Tunisia - Europe or Africa?

The project took me to Tunisia in September. Its been the most challenging place work-wise compared to Germany, Egypt, Jordan, Korea or Morocco.  However, that's what makes this whole year interesting. I had entered into my comfort zone, not for long. Tunis reminded me that its not over until its over.

As for the city, well, it is nice and peaceful. Not a lot of high-rise buildings even though are now building some. I think we didnt see anything higher than 3 floors on the average. It is a Muslim country and it was Ramadan but only by the name. I could see people not fasting and not really praying. In fact, they didn't even go for Friday prayers. I might be generalizing it but I am speaking for all the Muslims in office at least.

Anyway, the culture was missing. I couldn't find much unique about the culture. The people gave the impression of Europeans with their way of dressing and looking and spoke Arabic. Some people spoke French as well.

This country links to Italy after the Mediterranean but its influences are from the French colony it was. There are also some ruins from the time the Romans ruled which they have made into nice tourist sites. It was a mixed ambiance with a bit of Italy, France and a bit of Middle East as well. However, I couldn't really label it an African country even though it is geographically.

On one of the days we went to Hammamet, a city at around 50 min drive from Tunis. This city seemed like the fun-land outside the city. Tunis is very different from this one. This one had casinos, markets, joy rides and well basically a happening place. The tourists were enjoying here getting alcohol openly and there was also a dock where there were some expensive boats. A local told us that lots of Europeans settle for their retirement life here. Buy a yacht, keep going across the Mediterranean whenever required. That kinda life.

But it was still an OK place to visit. Nice people, friendly. Its a booming economy with industry coming into the picture. Exporting some fruits and minerals and they have found reserves of Oil and Gas as well. The UAE giants are investing in the real estate as I could see some famous names on mammoth projects over many acres. Sports city, health city, that kinda thing. It would be different in a few years.

The best thing I liked about the country was the their focus on education. It is mandatory for everybody to get educated until the age of 16. Government supported good public schools, that is something that builds nations. I think Tunisia is in the right direction just considering that.

It was not the most ideal planned way back. The flight got cancelled cos of a part malfunction and we had to wait for another 12 hours flying early next morning. The airline took good care of us, got us transferred to a hotel and nice dinner to go with that. Enjoyed some Tunisian cuisine, which by the way was delicious. I don't know the name of dishes but it was a nice mix of vegetable and meaty dishes. Good lamb & veal and good peas and potatoes. Nice fruit juice to go with that.

I would probably go there again to visit the historic places which I couldn't really find time to go and see because of this being a work trip but I put my marker on the stuff so its easy to find next time.