To get from Tunis to Sousse I was planning on taking the train.
Except it left very early or very late.
So I decided to use a shared taxi. In Tunisia they are called ‘Louage’, and are more organized than I’ve used in Central Asia.
First, there is a depot. In Tunis there is one for routes north, and one for routes south.
You buy a ticket. There is the price. 13,500 dinar is Cdn$6.50 for 1.5 hour trip vs 3 hours on the train.
The ‘958’ is the license of the van. ‘3’ was because I was the third person buying a ticket.
Everyone was very helpful in making sure I had the right van! And in ten minutes we had a full load of eight passengers, and headed out.
Sousse is on the coast south of Tunis.
Of course it had fortified walls to protect it.
Busy seafood market.
So many different breads to choose from! 1 dinar (Cdn$0.50).
Bus station outside the gates.
They love their roundabouts.
Pirate ships mixed with fishing boats and naval ships.
Nice Boujaffar Beach away from the port.
I was interested in the deserted old hotel that was in a prime location. Hope someone rebuilds there someday.
A train trip to El Jem to see the old Roman amphitheatre.
It was slow and old, but you could hang out the back of you wanted! And only 4.7 dinar (Cdn$2.20) for 1.5 hours.
I did splurge for first class on the way back for 6.2 dinar (Cdn$3) for better seats but same ‘open-window’ aircon.
El Jem station and walking towards the amphitheatre.
The amphitheatre was built around 238 AD in the then Roman province of African Proconsularis.
It is the one of the best preserved Roman stone ruins in the world. And one of the biggest amphitheatres in the world
It was built for spectator events, and estimated capacity is 35,000.
It is featured on the 20 dinar note.
The corresponding museum had more spectacular mosaics.
Back in Sousse I wandered the back streets of the Medina on the way to my Riad.
This was the outside of my Riad, and the balcony jutting out was part of my room.
View from the upper terrace.
Then a ride on the more modern suburban Metro train, which left from a different station.
It was only 1 dinar (Cdn$0.50) for my 30 minute ride to Monastir.
The Ribat (fortress) was started in 797 AD and enlarged over time.
The one set of stairs I didn’t take!
Looking over the Arts Square with the Martyrs Memorial circular structures on the right.
They are at the entrance of the grand boulevard leading to the Mausoleum of Iman al-Mazari, the revered first Tunisian president.
Cemetery next door.
Arts Square
Chapati Mahdia was a more local sandwich.
I had a tuna and egg version for 3.5 dinar (Cdn$1.65).
Freshly made with a smile!
A parade of camels.
The hot green peppers used in the ubiquitous harissa.
Small local apricots. Though I bought strawberries again. Cdn $3 per kg.
I also found a rotisserie chicken to go with my bread and tomatoes from the market.
I had a kitchen so could strip off off the bones and enjoy it for two days, and still have some happy cats.
Dates and walnuts are also part of my snack supply. Dates are around Cdn $4.50 per kg.
Finding the right aisle was still a challenge.
View from the Ribet towards the beach and Marina.
I had an apartment that looked over the beach area, and the marina as well. It was a simple place but had a balcony and a great location.
Just further along was a peninsula with old Roman ruins of a villa.
A wannabe Canadian cat.
My balcony buddies who would stroll in if you let them.
Then another Metro ride for 1.5 hours for 1.9 dinar (Cdn $2) to Mahdia.
A very slow trip down the coast!
