Tunisia OVERVIEW
When Hannibal was mastering his martial skills and learning to mount war elephants in Carthage, he conceived of North Africa as an insuperable empire. But much as he hoped for that, he knew little that his glory would continue years on after his suicidal death and did not expect the country formed on his motherland would become a modern mecca for over six million people every year. And the ancient ruins of Carthage have paid owe-inspiring tribute to the city's invincible commander to date.
Present day Tunisia is an Islamic mosaic of more than three thousand years of sand-swept history, sun-brushed multi-ethnic mix and culture as elaborate as the patterns of arabesque. There's just no way to be disappointed with it as the abundance of beauty and diversity of potential activities concentrated on such relatively a small territory are flooding you like Mediterranean tides. Speaking of the coast, numerous cottages, villas, and apartments outside Monastir, Hammamet or Sousse are waiting to cater for all tastes in vacation, some just minutes from the stunning beaches that provide endless opportunities for recreation. Then there is the cosmopolitan capital city of Tunis with its towering mosques and the mind-blowing Bardo Museum. Djerba, the alleged island of the Lotus-Eaters where Odysseus was trapped on his Mediterranean voyage, draws the eye with its Muslim and Jewish quarters, whereas Douz, known as "the gateway to the Sahara", leads you to the dune-covered realm of life-giving oasis and deceptive mirages; let alone the fortune of being there at the time of Sahara festival. Add to this the tranquil Berber villages in the High Atlas, the overwhelming scent of orchids in El Feija National Park and hot springs scattered all over the country.
Tunisia is one of a kind and you'll notice it as soon as you mingle with its people. Open-minded, hospitable and freely displaying affection, which shatters the grim myth of Islamic inherent ruthlessness and religious rigors. The country is an efficient combination of contemporary attitudes and deeply rooted tradition, and there is little dissonance, if any, between the ancient heritage and the blessings of modern civilization. To cut it short, Tunisia can give you the holiday of a lifetime... if you don't mind the crowds and pain-in-the-neck salesmen. On the other hand, it is in places such as medinas that you will discover the truest aspects of Tunisian culture. There's a bargain lurking around every corner so hold your horses, appear disinterested, and always keep your cool!
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