It took forty-three countries to have an epiphany of travel; I am on earth. Like much of the world, Tunis is history piled upon itself. Tunisians upon French upon Byzantines upon Romans upon Phoenicians upon the Berbers and bad luck to every people who lived before. Each bit of glory sank under the weight of time, leaving shards.
Queen Dido of Phoenicia chose a beautiful location for her new city of Carthage. Blue sea and evening breezes scented by jasmine. The protected bay would serve well the Phoenician fleet. All the others who conquered approved of her choice and built theirs upon hers. Only the resident Berbers objected but being nomadic granting some tract of land did not end them but merely moved them away, dislocation over death.
For a glorious seaside, it is easy to turn away from human rapaciousness and breathe in nature. In shady spots with breeze and a cool lemonade it is easy to give in to amnesia, to forget some nine thousand children sacrificed to Baal. Humans are not nice people
But you are likely to want the brief fantasy of seaside relaxation, a mental vacation of blue on blue, sky on water. Tunisia welcomes you. Tunisia shares the Mediterranean vibe, especially the village of Sidi Bousaid. The houses are a crisp white with blue trim, the market sparking and the restaurants have views to heal the soul.
Carthage is, of course, the historic center. The city of Carthage overspread a beautiful area overlooking the bay. The bay was of strategic importance as it had a bend out of sight of the shipping channels. An attacking navy would be lured in by commerce and apparent safety, only to be boxed in by the cleverly hidden Phoenician navy. Queen Dido had strategy.
Rome, if you remember studying the Punic Wars, had its day, including sowing salt in the land to prevent crops from growing. After the Roman’s got over their pique, they left their mark with the ubiquitous amphitheater and baths.
With so much to offer in a compact space, Tunisia should be added to your bucket list. If history is not a draw, then surely you can enjoy sea and sky.
For more on history: Carthage | History, Location, & Facts | Britannica
For more on Tourism: Tunisia tourism
Greece or Tunisia? Why not both? Athens, Greece | Where’s Clare? (clarenovak.com)
