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The modern capital  What is Tunis, Tunisia's capital? Is it the reminiscent of the French protectorate, which is still expanding as the modern city. Or is it the suuq, the old town, one of the Arab worlds best (as long as you don't want to shop handicrafts)?  The truth is somewhere in between, Tunis is neither very Arab, nor African. It is not European either, even though Tunisians might tell you so. Tunis is highly functional, effective, clean and is mixing the old and the new, all at the same time, all over. Tunis is not a typical tourist site, but tourists going to places like Hammamet and Sousse, often come on day trips to the capital with their tour operators.When entering Tunis keep your eyes open for the efficiency, the cleanliness, the lack of beggars, and all the women wearing modern garments. Depending on your preferences, visit the Bardo museum, which has a stunning selection of mosaics. Or for the kids, go to the zoo in the northern part of the city. It is very charming, well kept, and with far more animals than you would expect to find before entering. Next to that, you will find yourself surrounded by people, but no Westerners. But more than anything else, use your time in and out of the suuq, or medina, stroll along the vegetable stands, head into the meat and fish market (between the suuq and the railway station), and end up in almost any cafe (like M'Rabet), ordering Direct with three sugar cubes. And do not forget sitting down, relaxing, looking at people, telling quick moving young men to get lost, and start chatting with everyone else. |
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