This time last year I was visiting Tunisia with a small group of Americans, enjoying the Mediterranean and then the desert climate, the wonderful people, delicious food, and magnficent sites of this small North African country. This year we will visit to learn about the changes taking place and the recent revolution that brought down their president after 23 years of rule.
Travel to Tunisia next month with Caravan-Serai Tours to see where it all began. In mid-December 2010, the grumblings of frustration and discontent over un-employment, human rights, and police and ruling-family brutality exploded into full fledged revolution. The desparate act - a public suicide - of one man set the wheels in motion to bring down Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia's president for the last 23 years. Protests grew and grew, with more people coming to the cities to join in the call for the end of the Ben Ali regime. On January 14, they got their wish as Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia. Now the people are in the process of rebuilding their government and preparing for elections as they begin a new era of democracy in the Middle East.
Our tour will focus on the most recent history of the country as well as it's ancient roots. Visit Tunis, El Jem, Kairouan, Kasserine, Tozeur, Chebika and Tamerza, Metlaloui, El Kef, Dougga, Sbeitla, and more. To see the entire itinerary click this link: http://www.caravan-serai.com/tours/NewTunisiaApr2011.htm
April 14 - 23, 2010, $1650 per person, double occupancy, land only.
Showing posts with label Tunisia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tunisia. Show all posts
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Update from Jordan
As I write this evening the people here in Jordan have been glued to their tvs watching events unfold in Egypt. The internet cafe where we are working is switching the tv back and forth between soccer and events in Egypt. We are in a smoke-filled room of young men smoking from hookas. As you are probably aware, Al Jazeera has been shut off in Egypt, as have been internet and wireless phone services. Yet, young people in Egypt have been beating the censors and figuring out how to use dial-up and other ways to get around the media blockade. Tonight (Sunday) the Arabic channels on live feed here in Jordan show Mohammad al Baradi has joined the demonstrations in Cairo. I have nothing to add at this point in terms of new information, as I presume the information you are getting on the Web, CNN, BBC, etc. is giving pretty good coverage. Our hotel has only one channel, and that is in Arabic. It is interesting to watch the Obama administration squirm and evaluate out how it can hedge its bets, but that seems impossible at this point. The Egyptian pillar of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East is about to fall, and no one at this point can predict where things will go.
Like Egypt and Tunisia, Jordan has serious economic problems as well; the price of fuel and food is driving people to distraction. Gas is over $4.00 per gallon, food prices are going up, and salaries are low. Earlier this week there were demonstrations in Amman against a sharp rise in fuel prices. A young high school teacher, with whom we spoke, makes about $300 per month and wants to leave his country, but doesn't know where to go or what to do. We will be in Israel and the West Bank late in the day on Tuesday.
Kraig
Like Egypt and Tunisia, Jordan has serious economic problems as well; the price of fuel and food is driving people to distraction. Gas is over $4.00 per gallon, food prices are going up, and salaries are low. Earlier this week there were demonstrations in Amman against a sharp rise in fuel prices. A young high school teacher, with whom we spoke, makes about $300 per month and wants to leave his country, but doesn't know where to go or what to do. We will be in Israel and the West Bank late in the day on Tuesday.
Kraig
Friday, January 28, 2011
Syria Not Ablaze
Hello Everyone: 1/28 Syria Not Ablaze
Traveling in Syria and elsewhere in the Arab world at this time is exciting and a deep learning experience. People in Aleppo (the second largest city) and Damascus are making references to the troubles in Tunisia and Egypt. We have been in Syria for the last week, but Seattleites' knowledge of events is as probably as good as mine, as information in Syria is restricted. I mostly have to rely on general impressionistic accounts and upon conversations with people who speak English. Nonetheless, there appear to be no troubles, demonstrations, etc. unfolding in the Syrian Arab Republic at this time. Life seems to be tranquil. The government has for some time blocked access to Facebook, My Space and You Tube. Yesterday, an English language paper in Damascus reported that all cell phone-accessed chat rooms would be blocked. The government is probably taking precautions no doubt, but it is a bit hard to read. We arrived in Amman, Jordan this afternoon, and went to an internet cafe, but discovered that their routing access had been cut off because of the troubles. But, I found another cafe that had access, for how long they don't know. I don't understand the mechanics of this.
I interviewed a couple of men extensively this week about the situation in Syria. Both men are educated, knowledgeable and fluent in English and have served in the military; one man is about 30, the other about 40, and the younger man is a graduate student in English at Damascus University. Both men said that the economic situation was very difficult and the availability of jobs, particualry for young people, is bleak. High food prices and general inflationary problems seemed to be the major concern of these two men, and I heard that from other people as well. Real unemployment is about 25%. The older of the two men I interviewed has been a hotel desk clerk for seventeen years and earns $150 per month, the same salary that he earned when he started there in 1994. He needs about $700 a month for his family to survive! The younger of these two men reported that, even if he gets a good job as a translator with the government, there is no chance that he will be able to afford to purchase a home. Both men also said that older people have vivid memories of the severe repression against the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1980s, when thousands and thousands of people were massacred, a chilling memory indeed. The English major said the university campus shows no signs of unrest. These two men believe that their government, although it has problems, is not like the governments in Tunisia or Egypt, and they are willing to give it time. Both men think that President Bashar al-Assad, whose portrait is ubiquitous, cares, is responsive and trying to address the problems of the country. However, both men, were very clear that the cost of living and jobs for young people would have to be addressed or future troubles may unfold. Yet, for the present Syrian nationalism appears to carry the day.
For now,
Kraig
Traveling in Syria and elsewhere in the Arab world at this time is exciting and a deep learning experience. People in Aleppo (the second largest city) and Damascus are making references to the troubles in Tunisia and Egypt. We have been in Syria for the last week, but Seattleites' knowledge of events is as probably as good as mine, as information in Syria is restricted. I mostly have to rely on general impressionistic accounts and upon conversations with people who speak English. Nonetheless, there appear to be no troubles, demonstrations, etc. unfolding in the Syrian Arab Republic at this time. Life seems to be tranquil. The government has for some time blocked access to Facebook, My Space and You Tube. Yesterday, an English language paper in Damascus reported that all cell phone-accessed chat rooms would be blocked. The government is probably taking precautions no doubt, but it is a bit hard to read. We arrived in Amman, Jordan this afternoon, and went to an internet cafe, but discovered that their routing access had been cut off because of the troubles. But, I found another cafe that had access, for how long they don't know. I don't understand the mechanics of this.
I interviewed a couple of men extensively this week about the situation in Syria. Both men are educated, knowledgeable and fluent in English and have served in the military; one man is about 30, the other about 40, and the younger man is a graduate student in English at Damascus University. Both men said that the economic situation was very difficult and the availability of jobs, particualry for young people, is bleak. High food prices and general inflationary problems seemed to be the major concern of these two men, and I heard that from other people as well. Real unemployment is about 25%. The older of the two men I interviewed has been a hotel desk clerk for seventeen years and earns $150 per month, the same salary that he earned when he started there in 1994. He needs about $700 a month for his family to survive! The younger of these two men reported that, even if he gets a good job as a translator with the government, there is no chance that he will be able to afford to purchase a home. Both men also said that older people have vivid memories of the severe repression against the Muslim Brotherhood in the 1980s, when thousands and thousands of people were massacred, a chilling memory indeed. The English major said the university campus shows no signs of unrest. These two men believe that their government, although it has problems, is not like the governments in Tunisia or Egypt, and they are willing to give it time. Both men think that President Bashar al-Assad, whose portrait is ubiquitous, cares, is responsive and trying to address the problems of the country. However, both men, were very clear that the cost of living and jobs for young people would have to be addressed or future troubles may unfold. Yet, for the present Syrian nationalism appears to carry the day.
For now,
Kraig
Monday, May 10, 2010
Home at last
As I look back on the last two weeks, I realize how much ground we covered on our tour of Tunisia and Morocco. I also realized how many typos I made in my previous posts from what I have now found out is the French keyboard! I have gone back and corrected the typos (I hope I got them all!).
You never realize how much you get used to things being one way, and not even considering that there could be a different way, then you find yourself in a foreign country and can't type worth beans. A good analogy, I think, to remind us that there is a whole wide world out there where things are different than here in the US. It may be frustrating at first, but you come to realize that is normal for someone else. It adds to the experience and broadens your horizons. If everything were the same all over then there would be no need to travel, right?
So my next task is to go through all the photos and get some posted to give everyone an idea of the sites we visited, the landscape, and the people of Tunisia and Morocco. There are over 1500+ photos to go through so it may take a few days to get it done!
It was a wonderful experience, and much different than traveling to the Levant, or the Arabian Peninsula. Here it is Berber nomads rather than Bedouin. There is a strong French influence on government structure and administration and the education system. And while there are a few Christian churches, they are mostly a result of the French, rather than having deep roots in the region like they do in Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.
If you have been to the other regions before, and think that Tunisia and Morocco won't be anything new, please rethink that idea. You will be amazed at the differences from the blending of Arab, European, and Berber cultures. The food is much different, too, and quite delicious!
If you have any questions about the tour, Tunisia or Morocco, drop us a line!
You never realize how much you get used to things being one way, and not even considering that there could be a different way, then you find yourself in a foreign country and can't type worth beans. A good analogy, I think, to remind us that there is a whole wide world out there where things are different than here in the US. It may be frustrating at first, but you come to realize that is normal for someone else. It adds to the experience and broadens your horizons. If everything were the same all over then there would be no need to travel, right?
So my next task is to go through all the photos and get some posted to give everyone an idea of the sites we visited, the landscape, and the people of Tunisia and Morocco. There are over 1500+ photos to go through so it may take a few days to get it done!
It was a wonderful experience, and much different than traveling to the Levant, or the Arabian Peninsula. Here it is Berber nomads rather than Bedouin. There is a strong French influence on government structure and administration and the education system. And while there are a few Christian churches, they are mostly a result of the French, rather than having deep roots in the region like they do in Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.
If you have been to the other regions before, and think that Tunisia and Morocco won't be anything new, please rethink that idea. You will be amazed at the differences from the blending of Arab, European, and Berber cultures. The food is much different, too, and quite delicious!
If you have any questions about the tour, Tunisia or Morocco, drop us a line!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Kingdom of Morocco
Today we began our tour of Morocco, arriving from Tunis this afternoon and taking a short driving tour of Casablanca. It was hard to leave Tunis, but hopefully we all will have an opportunity in the future to come back and see even more of the small North African jewel.
So here we are on the edge of Africa along the Atlantic coast. I have noticed a bit slower pace to things here, which is fine. Each country has it's own rhythm and I suspect the pace will change again as we move inland tomorrow.
We will be visiting Morocco's Imperial Cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech. I look forward to seeing Fes again after about 15 years since my last visit!
Hopefully I will be able to post a bit more regularly than in Tunisia. More later!
So here we are on the edge of Africa along the Atlantic coast. I have noticed a bit slower pace to things here, which is fine. Each country has it's own rhythm and I suspect the pace will change again as we move inland tomorrow.
We will be visiting Morocco's Imperial Cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech. I look forward to seeing Fes again after about 15 years since my last visit!
Hopefully I will be able to post a bit more regularly than in Tunisia. More later!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Tunisia!
We had our first day of sightseeing here in Tunisia, in the capital city of Tunis. Our day started in Carthage, which is a beautiful site. The views are spectacular, to match the importance of the site and it's history. We also visited Sidi Bou Said, a small hillside town of white and blue buildngs, and lots of tourists. It is a cute town and will remind you of a Greek island village. The gardens and architecture are very enjoyable, as well as the views. We ended the day in Paris, I mean downtown Tunis, with it's tree-lined boulevards and sidewalk cafes, not to mention all the signs being in French, it is easy to make the mistake. There is even a sort of Arch de Triumph, which is really one of the arched gateways to the old city, or medina.
The people have been welcoming and hospitible, but sometimes communicating can be a challange if you don't know any French or Arabic. English is the third language here, but most people are fluent in French.
My computer time is limited so this is a short post, but there will be more to come! We are enjoying Tunisia, and will head south along the coast tomorrow. Hopefully I can add more then.
The people have been welcoming and hospitible, but sometimes communicating can be a challange if you don't know any French or Arabic. English is the third language here, but most people are fluent in French.
My computer time is limited so this is a short post, but there will be more to come! We are enjoying Tunisia, and will head south along the coast tomorrow. Hopefully I can add more then.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Busy Fall Season Coming Up!
As we approach our busy fall travel season, things are really starting to get busy in the office at Caravan-Serai Tours. We have a tour to Saudi Arabi (space is still available!) in September, a full tour to Iran in October, and an almost full tour to Tunisia in early October, and our ever popular Levantine Adventure Tour (a few spaces still available!) in October, as well.
As always, I will try to get posts from people while they are on the tours to post here so you can keep up with the tours as they are going on. This was really popular last fall, so we will work on keeping that going.
Also, I have started photos albums on our Facebook page - so you can go there and see numerous photos from many of the countries we have tours to, and it will be updated as new photos come in this year.
Enjoy, and as always, thanks for your support!
As always, I will try to get posts from people while they are on the tours to post here so you can keep up with the tours as they are going on. This was really popular last fall, so we will work on keeping that going.
Also, I have started photos albums on our Facebook page - so you can go there and see numerous photos from many of the countries we have tours to, and it will be updated as new photos come in this year.
Enjoy, and as always, thanks for your support!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Spring tour roundup
Welcome to Caravan-Serai Tours 2009 travel season! Very soon we will have our Levantine Adventure Tour departing and it is sold out! We are very excited to see that interest in traveling to the Middle East and North Africa is still strong, and getting stronger all the time. In addition to our set departures, Tunisia is a very popular destination. I will be trying to get postings from some of our travelers headed there in the next couple of months.
There is still room on our tours to Jordan and Syria, and Iran this spring. We are also starting to see more registrations for our fall trips- Jordan-Israel, Levantine, and Iran.
In the next couple days I will be sending out our next country profile to our mailing list. This time we will be taking a look at Lebanon. I was there this last October and I loved it. This tiny country on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea is so diverse, not only in its landscape, but also in the people who liver there. To learn more about Lebanon, visit our website and click on the link to join our mailing list. I will send the profile out in a few days, then again in about a week or so to anyone who signed up on the mailing list after it was first sent.
That's it for right now. Stay tuned for updates on our tours as they depart!
Brenda
There is still room on our tours to Jordan and Syria, and Iran this spring. We are also starting to see more registrations for our fall trips- Jordan-Israel, Levantine, and Iran.
In the next couple days I will be sending out our next country profile to our mailing list. This time we will be taking a look at Lebanon. I was there this last October and I loved it. This tiny country on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea is so diverse, not only in its landscape, but also in the people who liver there. To learn more about Lebanon, visit our website and click on the link to join our mailing list. I will send the profile out in a few days, then again in about a week or so to anyone who signed up on the mailing list after it was first sent.
That's it for right now. Stay tuned for updates on our tours as they depart!
Brenda
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