Friday, July 11, 2008

A Day At Monastir

We set off today for Monastir, again travelling by luage. We visited the mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, the first leader of the Republic of Tunisia. He was a visionary and introduced change and modernisation. He separated religion and state and gave women new freedoms. As a result of his reforms, Tunisia is today one of the most liberal thinking Muslim countries.

The Ribat is located right on the coast and we had wonderful views of the city and beaches from its tower. It had very interesting walls and gates. The Great Mosque dates from the 9th century but as we were visiting on a Friday, we couldnt enter. We then spent some time in the Medina and mada a few purchases despite the small bag we have with us.

We were back in Sousse in time for a late lunch abd an afternoon visit to a fascinating musuem. it was an old home of a wealthy noble complete with furnishings as if they had just gone out for the day.

We also fitted in afternoon drinks and a swim.

We are off to Gabes tomorrow.

3 comments:

Miss Di said...

I keep reading luage as lugage and imagining you zipping around on the back of a wheelie bag!

gailandrob said...

It is a shared taxi and is sometimes a large car but also maybe a mini van.

Anonymous said...

You mean they DON'T have magic bags? How disappointing! :)