Next stop down the Tunisian coast was Mahdia. It was a 1.5 hour trip on the ‘milk-run’ commuter train but only 1.9 dinar (Cdn$1)

I spent most of my time in Mahdia on the narrow peninsula which jutted out from town. It had the Medina and was a nice walk around the water.

The tip is called Cap d’Afrique. (Cape of Africa). There is an old fortress and many cemeteries.

The heart of the peninsula has some nice shaded areas full of men drinking coffee and smoking.

It tends to be an only a stop on the tour bus route, but the shops were hopeful. After seeing me two days in a row, they were greeting the ‘Canadian’!

They have revived an old tradition of weaving silk fabrics for wedding garments.

And always a market.

Skifa Kahla Gate is the only remaining part of the 10th century wall. Next door is the Archaeological Museum.

This was Thursday.

This was Friday.

The sleepy town exploded with the activity of the Friday Market. It was amazing to see all the goods that vendors brought in and set up.

And then it was gone.

A little restaurant I ate at twice.

Mahdia has the second largest fishing port in Tunisia. The whole meal with soup and salad was 30 dinar (Cdn$15).

The red felt hat is traditional here.

Breakfast at my little guesthouse.

Great Fatmid Mosque

Then another Louage ride to Sfax.

9.2 dinar (Cdn$4.50) for 1 hour 45 minute trip.

I had the centre front seat, which was better than the back.

The Medina is an UNESCO site, 1200 years old and still the beating heart of the local shopping.

They don’t like having their photos taken, so I’ll probably burn in hell for the photos I’ve taken.

And some stink eye when I’ve been caught.

Very practical goods

But I did find one souvenir type shop in the whole city.

Sfax is the second largest city in Tunisia but not on the tour list. Not a long list of ‘must see’ places but I enjoyed the ability to just walk and observe.

Grand Mosque

Taxi line outside the gate.

Hundred Meters Square leading up to the Municipality of Sfax building.

I enjoyed all the buildings, and just wandered in whatever direction looked interesting.

A lift bridge by the port.

In the corner of the Medina was the old Kasbah (fortress) which was now a museum.

I decided not to climb the last stairs!

Lablabi is a traditional Tunisian soup made with chickpeas, garlic, cumin and harissa. It’s ladled over torn stale bread and topped as desired. Mushy bread isn’t my thing but I need to try it without.

I was having a mlewi with chicken and vegetables instead. I went back the next day and they were so thrilled to see me! 5 dinar (Cdn $2.5) for more than I could finish.

Another port city so needed to have fish. Splurged a bit on a restaurant. 42 dinar (Cdn$20).

The waiter brought this freshly baked puffy bread which reminded me of Armenia, and made a big show of slicing it.

Then a seafood pasta with prawns, squid and octopus. And two pounds of pasta beneath it.

More walking around the Medina with Google Maps sending me down some tiny streets.

Then it was time for another Louage north to Tunis!