Tunisia-Med-Sahara Day 3

Day 09-04 - Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - Optional Tour of Ancient Roman Dougga Archeological Site

Today we had an optional tour of Dougga, the best-preserved ancient Roman city in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were up before the alarm went off at 6:30 and then had our breakfast with Margo from Santa Fe, NM and Rick from Woodland Hills, CA.

Burr…it was chilly this morning, only 54º and 84% humidity. The sun was already burning off the fog at 8:06am when we left for our busy day.

On the way out of the city we traveled southeast past the huge Islamic Cemetery with all of the white mausoleums and headstones resting to the east.

Khamis gave us more information on the colonial architecture from the French by way of the Romans. Riadh took us on the ring road to avoid the morning rush hour traffic.

There was a shallow salt water lake by the road with thousands of flamingos, ducks, egrets, and sea gulls. Khamis told us in all of his years, he has never seen such a large flock of flamingos. This must be a migration!

After circling the city, we traveled southwest into the hills. Pristine farms with surrounding orange groves and olive trees were contrasted with small whitewashed adobe block homes.

There is usually plenty of rain so the fields of grain were a variety of shades of bright green. Rows of olive trees alternate with rows of fruit trees; apples, peaches, pears, and plums. The fruit trees are blooming now which made a beautiful pattern with the gray-green olive trees.

Khamis told us of the rich agriculture here because of the fertile soil and abundant moisture. In the south we will see that farmers practice dry-land farming because they lack the rains.

We made our first stop at Tastur about 9:30. After Khamis had had his coffee, we walked around the small village to look at the architecture of the Berbers mingled with the Romans.

The Jewish, Islamic, and Christian cultures lived here in harmony and peace. Even the central mosque displays a cross, a crescent, and the Star of David.

While we enjoyed our stroll through the village, we noted that many of the families and merchants on the streets were very friendly and willing to have their photos taken.

As usual, the women were very shy and reluctant, but some did consent to our snapping a few pictures. Gennie asked a date vendor if she could take his photo. He was more than willing when I took their picture together.

Khamis brought fresh bread from the bakery and shared it with us when we got back on the bus. We continued on to Dougga as our Tour Director told us about the ancient remains.

Climbing the hills, we could see the ruins above. Khamis purchased our photo passes and tickets. It was warm and sunny at 62º and 50% humidity. There was a strong wind so we were usually cool.

The archeological site of Dougga is the remains of a complete town that once had 5,000 residents. We started our tour in the amphitheater, then to the Temple of Jupiter; very well preserved, and then on to the forum.

We walked through the skeletons of the shops and ancient homes as Khamis told us about each section. He even gave us a few excellent photo tips for some unobstructed and picturesque views.

The Lycinian Baths are particularly well preserved. We had fun taking our photos in the community latrine. There were 12 seats – almost enough for all of us. Khamis took my camera and climbed to the top of the adjacent wall to get the shot!

Our last stop was the community brothel. The small rooms and the central waiting area were very interesting to say the least!

Lunch was at the tiny town of Teboursouk at the Thugga Hotel. We had a fried pastry called a brik which was very similar to the Brazilian pasties for a starter.

Then we had a choice of chicken, veal, or wild boar. I had ordered the chicken, but they were running short so they gave me another brik and I was a happy camper! Our dessert was a blood orange.

Riadh drove us back to the hotel at 3:00. Before we arrived back in Tunis, Khamis told us that the Optional Dinner for this evening had been canceled.

We had been worried about the short turn around time as we left lunch so late. Things seem to work out…

It was after 5:00 when we reached the Africa Hotel. We organized our luggage for the departure tomorrow morning and began to type the journal from our day.

We walked down the street for two chawarma, shaved meat in a pita bread, and then under the portico on the Avenue for an ice cream. It is much colder tonight but many of the men of Tunis are out on the street in great numbers, smoking, drinking coffee, and chatting with their friends at the sidewalk cafés.

Again, I had hundreds of photos to review so after our light dinner, we came back to the hotel and got more money from the ATM. I paid the bill so we would not be delayed in the morning.

Accommodations: Africa Hotel - - - Meals: B, L

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Hi, please say hi to Ireland from her classmates in Allegan MI. We are looking at her sitting in the latrine. Have a safe and exciting trip.

please say hi to ireland from her class

Are you two getting any sleep? Looks like you have been too busy. Have enjoyed the journals and pictures. Nice touch with the labeling below them now. And the videos add a little local flavor

What have all of you been eating that you have to go to the Roman latrine together? Seriously, great shot! Great tour director to take the picture - how high was he to get everyone?

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Day 13: Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos

Day 13 - Saturday, April 22, 2022 - Depart for U.S.

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