There is so much history here and so many ruins. This location had the opportunity to be a really good stop. Unfortunately, there were protests going on in Tunis where the Bardo museum is located and where we were highly discouraged from visiting.
Our tour was to Sidi Boo Said (meaning = Father Holy Happy) and to Carthage as well as panoramic viewing of various sites. The very unfortunate reality of our excursion was lining the tour guide’s pockets. We were told NOT to buy anything from the vendor stalls along our route or anyone selling from the streets. Instead, our very first stop was to a “reputable” shop where we were given 25 minutes. If you dared pick up anything or show any interest, someone was breathing down your neck. I’m well traveled, and I get it but when shopping trumps historical sites, then I have a problem.
Our second stop was at a restaurant with a wonderful view where we could have some refreshing mint tea … at our own expense. We choose to sit outside instead. In order to get to these two places, you had to walk over very uneven cobblestone sidewalks and streets. The area was also extremely steep … both ways!! Jeff said it felt like a long encounter with a stairmaster. We are now 25% done with our tour and haven’t really seen anything other then stuffed camels, painted platters and jewelry.
We reboarded our bus and went to the ruins of a children’s cemetery. Nearby was supposed to be the ruins of a 5 story amphitheater where Christians were sacrificed … but we didn’t see that. We drove past the remains of the Punic Ports. We also drove past the ruins of the Roman aqueducts and Roman water cisterns, that are still in use today. Then we drove past the cemetery where US servicemen are buried from WWII. We actually got off the bus at the ruins of the Roman Baths and an outdoor museum. They were impressive sites BUT we were only given 10 minutes. See my issue? 25 minutes to shop, 10 minutes to marvel at amazing historical sites.
This area was the center of the Phoenician civilization reputedly founded by Queen Dido in 800 BCE. Carthage was once the bitter enemy of Rome. The Romans eventually prevailed in the Punic Wars and destroyed and rebuilt Carthage in 146 BCE and became the Roman Empire’s second city.
This is also the birthplace of Hannibal and where he began his legendary journey that ended with an elephant ride across the Pyrenees and the Alps.
The Captain’s evening update – we will pass Sicily around midnight, we have 729 miles to get to Souda Greece and we will be traveling at 19.2 knots.
Here are my pictures from today:
The following pictures are from Sidi Boo Said
The following pictures are from the Antonian Baths
The following pictures are from Byrsa museum, outside viewing only
