I'm due to fly to the island of Djerba in Tunisia next month. I don't know Tunisia so I've been reading up about it, but has anyone here ever been there on a trip?

Hi Colin,
I traveled quite extensively in Tunisia, but never got the chance to visit Djerba.

I love Tunisia ( I don't think they sell the T shirt !). Have you been to the mainland before? Will you get a chance to visit Tunis, or some of the other cities? I don't want to launch into a recommendation of things to see on the mainland if you have already been there, or if you are only going to be staying on Djerba for the duration of your visit.

I will add though, that Arabic is the main language. However, French and German are very commonly used, and then English. You will encounter lots of French and German visitors, because it's a very popular holiday destination for those countries.

Haggle for everything in the markets there. You are not expected to pay the asking price for anything!

It is a beautiful country, full of contrasts. The people are generally really friendly.
Service in hotels and restaurants is exemplary. Watch the taxi drivers, they are maniacs!

I'm sure you have visited many European countries, and you may be surprised at how poor Tunisia is in comparison to the countries north of the Mediterranean. It's also a Muslim country, so there are some cultural rules one needs to respect.

It's going to be really warm at the time you are going, but at least you'll be going during term time for most of Europe I think.

Being a Mediterranean country, there's lots of fish on the menu, plenty of couscous, lots of wonderful desserts, including the very best baklava.
I don't know what else to tell you, but if you have any specific questions, please ask.

Hello dance girl!

That's reassuring - the fact that you've actually been there, I mean. No, I shall be spending the whole few days actually on the island of Djerba itself. It's apparently very touristy but I shall look out for the couscous and baklava!

PS And the taxi-drivers!

Two days to go, dance girl! I'll spare you a thought when I'm there working/lying by the hotel pool!!

Well, I am very envious of you Colin

Have a great time, and be sure to report back on how you found it.

quote:

Originally posted by dance girl:
Be sure to report back on how you found it.

Perhaps Ulysses lent him a map & a dhow...?...

..you are very silly! lol

Who, me...?...

He can't help it DG, it's the medication you know!

Hey you people - I saw all that!!

Good luck, Colin, it sounds absolutely brilliant. And as has been noted already, give us a blow-by-blow of your trip when you return.
Cheers! Ritz.

Off the plane and out into the warmth of a Tunisian night. Mint tea at the hotel (the first of many).
Next day the sun shone and continued: for the duration. Writing and relaxation, liberally interspersed with the delights of the souks. The people are so warm, so friendly, the bartering process an adventure. Serendipity let us discover a tiny Tunisian restaurant where we were to eat each evening, the manager selecting our every dish - couscous, tajine, gargoulette, mechouia, harissa – inexpensive and a real find. Found time too to visit the Tunisian heritage museum on the south of the island, forsaking the hotel pool and the beach for an entire day, and the capital of the island, Houmt Souk.
Sadly, home to Paris, clutching several CDs of Arabic music, much local pottery, a 40-dollar oil painting of Tunis and a suitcase full of memories.

quote:

Originally posted by Colin, Paris, France:
Sadly, home to Paris, clutching several CDs of Arabic music, much local pottery, a 40-dollar oil painting of Tunis and a suitcase full of memories.

Sounds like you cleaned them out Colin
Anyone who uses the term, "sadly home to Paris"..needs to experience Canada in the winter!
Seriously, I am so glad you enjoyed Tunisia. Do you think you would go there again?