Mediterranean Navigation Day 5

Day 05 - Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Bus Trip to Dougga; Walking Tour of Roman Ruins; Testour Markets

Our alarm went off at 7:00 for our busy day in Tunisia. We enjoyed breakfast, and then we were ready to board our bus for our two-hour drive to Dougga.

Anais and our driver, Atrir, were with us again for the whole day. We drove through the main city of Tunis while Anais gave us a historical overview of Tunis and Tunisia. While we traveled through the city, we had a pilot vehicle that guided our bus caravan through the morning rush hour traffic and all the way to Dougga. Each of our groups also has an armed police guard with us on every day-trip for security.

After an hour, we stopped at a service station for a comfort break. Getting everyone in and out of the restrooms was a challenge but we were back on the bus at 10:15. Anais talked about the economy of Tunisia. Compared to the United States, wages are low, and expenses are high. Most couples both work, and some have to work two jobs to survive.

When we arrived at the archeological site of Dougga, it began to rain, but we had our foul weather gear. Anais warned us about the slippery rocks so we were cautious in climbing the limestone paths and stairs.

Dougga is the largest site of Roman ruins in North Africa. We spent about two hours exploring the site with Anais, explaining the history of the individual areas. Amazingly, this important UNESCO historical site is unprotected from the elements and visitors.

Today's lunch was served at a local hotel, where all four groups ate together. It was a delicious meal of wild boar or chicken. At 2:45, we were back on the bus.

We made a stop in the small town of Testour, where we were able to walk through the main market street and talk to the vendors. Our guides bought us some different local cheeses to try.

On the way back to Tunis and our ship, Anais taught us to count to three in Arabic. It was not an easy task because of the different vocalizations, but we were good sports, and we all tried our best.

It was almost 6:00 when we returned to the ship. Our Captain was waiting at the gang plank to welcome us home. We didn't have a lot of time before the Port Talk at 6:45, so we hustled to get ready for our Italian Buffet for tonight's dinner.

Our dinner company was excellent; we shared our table with Aziz, our fearless tour leader. Everyone had a delightful time together tonight.

Back in our room, we organized our belongings for another day in Tunisia tomorrow, and then we finished our memories of Thursday in Tunis.

Accommodations: M/V Clio

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The ruins are actually a lot old than you, Vic

Sending you love, from Seattle... Susie and Bob

What a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing! Stay safe!

Looks like a great start of a great trip!

To see such well preserved Roman ruins, what an opportunity.

I think I would have been adventurous and tried the wild boar!

What a great account of your day!

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Day 10: Mediterranean Navigation

Day 10 - Tuesday, March 11, 2025 –Ship Docked in Málaga, Spain; Costa del Sol; Andalusia

The Clio docked at the Port of Malaga just before midnight enabling us to have a very calm night’s sleep. The alarm went off at 7:15 and we had...

Continue Reading Day 10