Tunisia
by Candyce H. Stapen, www.teebeedee.com

I wanted to visit an off-the-beaten path destination, something different, but a place with great beaches, good food, interesting culture, friendly people, bargain shopping, moderate prices -–and yes—even a camel.

Where did I go? Tunisia, of course. This northern African country features 800 miles of coastline on the Mediterranean sea.

Not too far from Tunis, Sidi Bou Said, is known for its traditional white buildings with decorated blue doors. From a hilltop café overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, yachts bob at anchor in the azure blue waters.

Djerba, an island off the southeastern coast of Tunisia, has some of Tunisia’s best beaches. There’s a Club Med and for romantics wanting something different, book a night or two at Hotel Dar Dhiafa, located in a residential area. The 300-year-old house now offers 14 guestrooms and a courtyard pool. Every guest gets private time in the hammam, the traditionally tiled steam room and bath. Very sexy. www.hoteldardhiafa.com

Djerba is home to the oldest Jewish congregation in the world.
A special time to visit: May 6, 2007 for the Ghriba Festival, held by the Ghriba Synagogue. Jews from all over Europe come. There’s dancing in the streets, processions, fairs, music and you’re invited to join in. Jews and Muslims have lived side-by-side in peace for thousands of years in Djerba, a model for the rest of the world.

Tunis has many faces. Art Deco style buildings characterize Tunis’ Ville Nouvelle (new city). The Medina, the Old Quarter, is fascinating. Some of the streets and structures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site are more than 1000-years-old. The Great Mosque, which dates to 732, impresses with its tile work and tracery. In the souk (market), a labyrinth of narrow alleys framed by archways, meander past vendors selling perfume, leather goods, rugs, jewelry and spices; pyramids of thyme, rosemary, cardamom and other spices fill rows upon rows of baskets.

Don’t miss the Bardo Museum. Located in a former palace, the Bardo contains the largest collection of Roman mosaics from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD.

Then there are the ancient ruins. El Jem is the site of the third largest Roman coliseum in the world. Dougga, a well-preserved Roman site that’s 2000 years-old, features underground rooms with beautiful mosaics. For newer “relics” visit Matmata and Tatouine where George Lucas filmed some scenes in his “Star Wars” epics.

And the camel? He was fabulous. On my day ride in the Sahara, a sudden sandstorm swept through. Even when I couldn’t see more than a foot in front of my face, my sure–footed, one-hump steed, never faltered.

Check-out www.tourismtunisia.com