TUNISIA AND NOT TAKING TRAVEL ADVICE SERIOUSLY

THE MIDDLE EAST & EUROPEAN SERIES PT9

SIDI BOU SAID, TUNISIA

With any new country that may be a little risky I tend to do a bit of research. But with Tunisia’s recent history (the beach shooting in 2015) it is hard to get a true update on the current security.

A good source is the UK immigration website. They classify Tunisia as a no go area and “they would recommend against all travel unless it is completely necessary”. Considering this I was still happy to come. I felt that the only reason it was a target several years ago was due to the crowds of tourists that flock the beaches. And now there are little to no tourists there is really no reason for a terrorist to be around here. Well that was my rationale.

In terms of the accommodation it was more a lodge than a tent but it was all about the views. Each lodge looked out to the watering hole so when you go for your midday siesta you can still enjoy watching the animals.

WHERE IS TUNISIA?

Tunisia and not taking travel advice seriously

Flying in from Cairo you see the difference immediately. Tunisia is more suited to the European side of the Mediterranean than the African Side. Just like Spain with its bright white buildings and scattered population it is a welcome change to Cairo’s concrete jungle.

SIDI BOU SAID

I am staying in a town called Sidi Bou Said which although I have not been I would say is Tunisia’s answer to Santorini. The town is only 20 minutes from the airport and is the place stay rather than the city. But you can see the effect the recent issues have had on the country. Although quaint, the town is very quiet and the beaches are empty. It surprised me that the majority of vendors understood the word no and simply wished you a good day, not something I often experience.

SUPER SAFE

There are still no tour operators who offer package holidays here yet as they feel the threat still remains. From my time here I never felt safer and more welcome by the locals. But the issue remains not within itself but with its close proximately to its neighbor, Libya.

Just as I am writing this from probably the most picturesque cafe in Sidi Bou Said I look across the bay and can’t help but like this small town. Was I actually told not to visit this for my own safety? After reading the government advice it is a million miles away from what I had expected makes me even more hesitant to believe anything I read or watch.

Tunisia and not taking travel advice seriously

VALUE

Even in this café with its incredible setting a coffee will cost you 3 and our lunch salad will cost you 10. A taxi from the airport which is around 20 minutes Will cost you 5 pounds. Although you may have to barter and fall out with a few drivers but that’s part of it here.

I could travel for free if I had a penny for every taxi driver I had an argument with. The manager of the hotel said that the taxi drivers are being closely watched by the police not for anything serious but just trying to make up for lost time. The police are well aware the taxi drivers could leave a lasting impression for new arrivals.

Tunisia and not taking travel advice seriously

STREET PARTY

After seeing barely no one during the day the evening made up for it. There was a street party going on just outside my hotel. I’m not entirely sure why it was kicking off but everyone was in good form. There isn’t much alcohol to be had here so the vibe was perfect and everyone was singing and dancing with who was within reach.

CAFÉ DES DELICES

The next day I made an effort to go back to Café des Delices for breakfast and tried to appreciate as much as I could before leaving. Not long after I was approached by a fella clearly looking to sell a photo opportunity, he had an eagle on his shoulder. Not one to be sucked in with this sort of thing I decided to go ahead as he was pleasant from the start and the backdrop was pretty decent. I then got talking to a few locals who were happy to talk to a foreigner for the next hour until I had to rush for my flight to Marrakech.

NEXT UP

Attacked by a man with a snake in Marrakesh, Morocco! Click to read.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post is part of The Middle East & European Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.