Tunisia – Our “homestay” visit

First, if ordered in a restaurant, couscous must be reserved 24 hours in advance! What, it takes you guys 24 hours to make it? Yup. It’s like the easiest thing in the world and 5 minutes max. But, whenever we asked, they all said the same thing! Wow.


Anyhow, Carl on one of his treks out exploring the town befriended a local jewelry vendor named Jed. Jed was one of the few English speaking vendors. Long story short, they got to talking and went out for a coffee. You know, the local having the low down on all the “spots” to go. Funny thing however, because of Tunisia’s fragile and budding tourism industry, the port captain would not allow Jed on Carl’s boat without first registering their friendship with the local authorities! Wow, that was a new one for us all. Cool, and Jed happily obliged. He was straight up and not trying to scam anyone. He even went so far as to invite us to his home for dinner. Again, very cool.

Saturday night (the 26th) arrived, the “big night”, and Jed met us at the boat to escort us to his home. He lived up on the hillside, in one of the four homes his uncle owned. It was a lot like China, in the fact that families all lived together in homes owned and passed down for generations.

Anyhow, upon entrance into the courtyard of his house, we were greeted by his wife, his mother, another girl staying with them, and a brother. It was a family event and a huge deal for them. His mother and wife had spent all day preparing. However, they did not eat with us because they spoke no English and were uncomfortable. We were lead directly into the dinning area/ living room, which was separate from the rest of the rooms of the house – kind of like a hutung. Anyhow, it was a modest room, sparsely decorated, with a TV (turned on to the National Geographic channel – where Jed learns/practices his English), a china hutch, an old 1950's radio, and some Muslim art work. Their were also some padded benches/couches along two of the walls. The floor was titled and beautiful.


Long story short, it was really nice. They served couscous and even prepared some special "vegetarian" items for me. I got 2 salads! Anyhow, the main point was Jed especially wanted us (the Americans) to walk away with a different perspective/outlook on Muslim people. Not all Muslims are from Afghanistan, nor are they mean evil terrorists. Quite on the contrary. There are so many Muslims, from all over the world. Anyhow, you get me point, and we certainly got Jed's. It was quite the olive branch.


Tunisia Pictures are finally uploaded - Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katnbrian/sets/72157623221252110/