TUNISIA January 1 2012: Americans in Tunisia — Day 12

Happy New Year!

We’re hours away from leaving Tunisia.

Spent a somewhat leisurely day here in Sidi Bou Said, soaking up the incredible views and this picture-postcard hillside town that rambles up from the Mediterranean Sea — with extremely narrow and curving streets (several of which are pedestrian only, and many of which should be pedestrian only since it’s next to impossible for cars to make any of the curves necessary to go up the hills. It must be beautiful when the sun is shining.. we had only moments of sun; most of the time it was overcast — but did not rain.

But then again if you come when the sun is shining in the non-winter months I imagine it’s a real tourist trap. At this time of the year, it’s quiet and easy to just meander. Still, we have seen more tourists here than in any other place we’ve visited. And still, no Americans. The French are all over as are Italians and Germans… and there are Tunisian tourists, too.

Last night’s New Years Eve was nice. We went to Dar Zazrouk — just across from Dar Said (where we are staying). It was very elegant and the crowd appeared to be a mix of Tunisians and Italians with maybe one or two tables of French families. Food was beautifully presented, but a bit disappointing as it wasn’t the best we’ve had here in Tunisia and it wasn’t at all inventive. Frankly, that’s always the problem with New Years. I suppose most restaurants think doing a special fixed meal makes sense, but it’s never as good as ordering from a menu (in my humble opinion).  So several fish dishes as starters — they were good: a mixed fish appetizer with jumbo shrimp, caviar, some local fish, and salmon.. followed by a shrimp bisque, followed by sea bass with two sauces (one cream, the other ?) ..and then some other fish that came inside a pastry rosette, and then lamb with vegetables.. and then chocolate mousse and platters of assorted Tunisian sweets and cookies. Hats and masks at midnight, a Tunisian three-piece traditional band…lots of wine.. and thus we toasted in and welcomed 2012 — which we all hope will be a lot better than 2011.

Today was leisurely — no carpet purchased (for those of you taking bets).. Had some cheese and fruit out on the patio.. and focused on work.. Been doing a bit each day, but today seemed like the time to transition back to what we’ll each be facing as soon as we hit the ground on Tuesday.. So why not get started?

We’re packing now (since we have a taxi picking us up at 3:45 a.m.!!!)..and then we’re off for dinner at Vieux Temps — a bit down the road with a great view of the sea. Tomorrow at the crack of dawn we head to London (via connection in Rome).. for one night and then on Tuesday — back to California.

It’s been a good trip; lots of experiences — many that I forgot to include in my daily reports.

I’d definitely recommend Tunisia. The people are great, there’s so much history, it’s safe, and it’s unique… I think I expected it to be more like Morocco than it is.. It’s a proud people, especially at this moment. There’s so much we didn’t get to see.. So, more trips in the future.

Best for 2012 —

Fern