Canadian World Traveller Winter 2020-21 Issue

On the less travelled part of the
Mediterranean lies sometimes
forgotten and sometimes overlooked
magnificent Tunisia. On this part of
my second trip I would travel north and
west to straddle the coast. This would prove
to be in great contrast to the dry deserts
and the beautiful landscapes to the south.
Both are compelling and if I had to choose
between a trip to the north or south, I would
object by picking a trip to visit both. As in
my last visit, we would land in the capital
region of Tunis. From here, we would enjoy
a relaxing day on the sandy beaches and a
rejuvenating Thalassic Therapy message
before hitting the road for six days of exploration.
La Palais Du Baron
This palace boast an Arabic design which
was built in the year 1912 A.D. The
renowned La Palais Du Baron was created
by French and German artist Baron
Rodolphe d'Erlanger. The opulent rooms of
this Arabic-Andalusian is comprised of
beautiful ornaments, jewels and furnishings
inside the massive interior. I found out that
presently the palace holds the stamp of the
Mediterranean Music Centre where numerous
concerts are lined up year-round.
Carthage Port Punique
I enjoyed this charming area, also known
as the "Sea of Empires." Cartage Port
Punique has facilities that have been in
service since the pre historic times of the
ancient emperors rule in Tunisia.
Comprising of the commercialized and military
ports, Cartage Port Punique is positioned
along high walls. The purpose of
these walls was to have a resourceful military
port where maximum number of boats
could be hidden in the harbour.
One highlight of Cartage port Punique is
that this area was first battle ground of the
first Punic war. As a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and hallmarked territory in
Tunisia, it gives notice to this city due to its
rich history related to the 11th century,
regarding the text of the Appian that has
been recorded by historians as well as
archaeologists.
Tunis Medina
Tunis Medina is the commercialized and
administrative trading hub of the city. Close
to the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Tunis,
this place has three fractions - the old city
or Median, the French Quarter and lastly
the northern and the southern parts of the
capital. Tunis Medina is segmented among
the central core, which still abides by the
era of its groundwork, which is the 8th century.
This outstanding layout of buildings has
been urbanized from a small defrayal
which is known as Oppidum tunicense,
revealed by Pliny the Elder. The design was
completed during the 13th century under
the rule of the Hafsid dynasty.
The way the doors of the Tunis Medina are
decorated along with the engravings of the
gems and jewels is a symbol of the sociological
importance of the historical times
along with the geometric architectural style
of art work. Some of the imagery is homage
to figures and events such as the
Goddess of Fertility, St Augustine of Hippo
and the Ottoman Empire in Turkey.
Musee De Bardo
Musee De Bardo, which is one of the
renowned museums of Tunisia, was originally
a palace of the Hafsid dynasty during
their rule in the 13th century. Musee de
Bardo is located in the outer suburbs of
Tunis. This astonishing museum has a
colossal collection of Roman Mosaics and
antiquities from ancient Greece and
Tunisia.
On the road and meeting the locals
Travelling through Tunisia is as beautiful as
one can imagine. I was able to observe the
daily lifestyle of the residents along the seaside.
Tunisian agriculture and farms have
become a hallmark of the local landscape.
I indulged in a road trip on the curvy roads
see following page
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Canadian World Traveller Winter 2020-21