It really is a beautiful city. I spent most of the days close to the canal port which is surrounded by the town centre, fishing boats and small Medina.

Entrance to Vieux Port from the Mediterranean.

Fishing boat passing the Gate of Ras Al-Sass.

Wall of the Medina on one side of the entrance.

The area was jam packed with people shopping at the markets and then congregating at endless cafes, restaurants and any place they could sit.

Perfect people watching!

New and used goods shopping is a huge activity here. Clothes, shoes, household, sunglasses, electronics…

Due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean, there has been some type of settlement here for centuries with Arabs, Romans, Ottomans, Venetians and Spanish all having a turn before the French.

In 1881 France occupied Tunisia and resisted giving up Bizerte even after Tunisia gained its independence in 1956. Tunisia finally attacked the French and after significant loss of Tunisian lives, the UN pressured France to leave in 1963.

The French influence was evident in excellent baguettes and interesting cheeses. And the ubiquitous French tourists I’ve seen everywhere in Northern Africa.

Flour delivery at a very busy boulangerie where I just got in a fast efficient line.

Resort style hotels within walking distance to the beach.

But I stayed in the Medina which was an excellent location to walk everywhere, including the beach.

View of the harbour from the upper terrace.

The white canopies above the terrace.

I am ‘riaded out’ though. Tons of atmosphere but I do find only having windows to the central courtyard limiting for my need for light. And voices carry internally.

Back streets

Old wall headed up to the Fort (closed) but the cemetery next door was open.

Fish in a fishing town

And then a last Louage trip back to Tunis for three days.

A group of very friendly young people!

Flowers on the jacaranda trees have come out since I was here last.

Fountains by the station for buses and local/long distance trains.

Molten lava for candied peanuts.

My favourite mlawi sandwich with parsley omelette.

Kittens chasing tails

Brutalist architecture in an abandoned hotel built like an inverted pyramid.

Then all the way to the graceful neo baroque.

A balcony and a view while I’m packing.

Farewell Tunisia.

You have been warm and friendly 🇹🇳

Egypt next!