selling their crafts and souvenirs. Apparently here in Bon Vue Restaurant many stars have dinned there!

We walked through the cobbled narrow and winding streets with many shops selling their crafts and souvenirs. Apparently here  many stars have dined in Bon Vue Restaurant!

 

I come to an end of Tunisia and my post. Tired of computers. We are not friends, that’s why I am not the One updating!  BUT…I leave you with a few photos from Monastir, where  we spent the most time in Tunisia. I truly enjoyed the Medina, the scenery,  the friendly people the beautiful city and all it had to offer. These photos was pretty much our walk into town from the Marina for all our shopping. It was only a 10 minute walk. Great markets….and the Fish! Yummy fresh tuna was often on the menu.  We also enjoyed meeting up with people that we have met along our travels. It was wonderful!!!

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One of their many many beautiful Mosques and their large courtyards and prayer rooms.

 

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The much sensored Mermaid in a Tshirt.

The much censored Mermaid in a T-shirt.

 

Monastir. The beach just next to the Marina

Monastir. The beach just next to the Marina

 

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Fort El Ribat just above the Marina. A well preserved Fort in a beautiful location and amazing views from there. Many films have been shot there including Life of Brian.

 

shopping in the Medina

shopping in the Medina

 

We had a great time in Tunisia, besides being frustrated with the workmanship and all on the boat. It feels great to be back in Greece!!

Last night we were treated to some live music and even some dancing from the waiters at a restaurant on the water front.

We will soon post some pictures from Malta.

 

One Response to “Tunisia”

  • Heidi and Elmer:

    Just saw this blog. You are having the most amazing adventures. We took a safari in the desert of Sinai some (many) years ago.

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