April 28 - Tunisia

This year I spent my birthday in Tunisia.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever spend any time here, but it was a port of call for our cruise ship, so that was that. To be truthful, I even had to look at a map to see where Tunisia was located - the northern tip of Africa in case you are wondering.

I loved the land tour. Our guide was excellent with a good knowledge of modern day Tunis and the ancient days of Carthage. The ruins of the Roman Baths and the longest Roman aqueduct ever built were fascinating. How on earth did the Romans sculpt those columns and then lift them into place.

We also visited a local market or bazaar. This wasn’t quite as interesting for me and I found walking on the cobble stones and uneven steps to be very difficult.

One point if interest was our stop at the public washrooms.  As usual, the line up for the women’s was lengthy.  However, an attendant obviously noticing my white cane, took my hand and led me out of the women’s line. I thought I was being led to a handicap washroom - but no! Instead, the obliging attendant led my past the men’s urinals to a cubicle at the end.  As I do have some sight, I found this a little unnerving. I’m not sure what the men on the tour thought of my presence.

All in all though it was a great day, and a perfect way to spend my birthday.