Sunday, October 27, 2013
Conclusion
My trip to Tunisia has come to an end am I am writing this while on the long plane ride home. The trip has defiantly given me a new outlook as to what to think about other countries. Going into this trip all I had to go off of was the stereo types generally thought to be true in the United States. But the country of Tunisia has shifted my view. This country fits none of the middle eastern stereotypes. It felt more like a tropical getaway than a middle eastern excursion. The beautiful beaches and the very friendly people are very inviting. The interesting scenery and history of this country are definite points of interest.
Conflicts in Tunisia
Tunisia hasn't been in to many conflicts in its rich history. In 2011, Tunisians rose in protest gainst the government in what is called the Jasmin Revolution. The protests were provoked by years of corruption by the Ben Ali regime and revelations of the extent of regime graft and corruption that was revealed by diplomatiuc cables released through Wikileaks. When a street vendor was arrested and fined for failing to have a permit and assessed a US$7.00 fine, the man protested by setting himself on fire. His act was literally the spark that ignited a revolution. Despite the recent conflict I gave the country a try. And so far I am loving the weather, scenery and history
The great Dougga Ruins
Today we visited the Dougga ruins near Tunis the capital of Tunisia. The ruins are very interesting in that they are the most complete set of roman city ruins. The ruins feature a complete town from the roman occupancy of Tunisia. It has capital buildings, houses, a theater that has been put into use today.
A Little history
Tunisia has a very interesting history, having changed hands a few times but still having kept the culture alive. Tunisia was nominally under the Ottoman Turks who had seized control in 1574 after a brief Spanish occupation. Ottoman control loosened, and the Beys of Tunisia ruled directly, through the Marauded and Husaynid dynasties. The Ottoman Empire used the Turkish language; with it arrived a multi-ethnic influx. Prior to the Ottoman and Beylical era, the long medieval period had seen a cultural renaissance under the rule of native Berbers, already Arabized.
Tunisia today is a vibrant country with diverse people and cultures that flow very well with the slightly tropical landscape and beautiful beaches
Arrival
it takes about 17 hours to travel to Tunisia. A warm humid breeze hit as I got out of the plane. I was excited to get to my hotel. The marhala matmata hotel, where some scenes for star wars were shot because of the interesting landscape and rooms carved into caves. I had decided to travel to Tunisia because I wanted to learn more about the country. It is in the Middle East depending on where you draw the lines but it seems to be one of the only countries with beaches.being just over the size of the state of Georgia the country is not the largest in the area but it might just be the most beautiful
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