Tunisia - Us and our inability to stay relaxed in Tunisian markets

As we tuned into Tunisia, we were particularly looking forward to the medinas, the winding old towns that invite you to get lost. 

In Hammamet, where we spend a few days directly on the deserted beach, we find an ancient medina. (Yes, there is also the new one, but first we have to visit the old one). The small old town is actually only about 200 metres long and just as wide, borders directly on the promenade, i.e. on the sea, and is home to several, exclusively souvenir shops. The entire area is walled. And we can even climb part of the wall to enjoy the view.

From the staff of the state school, in front of whose gates we park for a few days, we learn that only about 350 families live in the town. A flat or a house costs about 150 € rent per month. Cars don't drive here, of course, it's not possible. 

Strolling around, we discover ancient mosaics, roaming cats, beautiful flowers and almost romantic-looking wall paintings. The old town itself is in good shape and, in contrast to the other areas in Tunisia that we have seen so far, clean and well-kept.

We are torn: Do we find Tunisia beautiful? Do we feel comfortable? Or is it still too early to determine?

A clear "pro" Tunisia are the people. Once again, as almost everywhere in the world, extreme friendliness. But: For us, a very clear "hm, well" is precisely this friendliness: after two days in Medinas, we notice an invisible money sign on our foreheads. We find it really exhausting to have to say "no, thank you" everywhere. 

And is aware that we are one of the few potential customers in the low season. Covid has not exactly led to the traders doing well in the last few years. And yes, of course we know that things are different in Arab markets. We are aware of all that, but we quickly tire of too much "Madame, nice shoes, come to my shop!". 

Since it is not in our mentality to simply switch to "invisible" or even to say "leave me alone" in an unfriendly way, we get involved in conversations far too often and find the jump too late. After only one or two rounds through the souks and medinas, we are already tired.

We still need to rethink our strategy. We want to continue to discover as visitors, we want to immerse ourselves in friendly conversations and yet not feel reduced to our purchasing power alone. 

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Merci for "travelling with us

We are thinking about taking another break from travelling in the summer and visiting our families in Germany and Switzerland. One of the ideas is to organise a Lecture about our long journey to the Persian Gulf to prepare. If you would like to, what would interest you the most? We will also tell stories here that don't find a place here on the blog. We're thinking of the Bern and Berlin area - simply because we have family there. But other places are also conceivable. Feel free to write to us.

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