Tunisia

Here's the post from Tunisia, which should go before Malta. So sorry for the confusion. The Malaga port stop was fun even though we spent most of it in Torremolinos. It was nice to see that things have not changed much. Our next day was spent on the sea heading towards Tunisia in north Africa. It was relaxing to just lay around and read. The seas were a little rough and many people did not make it to the dining room. We did. Never let it be said that the Hirsches missed a meal on a cruise ship! Jerry just put on another patch and off we went. We have a great table right next to a hugh window and great dinner companions. Good laughs along with good food.

We docked in Tunis, Tunisia's capital, at 10 am and were greeted by a small herd of camels right at the dock. Many passengers rode the camels but I know better. We decided to take the ship's tour with Karen and Kos, part of our dinner tablemates. I didn't want to be the only blonde in the entire country. The first stop was the Medina, the old souk, a covered, claustrophobic old marketplace with labrynthian alleys. I certainly would not want to get lost in there so I kept the guide within my sights at all times. Tunisia is an arab country but there are many berbers there. The berbers were the original settlers. The have white skin and blue eyes! Some of the women dress Western, but the majority wear the burka and look like walking bedsheets. They grow wine there and drink alcohol, which is very unusual for an arab country, but the guide explained that they are light muslims, who either don't practice or are very lax about their religion. It is still a patriarchial society and the women are not allowed to sit in the cafes. I didn't like that at all. As I said, the souk is an ancient, dark place where they try to sell you the shirt off your own back. Karen sat down for five seconds and before she knew it she bought a bracelet, necklace and earrings which she didn't even know she bought! It was pretty funny and it was pretty. Jerry and I bargained, which is the custom, and I got 3 bracelets and 3 necklaces for $5. The bargaining was fun. Just like Tijuana with mint tea. We also went to a rug factory where they pulled out about a hundred rugs none of which we bought. After the Medina we went to a beautiful white-washed village called Sidi Bou Said. It looked just like Greece with white houses with blue doors and windows. It is the high rent district. The president of the country lives there along with all the rest of the rich folks. It was high above the Mediterranean and you would have thought you were in Santorini. It was lovely.

I promise to try to get some more photos on, but it's really difficult. We hope everyone reading this is well. As I mentioned, we have a few more days on this leg of the cruise before we dock in Athens to begin the next part of the journey. I am taking all kinds of potions to stay well and so far, so good. It's goodbye for now from beautiful Malta.