Tunisia - North Africa

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 – Tunisia, North Africa Today was probably one of the most amazing days we’ve had on this trip yet, as we had Ali as our personal chauffeur for the day. Mike had booked Ali online, who came highly recommended via travelers on Trip Advisor.com. He picked us up right outside the port terminal, and started his tour with the ancient city of Carthage, with the modern day city of Carthage being built right on top of the original Roman ruins. During the 15 minute trip to the first site, a coliseum built by the Romans in…a long time ago BC, he gave us a quick history lesson on the establishment of the Phoenicians, the pillage and take over by the Vandals (of Viking origin, which is the origin for the word vandalism), and the eventual domination by the Romans until modern times when the French took over. Cathedral built to replace the body of King Louis ?? when the French took over in ?? Hasn’t been used as a Cathedral for 20 years, but is still used today for theater shows.

Roman baths - ruins Shopping street – local money is dineri, but will take Euros. Typically you can offer then ¼ the price they give you for an item. Very aggressive and touchy if you try to walk away from a price offer. Carthage is white buildings with blue shutters and iron railings – illegal to use any other color