Port El Kantaoui

After a few days in Scotland, David got very itchy feet and was in the mood to set off again. We couldn't go for very long as we needed to be back for the pups arriving from Bulgaria and of course there was the all important Hibernian versus Arbroath football game that could not be missed. We wanted to go somewhere in Africa as this meant we would have been in the five main continents during our year off. We looked at both Morocco and Tunisia, we heard good reports about both although Tunisia did come out best overall and there were flights from Glasgow to there, so that settled that. 

This was the first package holiday we have done in a long time and there was very much a holiday atmosphere on the plane, it was a lively crowd which actually seemed very strange. There was constant noise, chatter and dare I say it quite a bit of drink being consumed.  

We arrived at night time so couldn't really see what the place looked like but the hotel was beautiful and our room was lovely. In the morning we woke up to this amazing view from our room. As you can see it was quite cloudy on the first morning but we still braved a walk along the beach. 

There was a meeting for new guests on the first morning which gave us choices of what was available in the area. We booked three trips, Carthage, El Djem and  a vist to a local animal park followed by an African culture evening. 

At the meeting we were told of local scams to look out for, these included locals pretending to know you, saying that they served you at your hotel the day before and offering to show you around but taking you to their relatives shops. Another was that they pretend to pick up a coin, usually an euro and asking you what it is worth to get you engaged in conservation. We were also told that when haggling we should aim for 25% of what they originally ask for. 

After the meeting we headed off to the harbour. It was nice wandering around there and the sun came out to make it even more pleasant. It is winter in Tunisia so it is not their busy season which meant all the stall keepers and boat trip companies were out to grab any passing tourists. I really don't like that when you can't walk along in peace, I have to keep reminding myself that they are just trying to make a living. 

There are lots of pirate ships vying for business. When I told them I suffered from sea sickness I was kindly offered a free plastic bag, I declined. 

It was lovely and peaceful there due to being out of season. You can either walk down to the harbour  by road or along the beach . On the road walk there are some fixed price shops, perfect for me as I don't like haggling. We did it as a circuit, the beach only had a few people on it, we did see men in wetsuits going out with spear guns but I am not sure what they were catching. 

When we returned to our room the housemaid had made these lovely creations from our bed sheets and towels, what a skill to have, I wish I could do that.