Essential Tunisia - Issue 10 by Bluuprint

In This Issue LIFESTYLE Places Tunis: Landmarks; Medinas, Mosques and Museums

Healthy Living Summer Sun: Eye protection is vital

Fashion Sunglasses: What about Style?

Sunglasses for Sport: Function or Fashion? Health Matters Protect your eyes from the effects of the sun

Tunisian & Mediterranean Cooking Tunisian Style Meat Patties

Motoring Lancis Delta “Hard Black”

FEATURE Sport: World Cup Special Blame it on the ball

July 2010

HOMESTYLE 58

Get The Designer Look in your House or Apartment

BUSINESS 68

Tunisia hosts the 1st International Olive Oil Exhibition

Business Directory

REGULARS 52

Tunisia Tourist Map

Places of interest in Tunisia

Monthly Horoscope

The Birthday File

68 81

Famous Days in Tunisia

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Welcome,

Essential Tunisia Magazine Published by : eOMG Information: info@livetunisia.net Advertising: ads@livetunisia.net Design & Editing: LiveTunisia.com Contibutors : LiveTunisia.com Photos : LiveTunisia.com Opportunites : you@livetunisia.net

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy and legality, the Publisher accepts no liability or responsibility for the material published herein, the views of our contributors are not necessarily the views of the Editor. The Publisher further accepts no liability or responsibility for errors in content or quality that occur beyond all reasonable control of the Editor. The contents of this publication are the property of the publisher and nothing may be reproduced, stored in a retrival system or transmitted in any form without express permission in writing from the editor.

To the tenth issue of our monthly digital magazine brought to you by LiveTunisia.com. Summer is here, and this months edition continues the “summer sun” theme, but this time with a look at the effects on our eyes and how best to protect them. We continue with the third and final part of our series which takes an in-depth look at the capital city Tunis, and spotlight Tunisian olive oil in our business section. There are all our regular homestyle pages, Tunisian cuisine and business directory, plus a slightly different look at this continents hosting of the world, as we get the ball out! For those of you visiting Tunisia, there is our regular tourist guide and map, with a quick look at the main places of interest, so there really is something for everyone.... With our interactive magazine, you can access further information instantly by clicking on any items of interest, turn pages, adjust the size, etc. We hope you enjoy our magazine and it’s features, and are always interested in your comments and feedback, which you can send to us at ed@livetunisia.net. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook on which you can now access our page directly at . . . . . www.facebook.com/essentialtunisia Please “Suggest to Your Friends” to help get the word out! Thankyou.

You can still read our past issues here

LIFESTYLE

In this, the final part of our detailed look at the capital city, Tunis, we turn our attention to the features that make up the city itself. With an area of 270 hectares, the medina of Tunis has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and contains some 600 monuments, including palaces, mosques, mausoleums, madrasas and fountains, many dating from the Almohad and the Hafsid periods. These include: The Great Mosque (including the Muslim University and library); The Aghlabid EzZitouna Mosque ("Mosque of the Olive") built in 723 by Obeid Allah Ibn-al-Habhab; The Dar-alBey, or Bey's Palace, believed to stand on the remains of a Roman theatre; and the tenth century palace of Ziadib-Allah II al Aghlab.

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The medina became the capital of a powerful kingdom during the Hafsid era, and was considered a religious, intellectual and economic centre for the Middle East, Africa and Europe. A great fusion of influences can be seen blending Andalusian styles with eastern influences, and Roman or Byzantine columns, and typical Arab architecture, characterized by the numerous archways.

Tunis

Places

View over the medina

Part Three: Landmarks of Tunis; Medinas, Mosques and Museums The architectural heritage is also present in the homes of individuals as well as in the palace of the sovereign of Kasbah. Although some palaces date back to the Middle Ages, a large number of prestigious houses were built in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries such as Dar Othman (early 17th century) Dar Ben Abdallah (18th century), and Dar Hussein. The main palace beys are those of La Marsa, Bardo and Ksar Said.

Add in the mosques and oratories (about 200), the Madrassah (El Bachia, El Achouria, etc.), the zaouias (Mahrez Sidi Sidi Ali Azouz, Sidi Abdel Kader, etc.) and Tourbet El Fellari and Tourbet El Bey, and the number of monuments in Tunis approaches 600. Unlike Algiers, Palermo and Naples, its historical heart has never suffered from major natural disasters or urban destructive revolutions, which is why the medina was made into a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, the Medina is one of the best preserved urban locations in the Arab world.

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LIFESTYLE

Other landmarks in and around Tunis include the Bardo Museum, originally a 13th century Hafsid palace, which contains a major collection of antiquities from the period of the Roman empire, including an unparalleled collection of mosaics. There are also the ruins of Carthage nearby, along the coast to the northeast, with its vast ruins of a once great civilisation.

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Then there are the souks, a network of covered streets lined with shops, traders and artisans, usually grouped according to their speciality. Clothing merchants, perfumers, fruit sellers, booksellers and wool merchants, all have goods at the souks, while fishmongers and potters tend to be on the periphery of the markets. North of the Zitouna Mosque is the

Tunis

Souk El Attarine, built in the early eighteenth century. It is known for its essences and perfumes. From here, there is a street leading to the Souk Ech-Chaouachya (Chechya) which is said to be still operated by descendants of Andalusian immigrants expelled from Spain. Attached to El Attarine are two other souks: the first, along the western edge of the Zitouna Mosque, is the Souk El Kmach which is noted for its fabrics, and the second, the Souk El Birka, which was built in the seventeenth century, houses embroiderers and jewelers.

The Kasbah, Tunis

In the middle there is a square where the former slave market stood until the middle of the nineteenth century. Souk El Birka leads to Souk El Leffa, a souk that sells all kinds of carpets, blankets and other weavings, and extends with the Souk Es Sarragine, built in the early eighteenth century and specializing in leather.

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From its very earliest days, Tunis was considered an important military base. The Arab geographer El Yacoubi wrote in the ninth century that Tunis was “surrounded by a wall of brick and clay except the side of the sea where it was stone”. Bab El-Jazeera, perhaps the oldest gate of the south wall, opened onto the southern road. Bab Cartagena gave access to Carthage. Bab Souika (initially known as Bab El Saqqayin) had a strategic role opening onto the roads to Bizerte, Béja and Le Kef. Bab Menara (initially known as Bab El Artha) opened onto the medina, and Bab El Bhar allowed access to some fondouks where Christian merchants lived in Tunis. With the development of the capital under the reign of the Hafsids, two emerging suburbs grew outside the walls at Bab El Jazira in the south and Bab Souika to the north. In the early fourteenth century, six new gates were built including Bab El Khadra, Bab Saadoun, Bab El Allouj, Khalid or Bab Bab Sidi Abdallah Cherif, Bab El Fellah and Bab Alioua.

Tunis

Bab El Bhar

In the Ottoman period, four new gates were established: Bab Laassal, Bab Sidi Abdesselam, Bab El Bab Gorjani and Sidi Kacem. The city retains some of these gates including Bab El Khadra, Bab El Bhar and Bab Jedid but some of the earlier ones have long disappeared.

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Tunis As in the rest of the country, a very large majority of the population of Tunis (around 98%) is Sunni Muslim. The capital is home to a large number of mosques in various architectural styles, dependent on the respective era of their construction. The main mosque, and certainly the oldest, is the Zitouna Mosque, founded in 698 and built in 732. This is at the very heart of the Medina, and is a prestigious place of worship, still hosting all the main ceremonies of the Muslim calendar. The mosque in the Kasbah, was founded in 1230, and is recognisable mainly by the dome as well as its minaret, which is the highest in the city. Cathedral of St Vincent, Tunis

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Places Ksar Mosque is located in front of Dar Hussein (Bab Menara) was built in the 12th century. Sidi Mahrez mosque, built in 1692, resembles the Ottoman S체leymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, and the Saheb Ettaba창 Mosque, built between 1808 and 1814 was the last mosque built by the Tunis Husseinites before the French occupation. The presence of modern churches in Tunis are also testimony to the French Protectorate period. Tunis is the seat of the Diocese of Tunis, located at the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul, which was built in 1897 on the site of the old Christian cemetery of Saint-Antoine. This includes a network of buildings, such as the Church of St. Joan of Arc, and also the Protestant Reformed Church and the Anglican church SaintGeorges.

Statue of Ibn Khaldoun in Independence Square, Avenue Bourguiba

The small Orthodox community is centered around the Greek Orthodox Church (1862), and the Russian Orthodox Church (1957), reflecting the presence in Tunisia of a small colony of white Russian refugees and immigrants. Judaism meanwhile still has a presence in the city, despite the emigration of a large part of the community after independence. Among the places of worship are Beit Yaacouv Synagogue and especially the Great Synagogue of Tunis, built at the end of the 1940s to replace the former Great Synagogue which was demolished as part of the Jewish redevelopment area, the Hara.

Essential Tunisia

Tunis

Tunis has some large parks, many of which were established at the end of the nineteenth century by the authorities of the French protectorate. The largest and oldest of these is Belvedere Park overlooking Lake Tunis. It is also home to several notable museums. Located in the old palace of the Bey of Tunis since the end of the 18th century, the Bardo National Museum is the most important archaeological museum in the Maghreb, and has one of the richest Roman mosaic collections in the world. In 1964 the Dar Ben Abdallah palace became the home of the capital's Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, which houses numerous traditional items of the everyday lives of families of the Medina quarter.

Bardo Museum, Tunis

The Museum of the National Movement, situated in Dar MaĂ˘kal Az-ZaĂŻm, which was the residence of Habib Bourguiba for the entirety of the fight for independence, after which a museum was built there to relate the details of the national struggle between 1938 and 1952. The National Military Museum, opened in 1989 in west of the city, holds a collection of 23,000 weapons, over half of which date back to the 19th century, and some of which were used by Tunisian troops during the Crimean War.

Essential Tunisia

Tunis

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Railway Station Avenue Habib Bourguiba Theatre Palace Cathedral of St. Vincent Independence Square Kasbah Zitouna Mosque Souks

Essential Tunisia

Tunis is also at the centre of Tunisian culture and the arts. The Tunisian Symphonic Orchestra, created in 1969 by the Minister of Culture, regularly producedes concerts at the Municipal Theater and in various cultural spaces throughout the city.

Tunis

The Théâtre municipal de Tunis and cafes along the Avenue Bourguiba

The Théâtre municipal de Tunis, created in 1902, showcases opera, ballet, symphonic concerts, etc. The National Theatre of Tunisia is an important public enterprise, and since 1988 has been located in the Khaznadar palace (renamed "Theatre Palace"). The Al Hamra theater was the second to be opened in Tunis, and was one of the most famous theaters in the capital during the 1930s and 1940s. After being closed for fifteen years, it was turned into the first Arab-African center for theater training and research.

Film producers and cinema have long been present in the city of Tunis, with the first animated film shown in Tunis by the Lumiere brothers as early as 1896. The first cinema, the Omnia Pathé, opened on October 1908, and the first film club opened in Tunis in 1946. The city holds several festivals each year, of which the largest is the Carthage International Festival which takes place in July and August . Founded in 1964, some of the festival is held in an old amphitheater of Carthage, and hosts performances of singers, musicians, actors and dancers.

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Sport has played a major part in the city of Tunis over the last hundred years or so. At the beginning of the twentieth century a number of sports institutions were established in Tunis, especially in a school or college setting. The Muslim Association of Tunisia in 1905 brought together students from LycĂŠe Alaoui and Sadiki College to organize gymnastics. A regional gymnastics competition was held in Tunis in 1912 with the participation of thousands of French gymnasts. Football made its appearance in the capital on 15 September 1904, with the creation of the first football club of the country, the Racing Club Tunis on 11 May 1905.

Tunis

RadĂ¨s Stadium

But football was not the only discipline to emerge, as between 1928 and 1955 the city competed for nine editions of the Grand Prix of Tunis in which notable drivers of the age once raced. The city has also held the Mediterranean Games twice, in 1967 and 2001 and the intertational tennis tournament, the Tunis Open, which is included in the ATP Challenger Series. The World Championship finals for men in team handball was also held in Tunis on February 6, 2005.

The first true sports facilities were managed under the French protectorate, such as the Ksar Said racecourse or the Stade Chedli Zouiten in Belvedere, which had long been the main stadium in the capital before being supplanted by the Olympic stadium, Stade El Menzah where EST and CA play their football today. The olympic stadium and olympic village area was built in Rades to accommodate the Mediterranean Games in 1967.

Esperance Sportive de Tunis (EST), Club Africain (CA) and Stade Tunisien are the major sports clubs in the city. The EST are traditionally supported by the wealthy bourgeois and middle classes, while the CA are supported by the general working class, despite playing at the same stadium.

In 2008, the government announced the start of construction of a large sports complex that includes several sports academies, a 20,000-seat stadium and a swimming center. Known as Tunis Sports City, it will expand around the lake of Tunis, on the road to La Marsa. Essential Tunisia

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A Metro tram approaches the main railway station in Tunis

The city of Tunis is served by the Tunis-Carthage International Airport, located 8 kilometers northeast of the centre. The terminal, which has been operational since 1940 (originally under the name of Tunis El Aouina) handles 40% of the total airport traffic in the country, a figure that has increased to over 7 million passengers with the rise in tourism. Tunis is the central point in which the main roads and all highways that serve different parts of the country of Tunis originate. This city has a high density rate of traffic with approximately 40% of the cars in Tunisia, some 700,000 cars on average used in the

city per day. The main roads to other Tunisian cities include: Autoroute A1, Tunis-Sfax; Autoroute A3, Tunis-Oued Zarga; and Autoroute A4, TunisBizerte. The growing metropolitan area is served by an extensive network of public transportation including buses, an above-ground light rail system (le Metro), as well a regional train line (le TGM) that links the city center to its closest northern suburbs. Tunis is also linked to other places in Tunisia by SNCFT, the national railways. For more information on the rail network if you would like to use Tunis as your base visit www.sncft.com.tn

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SUMMER SUN Summer has well and truly arrived here in Tunisia. Last month we looked at the effects of the sun and how best to protect the skin, but the eyes are just as important! Eye protection is vital in the summer sun, but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to sacrifice style for safety. There's such a huge selection of sunglasses styles, prices and features that sometimes it's difficult to decide which pair is the "best." Then there are the tourist centres, with shops selling â&#x20AC;&#x153;nameâ&#x20AC;? brands at ridiculously cheap prices. Can they really offer the protection you need or are they just a fashion accessory? You need to get the facts about sunglasses and their components to learn which ones provide the best protection and comfort for your eyes. UV Protection - A Critical Feature The most important benefit your sunglasses should provide is protection from ultraviolet radiation, a component of sunlight that contributes to eye disease. It is recommended that you look for sunglasses with lenses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation (100% is best). The label should read UV 400 or 100% UV protection. Common Lens Materials Lens materials differ. Some are heavier than others, some are more durable. Three materials commonly used for sunglass lenses are:- Polycarbonate a durable, lightweight plastic. - CR-39, a plastic used mostly in prescription-grade lenses. - Glass, durable but much heavier to wear. Lens Coatings and Films The important UV filtering capability already mentioned is one coating that's applied to sunglass lenses, but there are many others:

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LIFESTYLE

Lens Tints Colours are applied to lenses to help absorb light as it passes through them. The colour you choose is a matter of personal taste, but there are important colour-related benefits to consider. Gray tints reduce brightness, but do not distort colour. Brown and amber reduce glare, including the glare created by the blue frequency in sunlight, which creates a hazy appearance. These tints distort colours more than gray lenses do. Yellow tints reduce the haze from blue light better than browns, so they really sharpen up the view, but they cause more colour distortion. Green tinted lenses reduce glare and filter out a portion of the blue light. They provide good contrast between objects. Rose coloured lenses might be a good choice if you participate in water sports or other outdoor activities, because they offer good contrast for objects viewed against blue or green backgrounds. Essential Tunisia

LIFESTYLE Effects of the sun!

The eyes are just as important!

Polarized Lenses Polarizing films applied to lenses help reduce the glare created when light bounces off of some objects, such as water, roads and other similar surfaces. Scratch Resistance A thin film of a durable substance is applied as a final coating to make lenses more resistant to scratches. Remember that plastic lenses scratch more easily than glass lenses. Mirrored Lenses You've seen these sunglasses -the outside of the lenses look like mirrors because they're coated with a special material. They're popular, but mirrored lenses scratch easily because the mirror finish is applied last. Photochromatic Lenses Photochromatic (or photochromic) lenses become darker when exposed to UV radiation. The shift happens quickly as your surroundings change from bright to dim. Anti-Reflective Coatings Anti-reflective coatings reduce the reflection caused by light that hits the back side of lenses, keeping it from bouncing into your eyes. Frame Components Frames are made from plastic, base metals, titanium, aluminum and many other materials. Try many types of frames on to compare their weight and to find out which ones feel the best.

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LIFESTYLE What About Style? Sunglass styles change every year, just like any other fashion component, but the selections are so varied that no pair you love will ever really go "out" of fashion. And since sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be effective, you don't have to spend a fortune to develop a nice collection.

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Fashion Designer and specialty sunglasses (such as those used for sports) definitely cost more than most, but you'll find all kinds of fashion glasses for sale at affordable prices. In many cases, particularly in fashion accessory ranges, you are often paying that bit extra for the name or “brand”. Just because they are more expensive, they don’t always offer you more protection. Watch the UV ratings carefully and where possible check the authenticity of the claimed level of protection. Follow these basic rules and you'll be fine. Unless you already know which frame shapes look good on you, go shopping and try on as many styles as possible.

There should always be mirrors available so check out how you look to others, as a particular style on your friend may not always suit your face. If you can get permission to walk outside with glasses on, do it, so that you can find out how they actually work in the sunlight.

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LIFESTYLE Don't Forget the Kids Children need just as much, if not more protection from UV radiation and glare than us adults, so take care when buying sunglasses for them, as they rely on you to make the correct decisions for their eye protection. Forget about those flimsy over-sized, brightlycoloured play sunglasses, and get them something that will protect their eyes by applying the same rules as you would to your ownpair

Extra Protection Sunglass lenses that wrap around to your temples keep out more light and UV radiation than typical lenses. A wide brimmed hat offers just as much, if not more protection from the sun and helps keep your skin in better shape. Experts tell us that, as we age, less squinting equals fewer wrinkles.

So, protect those eyes now!

Essential Tunisia

Sunglasses for Sport

Function or What to wear on your eyes when you play. Athletes wear sunglasses for the way they look as much as for the way they protect. With all the slick frames and interchangeable lens systems now available, it is hard to separate quality from fashion. You should not forget that as an athlete, sunglasses are necessary for keeping your eyes healthy and free from injury.

You may wonder if the sunglasses for specific sports really make a difference. Sport eyewear in general tends to be safer than regular sunglasses because the lenses and frames are made of polycarbonate, which won't shatter if struck and can give you the benefits of both sunglasses and protective eyewear. Also, certain lens colours can reduce glare and eye strain while they improve visual clarity and enhance details.

Essential Tunisia

LIFESTYLE Fashion?

In addition to protecting the eyes from flying debris, glasses are an important protection against the damage of UV rays. Ultraviolet radiation has been linked to cataracts, benign growths on the eye's surface, cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes, and even photokeratitis, (snow blindness) a temporary but painful sunburn of the eye's surface. While sunglasses don't have to be expensive to offer good protection it is often hard to identify quality lenses. Besides a lack of uniform labeling by manufacturers, many buyers don't know what to look for and high price doesn't always mean high quality. Some inexpensive sunglasses have quality lenses, while some high-priced sunglasses have cheap lenses in expensive frames.

Essential Tunisia

What to wear on your eyes when you play.

LIFESTYLE

Some of the most popular for a multitude of sports are the frames with interchangeable lenses for different conditions. These can protect from glare or be altered to plain lenses to protect from wind, or even to sharpen visibility on an overcast day. Identifying high quality sunglass lenses They block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B They screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light They match perfectly in colour and absorption and are free of distortion and imperfection. Optimal lens colours are gray, which does not modify colours, green or brown. Wrap-around frames provide added UV protection for bright environments. Other features of sunglasses can include polarizing lenses, which reflect glare, and are good for skiers, boaters and cyclists.

Buying sunglasses Don't always be fooled by stick-on UV labels on lenses. To be sure non-photochromic lenses block enough light, try them on in front of a mirror. If you can see your eyes easily through the lenses, the lenses probably aren't dark enough.

Photochromic lenses darken or lighten with the amount of light present and may be useful if weather conditions keep changing.

Hold the sunglasses at arm's length; look through them at a straight line in the distance, such as the edge of a door. Slowly move the lens across the line. If the straight edge distorts, sways, curves or moves, the lens has imperfections.

Mirror coatings are best for intense glare (such as water), and wrap-around frames block more glare, wind and debris around the sides of the eyes.

The bottom line is to look for sunglasses that block 99 - 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays and 75 - 90 percent of visible light. Essential Tunisia

LIFESTYLE Effects of the Sun As you relax on your favourite beach here in Tunisia this summer, or maybe lounge around the hotel pool, and you put on the sunscreen to protect your skin, don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes. The same harmful rays that damage skin can also increase your risk of developing eye problems, such as cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens that develops over years. In the short-term, people who spend long hours on the beach without adequate eye protection can develop photokeratitis, a reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition can result in temporary loss of vision. When sunlight reflects off the white sandy beaches of Tunisiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mediterranean coast and clear blue water, it can further increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation considerably. These invisible high-energy rays lie just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum. Everyone is at risk for eye damage from the sun year-round. Fishermen, labourers, beach-goers, and others who spend time in the sun for extended periods are at highest risk.

Essential Tunisia

Healthy Living

Enjoy your time in the sun but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to protect your eyes from the damaging effects it can have

Essential Tunisia

Healthy Living

LIFESTYLE

Protect your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun UV radiation in sunlight is commonly divided into UVA and UVB, and your sunglasses should block both forms. Don't assume that you get more UV protection with pricier sunglasses or glasses with a darker tint. Look for a label that specifically states that the glasses offer 99 percent to 100 percent UV protection. Sunglasses should be dark enough to reduce glare, but not dark enough to distort colours and affect the recognition of traffic signals. Tint is mainly a matter of personal preference. People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should still wear sunglasses. Children also should wear sunglasses. They shouldn't be toy sunglasses, but real sunglasses that indicate the UV-protection level just as with adults. Polycarbonate lenses are generally recommended for children because they are the most shatter-resistant. Experts say that wearing sunglasses reduces the risk of eye damage due to sun exposure, but doesn't completely eliminate it. Even with glasses of 100 percent UV protection, light still enters from the sides and can be reflected into the eye. Some people choose sunglasses that wrap all the way around. A hat with a wide brim can also help block sunlight that comes in from overhead.

It is better to be safe than suffer long term eye damage in the future.

Essential Tunisia

LIFESTYLE Tunisian Style Ground Meat Patties Meat patties are popular in many countries as they are quick and easy to make by just covering the mix in flour and egg and pan frying. They are often made for parties, barbecues, holidays, or when you have guests over. It's a fun food, and is the sort of thing you can make beforehand and warm up when the guests arrive. You can alter to suit your tastes. This particular recipe has a distinct Tunisian flavour. Ingredients 800g Ground Beef 8 Sprigs Parsley, finely chopped 1 Teaspoon Salt 1 Teaspoon Pepper 1 Teaspoon Cayenne 1 Small Teaspoon Harissa (to your taste) 2 Cups Bread Crumbs 1 Large Onion, finely chopped 1 Red Chilli, finely chopped Flour (for dusting) 4 Medium Eggs, (beaten fo dipping) 1/4 Cup Olive Oil, for frying 2 Tablespoons Tunisian Olive Oil 6 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste 1 Teaspoon Cayenne 2 Cups Water

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Tunisian & Mediterranean Cooking Step by step Mix meat, parsley, cayenne, breadcrumbs, chilli, harissa and onions together in a small mixing bowl. Add the salt and pepper, then form into small balls of the mix, flatten the ball slightly into patties, and then set aside. Put the flour in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk until yolk and white are one. Now place each of the patties in the flour bowl, dust off the excess, then dip in egg. Heat the oil in a frying pan or skillet, and brown the patties over a moderate heat for 4 minutes per side. Drain on kitchen paper to absorb any excess grease, then set aside. Heat the remaining oil in the pan and fry the garlic over moderate heat for 1 minute, then add tomato paste, cayenne, and water. Bring this to the boil and cook for 15 minutes. Finally, add patties to the pan and simmer gently until all the sauce has evaporated (about a further 15 minutes). These are perfectly delicious on their own, on a bed of couscous, with a bowl of rice, or in a bun as an alternative to a burger. They cost very little, and take no time at all to make! ( You could even get the kids involved with the coating and dipping! ) And if that wasn't enough, this is a great way to sneak some vegetables into foods that children (or picky eaters) will eat. Just tell them it's a little burger! Essential Tunisia

Blame it on the ball! So, here we are, at the time of going to press, the World Cup has finally taken shape, and it’s left to the last eight in the competition to fight it out. (See page 45) After a somewhat slow start, finally, we have had some exceptional matches, some fantastic goals, but still we have had the continual mumblings about the controversial “Jabulani” ball. Although we are reliably informed that the engineering that went into making this year’s World Cup ball is the best that geometry, materials science and aerodynamics will allow, many players, particularly goalkeepers, remain to be convinced.

the eye's ability to see and track the ball even when it was only a few pixels on the screen.

Adidas have been making FIFA's World Cup balls for four decades, since it developed the Telstar for the 1970 tournament in Mexico. The Telstar's design became the archetypal, iconic soccer ball: a sphere of 32 hexagons and pentagons, said to be the roundest ball possible at the time. Also, the alternating black and white panels created great visual contrast on the televisions of the day, improving

However, the many hand-stitched seams turned out to be a problem, as they create corners, and kicking one produces different results than kicking a panel, which can alter the ball's trajectory. The seams also absorb water, making the ball heavier and much less responsive in certain conditions. Also, hand-stitching makes each ball different, and with the constant interchanging of balls every time it goes out of play during the game, the differences, however subtle, are hardly helpful.

Essential Tunisia

Sport: World Cup Special The next three decades offered minor improvements to the 32-panel design, but gradually leather gave way to plastic, which absorbed less, and thus both ball and flight performance improved over incrementally over these years. In 2002, the Fevernova ball, built for the World Cup in Japan and Korea, brought the first major change, with the plastic panels being thermally bonded together for the first time. Now totally sealed, this ball didn't absorb any water or change weight, making it bounce much truer.

During the design process, the engineers also discovered that a completely smooth, seamless surface made the ball fly through the air extremely poorly. The seams create turbulence that assists flight stability, so grooves were kept between the bonded panels to stabilise the ball in flight.

Essential Tunisia

Sport It wasn’t me...

In 2006, the World Cup in Germany introduced the 14-panel Teamgeist ball, where the increase in panel surface meant more kickable area, with just enough grooves for flight stability. Although goalkeepers complained about the faster movement of the new design, strangely strikers seemed to like it. This year's Jabulani ball, four years in the making, has had all players crying foul, even the outfield players, who claim it’s apparent lightness make iy difficult not to overhit a cross or prevent a shot flying over the bar. However, it’s the almost imperceptable movement in flight that has goalkeepers returning to the dressing-room, heads bowed.

Essential Tunisia

Algeria's 1-0 defeat to Slovenia on one of the first few days of the competition was memorable only for Robert Koren's shot which goalkeeper Farouzi Chaouchi allowed to bounce past him. Also, England goalkeeper Robert Green's howler in allowing Clint Dempsey's shot to squirm through his grip in the 1-1 draw with the USA was also blamed on the ball. However, the Jabulani was used in this year's African Nations Cup, as well as Germany's Bundesliga, so much of the negative reaction could simply be the players not being used to it. Then there is the additional factor of some of the games being played at altitude, which has different effects to that at sea level

World Cup Special It was the ball...

Makers Adidas have reduced the panel count to 8, making it geometrically the roundest ball ever. The surface of the panels are still bonded thermally, and have a texture in the form of a tenth of a millimetre of dots and dashes, which improves grip and breaks the surface tension of any water on the ball. This actually gets the water off faster than if the surface were smooth, assists flight stability and keeps the ball's weight as constant as possible.

The designers say they worked hard to create the most neutral ball they could, which reacts solely to the actions of the player, so maybe it is simply the difference which is causing the problems, as players were so used to the characteristics of the old ball. Time, and practice, will surely cause the protestations to die down, but whether the Jabulani ball will have the longevity of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s predecessors, and stay around until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, remains to be seen.

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World Cup Special â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, here we are, at the time of going to press, the World Cup has finally taken shape, and the original 32 teams have been reduced to the last eight in the competition to fight it out.â&#x20AC;?

Quarter-final Matches 2 Jul, 15:00 QF1 2 Jul, 19:30 QF2 3 Jul, 15:00 QF3 3 Jul, 19:30 QF4

Holland v Brazil Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth Uruguay v Ghana First National Bank Stadium, Johannesburg Argentina v Germany Green Point Stadium, Cape Town Paraguay v Spain Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg

Semifinal Matches 6 Jul, 19:30 SF1 Winner of QF2 v Winner of QF1 7 Jul, 19:30 SF2 Winner of QF3 v Winner of QF4

Green Point Stadium, Cape Town Durban Stadium, Durban

Third-place play-off 10 Jul, 19:30 Loser of SF1 v Loser of SF2

Nelson Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth

FINAL 11 Jul, 19:30 Winner of SF1 v Winner of SF2

First National Stadium, Johannesburg

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Motoring

Lancia, partner and official car of the "Taormina Film Festival 2010" Just sixty miles from Tunis, on the beautiful island of Sicily, Lancia partnered and was the official car of the "Taormina Film Festival held June 12 to 18 in the wonderful setting of the Teatro Antico in Taormina, one of the most important monuments in Sicily. Also this year Lancia is a partner of the 2010 "Silver Ribbon", the prestigious award from the National Union of Italian Film Journalists.

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Also on show at the event was the special Delta Hard Black â&#x20AC;&#x153;autographed by celebrities from the entertainment world and the film industryâ&#x20AC;? at the recent Cannes Film Festival.

The Lancia Delta "Hard Black"

Now in its 56th edition, the film festival is a great showcase of major film premieres from around the world. In addition, the Festival has become over the years a multi-faceted event which has discovered many talents, and is a meeting point between directors, actors, experts and enthusiasts.

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Motoring Actor Colin Firth and his wife Livia Giuggioli arrive at Taormina Film Festival 2010

Lancia provided the organization with a fleet of Lancia Delta "Hard Black" cars to accompany personalities and movie stars as they moved to Taormina. Characterized by some important innovations, the special series "Hard Black", an exclusive body colour with matte treatment combined with gloss black roof, is the first mass produced car to have this original painting process which takes over 4 hours per car. Moreover, the new Delta model is not just about aesthetics, but is part of a product philosophy that has among its constituent parts elegance, glamor, personality, style and maximum customization. The Lancia Delta "Hard Black" is available with engines from 200 bhp 1.8 Di TurboJet Sportronic and 1.9 Twin Turbo 190 HP and the list price for both versions, is 31,300 euros.

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Taormina Film Festival

Actor Robert De Niro Arrives at Taormina Film Fest

In attendence of the film festival were stars, directors and producers from both Italian and European cinema, plus worldwide celebrities such as American actor Robert De Nero and the well-known British actor Colin Firth. With the sponsorship of the Taormina Film Festival, Lancia is consolidating its ties with the world of cinema, a very close relationship as shown by both the direct participation of its cars in some famous films of the medium, including the recent "Angels & Demons", as well as a series of commercials starring the world-famous actor Richard Gere.

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Tunisian Adventure 8 DAYS FROM ÂŁ765 From bustling Berber cities and awesome historical architecture, to swathes of golden desert and spectacular rocky gorges, Tunisia is an enchanting blend of European sophistication and Arabian exoticism. All this included Sousse Visit Medina & Mosque Monastir Visit old town & Bourguiba Mausoleum El Djem Amphitheatre Sfax Visit Medina Gabes Maritime Oasis Matmata Cave dwellings Douz Visit Chott El Jerid Salt plains Tozeur Visit Dar Cherait Museum Red Lizard Train Train ride Sbeitla Roman ruins Kairouan Mosque Dougga Roman ruins Tunis Medina & Bardo museum Carthage Roman ruins Sidi Bou Said Visit Flights: UK - Tunis - UK Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L) and 5 dinners (D) Professional tour director on tour and local representative in resort Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person) Transfers between overseas airport and hotels All local and airport taxes/service charges Single share option (on tour only) no supplement to pay 50

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Advertorial

This holiday has departures available between: 14th Mar 2010 to 19th Dec 2010

DAY 1: UK - Tunis. Fly to Tunis where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. DAY 2: Tunis - Sousse Monastir - El Djem - Sfax. Morning drive to Sousse to stop in the medina, view the Mosque, before heading to Monastir to visit the old town and the Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president. Afternoon, travel to El Djem's impressive heritage site and the imposing 3rd century Roman colosseum, before continuing to Sfax, a former stronghold of Barbary pirates and Tunisia's second largest city, where you'll stay for one night. (B, D) DAY 3: Sfax - Gabes - Matmata - Tamezret - Douz. After exploring Sfax medina, journey via the maritime oasis of Gabes to Matmata, an amazing subterranean cave-dwelling village used in the original 'Star Wars' film. Visit the pretty hilltop town of Tamezret for scenic views of the valley villages en route to the desert outpost of Douz, where you'll stay for one night. Optional camel ride in the desert. (B, L, D) DAY 4: Douz - Chott El Jerid - Tozeur. Travel to spectacular Chott El Jerid, the largest salt pan in the Sahara, and cross the impressive salt lake to Tozeur, an important oasis on the ancient caravan route. Visit the Dar Cherait Museum, to glimpse how a wealthy trading family lived during the late 19th century, plus optional jeep excursion to the mountain oasis of Chebikand folklore show with dinner. (B, L) DAY 5: Tozeur - Red Lizard Train - Gafsa - Sbeitla - Kairouan. Drive to Metlaoui Selja to board the 'Old Bey's' train, now called the Red Lizard Traina and take a spectacular two-hour rail journey through the Gorges of Selja. After lunch in Gafsa, we travel to Sbeitla for a visit to the Roman ruins before continuing to the sacred city of Kairouan for one night. (B, L, D) DAY 6: Kairouan - Dougga - Tunis. Visit Kairouan's Grand Mosque, drive to Dougga for lunch and a visit the Roman ruins, the most extensive in Tunisia, set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Later, head to Tunis, the capital city and your base for the next two nights. (B, L, D) DAY 7: Tunis - Carthage & Sidi-Bou-Said - Tunis. A delightful blend of ancient and modern, Tunis has a colourful medina and a contemporary city centre. Excursions take in the ancient ruins of Carthage and the traditional village of Sidi-BouSaid before returning to admire the famous Bardo Museum, which houses some of the finest Roman mosaics in the world. (B, D) DAY 8: Tunis - UK. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B) Essential Tunisia

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TUNISIA is situated on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, bordered by Algeria in the west and Libya in the south-east. An abrupt southern turn of its shoreline gives Tunisia two faces on the Mediterranean with a coastline 1,148 kilometres in length. Despite its relatively small size, Tunisia has great geographical and climatic diversity. An extension of the Atlas Mountains, traverses Tunisia in the north to the Cape Bon peninsula. The Sahil is along Tunisia's eastern Mediterranean coast famous for its olive groves and beaches. Inland from the Sahil are the Steppes. Much of the southern region is semiarid and desert leading into the Sahara. TUNIS is the capital of Tunisia, and is divided into the old city, known as the medina, and the new city (ville nouvelle in French). Although located on the Mediterranean coast, it is spared much of the tourist beaches and resorts, which lay to the north and south.

Tunisia

Tourist Guide TUNISIA is a beautiful country with many places of interest well worth a visit. The information on these pages is a quick guide to just some of those, but by no means a comprehensive list of all that Tunisia has to offer.

With a population of over 1,500,000, the city still has the feel of being small and compact. The must-see attractions of the capital are The Souq, which is known as one of the most authentic and hassle-free in all of Northern Africa. Bardo Museum, occupying the 13th century palace of the Ottoman-era ruler and renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics. Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul. Built in 1882, this is the largest surviving building from the colonial era, in the neo-Romanesque style. Zitouna Mosque. The largest mosque in Tunisia and an important landmark, dating from the 8th century, although the distinctive square minaret is a later 19th century addition.

The ruins of CARTHAGE, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a former city of the Pheonician and Punic periods dating from the 6th Century BC, and are situated 12 km north of Tunis. This was the base of a powerful empire spanning the entire south Mediterranean and home to a population of the order of half a million people. Its most famous general was Hannibal who famously crossed the Alps to battle the Romans. In 146BC the city finally fell to Rome and its destruction ordered by the Senate. The site was later redeveloped by the Romans and Carthage became the capital of the province of Africa. SFAX is the country’s second city by virtue of it’s population and it’s prowess as an industrial centre. Situated on the east coast of Tunisia, 270 km south of Tunis, the city was founded in AD 849 and is a thriving Mediterranean port on the Gulf of Gabes. From here, you can also take the ferry to Kerkennah Island where you can wander around in a land, virtually unspoilt by modern standards.

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Tourist Guide SOUSSE

SOUSSE is a popular destination, with tourists from Britain, Germany and many East European counties visiting the area. It is one of Tunisia’s oldest cities, and boasts an authentic medina, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the Mediterranean coast it has good beaches and many first class hotels. Most of Sousse's sights are located within the medina, the labyrinth which is at the heart of the city. The Great Mosque is a tranquil place despite its location in the middle of the city. Built in 850 AD, it is simple and austere in the Aghlabite style. The Ribat, whilst not as impressive or extensive as the one in Monastir, is a fortified holy site well worth visit. It served as home to a branch of Islamic warriors very similar in nature to the Hospitaller Knights that lived in Rhodes. Climbing to the top of the watch tower affords you fantastic views over the Medina.

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MONASTIR is a city situated 165km south-east of Tunis and 24 km east of Sousse, on the eastern Mediterranean coast. It is an ancient city dating from Phonecian times, and it is believed it takes it’s name from the French "monastère" (monastery). It is the site of a busy international airport which caters mainly for tourist flights from Europe. Sights to see are theimposing Ribat, which is a fortified monastery located next to the sea with great views from its walls and towers. It has been used in several films as a stand in for Jerusalem, most notably "Monty Python's Life of Brian". Also, there is the impressive Mausoleum of Bourguiba in the centre of a large cemetery in Monastir, which is the resting place and home of the founding president of modern Tunisia.

MONASTIR

Tourist Guide SIDI BOU SAID

SIDI BOU SAID is a beautiful and typical Tunisian village just 20km north of the capital Tunis. The best time to visit is autumn or spring, out of the tourist season, when you can still walk the narrow streets, around white and blue traditional houses, enjoying the views. The village is quite small, and perched on a hill, you can enjoy amazing views of the Mediterranean and Bay of Tunis. BIZERTE is located on the north coast of Tunisia, 65 km north of Tunis and 15 km away from Cap Blanc (the northern-most point in Africa). Noted for its beautiful forests, beaches and scenery, it is known as the oldest and most European city in Tunisia. Originally founded around 1000 BC by Phoenicians from Tyre, it is was also the last town under French control after the rest of the country won its independence.

PORT EL KANTAOUI is a purpose built tourist and residential area began in 1979. It is situated 8km north of Sousse and 65km south of Hammamet, centered around a marina and traditional-style buildings with narrow streets. There is the waterfront with walkway, jetty and yacht pier, the open â&#x20AC;&#x153;squareâ&#x20AC;? in front of the "gate", followed by another pedestrian area containing a musical fountain, shops and restaurants. To the north, there is a golf course as well as a number of hotels. To the south, there is an amusement park and more hotels.

PORT EL KANTAOUI

TOZEUR is a city in south west Tunisia, around 450km from Tunis. With thousands of palm trees, Tozeur is a large oasis from which exported dates are very well known. In ancient times, the oasis was important for the caravan routes through the Sahara, and was an important Roman outpost. From Tozeur there are a selection of camel trips available to explore the edge of the Sahara.

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Tourist Guide EL JEM is a small town in the east of Tunisia, 60km south of Sousse, that houses the remains of a UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman amphitheatre. Formerly the Roman town of Thysdrus, one of the most important in N. Africa after Carthage. The Amphitheatre was built in the middle of the 3rd century AD, but fell into disrepair, with its blocks being used for building the surrounding town and also the Great Mosque in Kairouan. Declared a World Heritage site in 1979, it was more recently used for filming scenes from the Oscar winning film Gladiator. EL KEF is a small city in northwest Tunisia, built onto the southern face of the Jebel Dyr Mountain, which is part of the Tebersouk Mountains, at the east end of the High Atlas Mountains. It is a relaxed town, offering an authentic taste of Tunisia with some interesting sights to see. The main attraction is the Byzantine Kasbah. Noticeable from almost any part of the city, it rises out of the old medina and used to be a site of a series of fortresses dating back to the 5th century BC. DOUZ is a small town in south-central Tunisia, often known as the "Gateway to the Sahara". The town has grown up around a large palm oasis that is a large producer of "diglat noor" dates.

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EL JEM

KAIROUAN, a Muslim holy city, ranks 4th after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem as a place of pilgrimage. Situated 55km inland from Sousse, it's mosques and cultural history have seen it added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main sights are The Great Mosque, one of the finest Islamic buildings in North Africa, and Bi'r Barouta, which is a Well at the place where the city was founded, and one of the holiest sites in the city for Muslims. The Medina in general is a nice place to wander around, although it may well look familiar as it was used in Raiders of the Lost Ark to double for Cairo.

KAIROUAN

Tourist Guide HAMMAMET

HAMMAMET is a resort town located in the south east of the northern peninsula of Cap Bon in the Governorate of Nabeul, on the northern edge of the Gulf of Hammamet.It lies just 65km south of Tunis and 85km north of Sousse and was one of the first tourist destinations in Tunisia. Due to its fine beaches it has become a popular destination for European visitors particularly for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swimming and water sports, with a population that regularly quadruples due to tourists in the summer months. The area is particularly known for its jasmine, and this is how the more recent, adjacent tourist resort of Yasmine Hammamet came by its name.

Regions of Tunisia

Tunisia is made up of 24 Governates (administrative regions) (1) Ariana (Aryana), (2) Beja (Baja), (3) Ben Arous (Bin 'Arus), (4) Bizerte (Banzart), (5) Gabes (Gabis), (6) Gafsa (Gafsah), (7) Jendouba (Jandouba), (8) Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), (9) Kasserine (Gasryn), (10) Kebili (Guebilli), (11) El Kef (El Kaf), (12) Mahdia (Al Mahdiya), (13) Mannouba (Mannouba), (14) Medenine (Midnin), (15) Monastir (Munastir), (16) Nabeul (Nabul), (17) Sfax (Safaqis), (18) Sidi BouZid (Sidi BouZid), (19) Siliana (Siliana), (20) Sousse (Soussa), (21) Tataouine (Tatawin), (22) Tozeur (Touzer), (23) Tunis, (24) Zaghouan (Zaghwen)

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HOMESTYLE Get the designer look in your house or apartment The good news is that todays design trends, let you get away with almost anything. The bad news is that because of the eclectic choice available to us we can all go a little over the top at times. Today, we’re encouraged to be slightly quirky and let our individuality show through. If you want to paint your lounge chocolate brown, cerise and gold like an exhibit room in a museum, go ahead and do it. Although some of your friends will think you’ve gone slightly mad, they’ll probably admire you for having the nerve to try something different and bold. But it also pays to show a little restraint and planning. Don’t risk turning your beautiful room into a design nightmare! Don’t be too predictable We’ve all seen those perfect furniture adverts, with their matching sofas and recliners, twin end tables with two identical and very expensive lamps. It’s easy to go along with something like this, there’s no risk because you’ve already seen it looks great in the adverts. But don’t fall for the predictability of this type of design, if you don’t inject a bit of personality into the room it becomes predictable and dull.

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Give your apartment the designer treatment It’s all very well applying this advice to houses, but what about apartments? Giving your apartment that designer touch, especially if you’re only renting, can be a problem. But there are plenty of tricks that will make all the difference, even if you aren’t allowed to make holes in, or change the colour of the white walls.

Get the designer look

The walls and floors are already taken care of, so invest your money in the clever use of furnishings, rugs, art, accessories, lighting and plants. That way if you move, you can take it all with you. Get maximum design mileage from your accessories and greenery by using up-lighters for instant lighting ambiance. Try coloured bulbs as well. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not allowed to put holes in the walls, there are plenty of products

available from hardware stores, such as velcro and heavy duty double sided stickers. So no excuse for not getting some stunning large artwork up on the walls. Another good tip is to buy some inexpensive, decorative knobs/door handles. This way you can add colour, metal, wood or ceramic design and stamp your personality on a room. When you leave the apartment, simply unscrew them and replace the originals.

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HOMESTYLE

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve inherited sofas and chairs that have seen better days, cover them with simple throws and add extra colour with lots of overstuffed colourful cushions. Tables in furnished apartments can be another eyesore, again cover them with fabric. Even a coffee table can look good with the addition of a colourful runner, place mats, or set on a matching rug.

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Moving on to the windows The type of dressing you choose for windows should depend on these factors:Do I need privacy? Does privacy need to be partial or total? Is filtered sunlight okay? Do I want as much sunlight as possible? Do I have a good view I would like to frame? Do I want function only, or both function and window decoration? Do I want to block out the view through the window? Do I want the window(s) to be a decorative focal point in the room? How important is the ease of control? Will I be moving and want to take them with me?

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STYLE Once you’ve decided on the objective for your window treatment, your options for choice become more manageable. Soft treatments are just what the name describes… fabric window treatments. Hard treatments are blinds, shades, and shutters. Each has a very distinctive purpose, so think this through carefully. Fabric choices and trims can add thousands of different looks and possibilities. Patterned fabric, solids, textures, stripes, plaids, sheers, semi-sheers, etc. can all become the most dazzling window treatments. Your taste, style, colour scheme and the above requirements should all be taken into consideration. If you’re likely to be moving apartments, consider using styles that will work with lots of different window styles and sizes. Such as: tab tops, shirred panels and valances. These styles are easy for the do-ityourselfer, and will easily convert to a new apartment or home.

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There are many ways to give your windows a fabulous new look, even small windows can create a huge impact with the right treatment.

HOMES

If there is one place in the home where it’s usually a safe bet to play with colour, it’s with the curtain fabric. You don’t have to stick with safe neutrals, go for bright and bold colours if you love them. A professional designer should always be able to throw new insight and light to your window treatments. But with a little design savvy and forward planning, you could be matching those top magazine treatments yourself. Before you decide on your new window treatment, spend plenty of time browsing. There are thousands of web sights devoted to window treatments, you could look at these for inspiration. Take the time to visit fabric stores. Pay a visit to an interior design studio, they’ll be pleased to make suggestions. If possible, take photographs and measurements of your room and take these with you. For example, if your window has a really great view, it could be framed like a picture.

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HOMES

Don't be afraid to use colour. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to always play it safe with neutrals. Mixing different colourful fabrics, is a simple way to inject style and colour to a room. If bright colours arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your thing and you feel safer using neutral shades, then vary the texture of the fabrics. Subtle colours in rich silks mixed with sheer voiles for example, will match any decor and bring instant style to any room.

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Use a corner to your advantage. In homes with wall space between two corner windows, use panels or drapes with one side pulled to the left, the other to the right. Panels meet in the corner for the dramatic look of one continuous window. In rooms where windows meet with very little wall space in between, roman blinds or shades are a great solution. When closed, the windows appear as bold bands of colour; when open, the blinds virtually disappear for an unobstructed view..

Big impact for small windows Small windows neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look unattractive. One terrific way to make small windows appear larger and more dramatic is by using light-colored fabrics that start well above the window and drape gently on the floor. If you have the room to expand either side, then narrow windows should have panels or curtains that are significantly wider than the window. Use detail in the poles, finials and brackets to further enhance the width. Design in stages. If your dream windows are a little out of your financial reach right now , don't fret. Designing windows is an evolving process that doesn't have to be finished all at once. Privacy and light control are really important in any house, so focus on installing cheap, functional blinds and shades in neutral colours that will act as the foundation for your window masterpieces later.

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Get the designer look Add a Rug! Not only do rugs add a cozy feel to all those floor tiles, but they can define a space, change a colour scheme, cheer up a room, add personality and drama with minimal expense and effort. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to spend a fortune, rugs can be found at discount shops, auctions and even car boot sales for very reasonable prices.

And so to bed. How we dress our beds is an important element to the decorating of any bedroom. There are so many different ways and styles to utilize. The bed should be the focal point of any bedroom, so your bedding choices and decorations are hugely important to the overall design of the room. Accent pillows are an important and valuable decorating asset for your designer bedroom. They are an inexpensive way to balance colour, pattern and create personality, and with clever use of fabrics can make the bed the stunning focal point of any room.

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Business

Tunisia recently played host to the 1st International Olive Oil Exhibition. This was held at the Expo Center Medina in Yasmine Hammamet, Tunisia on June 8th, 9th, and 10th, 2010. 68

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Tunisia hosts the 1st International Olive Oil Expo Held in conjunction with The Ministry of Industry, the event attracted growers and producers from across Tunisia to get together at the Expo Center in an unprecedented gathering of all aspects of the industry. Being able to represent all of the growing regions and the many varieties of olives, many unique to Tunisia, buyers from Europe and throughout the world, had unparalleled access to producers of all sizes, from the smaller, specialist labels to the giants of the industry. With the main aim of the exhibition to bring as many of Tunisia’s producers together under one roof as is possible, and to make it easier for buyers to negotiate with as many producers as possible in a short time-frame, the event proved to be a resounding success. Tunisia is the world’s fourth largest producer of olive oil, and yet, after selling it’s produce for centuries to other Mediterranean countries, is little known after the olive oil giants of Spain, Italy and Greece. Historically, Tunisian olive oil has been exported in bulk to European processors since the time of the Roman occupation of the country.

It has therefore lost it’s identity, by being blended with other oils to take advantage of the fruity, mild taste of oils from Tunisia. Often mixed with, and labelled under the product of another country, it is only recently that Tunisian olive oil has begun to make it’s own place in the market. As modern buyers are becoming more sophisticated, there is an ever-increasing demand for pure, 100% Tunisian olive oil in its unblended state throughout Europe and the United States, and the recent event in Hammamet is only the beginning of a new realisation of the potential of Tunisian olive oil in the world marketplace.

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Malek Rejiba & Associate

Bld 7 Novembre 4089, El Kantaoui Sousse Tel: 00216 73 347 097 Email: prestige.immobilier@ topnet.tn

Property Sales & Rentals

Route Touristique El Kantaoui

Property Sales & Rentals

Contact Owners Direct Email: info@ tunisiahomesdirect.com Tunisia

Prestige Immobilier

Top Immo International Specialists in property sales and rentals with multi-lingual offices in Sousse, Tunis & Hergla, plus France & Belgium. Tunisian Property Database in English

Tunisia Homes Direct We list properties for sale, long & short term rental and holiday lets in an easy-to use searchable database. British Registered Estate Agent in Tunisia

Tel: 00216 25225205

The Tunisian House

Email: info@ thetunisianhouse.co.uk

We are the longest established British registered estate agents, based in Tunisia, giving us on-the spot access to all properties.

At your Place of Work or Home Tel: 00216 98228611 Tel: 00216 25036036

PROPERTY

We are specialists in all aspects of property sales and rentals in the areas of Kantaoui and Hammam Sousse. We speak English.

PROPERTY

Tel: 00216 73817190 Email: contact@top-immotunisie.com

PROPERTY

We can offer advice thatyou can depend on. Clients can speak to an Engish Solicitor who works in association with a Tunisian Lawyer.

PROPERTY

Tel: 00216 73211637 Email: rejibamalek@myway.com

English Speaking Lawyers in Tunisia

Cleaning Services

CHEMLI PRO

SERVICES

Rue 22 Janvier 1952, Immeuble Gloulou II, 4000 Sousse

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Business Directory

Specialist cleaners and pressure washers of high glass structues. Also cleaning of car interiors and home carpets. Essential Tunisia

Business Directory Email: radio@livetunisia.net

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The Passage Corniche, Sousse (Opp. Restaurant Mehdi) Tel: (00216) 20 065 845 No appointment needed

PC & INTERNET

Network and cabling consultants. Computer & Accessories Sales & Service. Agents for TopNet Internet Providers

WEBSITES

English Language Website for Tunisia

LiveTunisia.com English language website to promote all things Tunisian. Travel, Holidays, Property (sales & rentals), Golf, Spas & information. Forum & Social Network Website for Tunisia

WEBSITES

Tel: 00216 26017138 Email: info@livetunisia.net

Infohelp

Tunisia Buzz For Friends of Tunisia and all things Tunisian. Members groups, messages, photos, blogs and magazines. Life In Tunisia For British Expats

WEBSITES

Kantaoui Sousse Tunisia

Advice and Help Centre

No Marmite In Tunisia The website in Tunisia dedicated to English speaking expats resident in Tunisia, featuring news, forums and noticeboards. The English Nail Bar

Nailed It

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13, Avenue les Orangers Khezama Sousse Tel: 00216 73276903 Tel: 00216 98400196 Email: infohelp@topnet.tn

Nail enhancements for your holiday treat. Acrylic natural & white tips, plus repair. Essential Tunisia

Business GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE FOR

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Business Directory Tel: 00216 73521031

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Monastir Skanes Airport Monastir

Offices for collection and drop off within the airport. Out of hours return, child seats, roof rack, available on request. Car Hire - Car Rental

CAR RENTAL

Monastir Airport Skanes International Airport, Monastir

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Take a listing like this in the Business Pages for only 15,75â&#x201A;Ź (29 TND) per month*, and get your business noticed. (*For 6 months) Essential Tunisia

Prestige Immobilier RENTAL Apartments

A 2 bedroom apartment in Chott Meriem, just north of Kantaoui. The property has a lounge which opens on to a terrace, plus kitchen and bathroom/toilet. 500 TND

A well positioned 2 bedroom apartment, second-line to the sea, in Hammam Sousse. The spacious 2 bedroom property has bathroom with shower, well equipped kitchen, central heating and balcony with sea views. 750 TND

Bld 7 Novembre, 4089 El Kantaoui www.prestige-immo-tn.com Essential Tunisia

Your Monthly Horoscope ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your pioneering spirit awakens this month, and not just with a fresh sense of opportunity. You have the chance of a lifetime to break free from your past and make headway toward positive change. You are being given a glimpse of your future, but it's up to you to battle insecurities and change this vision into reality. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) The future is coming up fast this month, offering you a glimpse at what's coming next in life. You are being challenged to break from the past now, and should feel the motivation to transform yourself and your way of thinking to start reaching for your dreams. Fresh ideas abound, yet you still must maintain discipline in your finances and other resources. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You may feel disoriented as you adjust to the major shifts and changes this month brings. Conflict is provoked when the old battles with the new, and unfortunately this can't be cured by any particular course of action. Still, you can expect the pace of your life to kick up a notch now, but there may be so much to do that it's tricky to keep up with it all. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your attention is drawn to your career this month, and restlessness about your job could provoke you to do battle with others or seek a totally new profession. Just think twice before you leap in any direction. If you don't act right away, the near future brings plenty of chances to pull the trigger of professional change. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) There's great potential for change this month, as long as you remain open to what lies ahead. As obstacles drop away and you are able to see the bigger picture, you must prioritize your choices so you don't become so overwhelmed that you end up doing nothing at all. Luckily, it should be easier to narrow your focus now and concentrate your physical energy toward the actions you choose. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Major opportunities can come and go in a flash, so grab them while you can. You must keep pace with the movers and shakers of the world now, and should, thankfully, receive a boost of energy this month. But it's time to take the initiative and begin new projects rather than using your newfound energies to simply defend what you already have.

Essential Tunisia

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for you? LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You are finally free from the oppression of details, and are able to capitalize on the present moment. Unusual people come into your life now to open your mind to unorthodox ideas and exciting new ways of interacting. Yet while your horizons are being broadened, you could feel so overwhelmed that you'd rather go into hiding or flee all together. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) June kicks off an exciting three-month period of brand new work opportunities and a chance to develop new skills. Becoming a more effective team player is necessary as you're forced to deal with uncooperative colleagues or unexpected crises. Just beware forging ahead blindly, as romantic or financial schemes that arise now could prove to be unrealistic. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) This is a month for taking chances and having fun. Love is in the air now, and there's opportunity to improve your relationships thanks to a boost in your selfconfidence. New ideas and unconventional, spontaneous people are set to enter your life, and you're ready for the ride, but don't lose sight of the most practical issues. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Powerful changes are brewing this month while you're busy dealing with a million-and-one tasks at work and at home. You may feel inspired to relocate, redecorate or even launch your own business now, but you'll need to manage details carefully. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about thinking outside the box and making bold moves. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) This month offers a shocking glimpse at what's ahead in life, not just in your distant future, but also the immediate present, as your long-term goals seem close enough to touch now. Restrictions fall away and you're able to change your outmoded habits to obtain a much broader perspective, yet all this enthusiasm is no excuse to shirk responsibilities or run out on promises. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) There are big money-making ideas floating out there this month, and you feel the urge to shake the money tree. As you catch sight of a new path to professional fulfillment, be sure to analyze your facts carefully, since reckless behavior is a possibility now

Essential Tunisia

If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your birthday this month . . . Jul 1st: Princess Diana (1961) Dan Ackroyd (1952) Liv Tyler (1977) Carl Lewis (1961) Sydney Pollack (1934) Pamela Anderson (1967) Deborah Harry (1945) Ruud van Nistelrooy (1976) 2nd: Jerry Hall (1956) Imelda Marcos (1931) 3rd: Tom Cruise (1962) Tom Stoppard (1937) Franz Kafka (1883) Ken Russell (1927) 4th: Louis B. Mayer (1885) Eva Marie Saint (1924) Neil Simon (1927) Gina Lollobrigida (1927) 5th: P.T. Barnum (1810) Huey Lewis (1951) 6th: Bill Haley (1925) Sylvester Stallone (1946) Janet Leigh (1927) George W. Bush (1946) Jennifer Saunders (1958) Dalai Lama (1935) 7th: Chagall (1887) Pierre Cardin (1922) Ringo Starr (1940) Gustav Mahler (1860) 8th: Kevin Bacon (1958) Anjelica Huston (1951) Marty Feldman (1933) 9th: Tom Hanks (1956) Courtney Love (1965) O.J. Simpson (1947) 10th: Arthur Ashe (1943) Max von Sydow (1929) Neil Tennant (1954) Jessica Simpson (1980) 11th: Giorgio Armani (1935) Suzanne Vega (1959) 12th: Bill Cosby (1937) Christine McVie (1943) Cheryl Ladd (1951) Yul Brynner (1920) 13th: Harrison Ford (1942) Patrick Stewart (1940) Cameron Crowe (1957) ErnĂś Rubik (1944) 14th: William Hanna (1910) Ingmar Bergman (1918) Harry Dean Stanton (1926) Gerald Ford (1913) 15th: Forest Whitaker (1961) Rembrandt (1606) Linda Ronstadt (1946) 16th: Barbara Stanwyck (1907) Roald Amundsen (1872) Ginger Rogers (1911) Margaret Court (1942) 80

Essential Tunisia

17th: Haile Selassie (1892) Diahann Carroll (1935) Donald Sutherland (1934) James Cagney (1899) David Hasselhoff (1952) 18th: Nelson Mandela (1918) Elizabeth McGovern (1961) Hume Cronyn (1911) John Glenn (1921) Vin Diesel (1967) 19th: Edgar Degas (1834) Lizzie Borden (1860) Anthony Edwards (1962) Brian May (1947) 20th: Carlos Santana (1947) Sir Edmund Hillary (1919) Diana Rigg (1938) Natalie Wood (1938) 21st: Ernest Hemingway (1899) Robin Williams (1952) Josh Hartnett (1978) Cat Stevens (1948) 22nd: Danny Glover (1947) Albert Brooks (1947) Don Henley (1947) Willem Dafoe (1955) Terence Stamp (1939) 23rd: Woody Harrelson (1961) Raymond Chandler (1888)

Who do you share yours with . . . 24th: Amelia Earhart (1897) Jennifer Lopez (1971) Alexander Dumas (1802) Lynda Carter (1951) Anna Paquin (1982) 25th: Matt Le Blanc (1967) Walter Brennan (1894) 26th: Mick Jagger (1943) George Bernard Shaw (1856) Stanley Kubrick (1928) Helen Mirren (1945) Sandra Bullock (1964) Blake Edwards (1922) Jason Robards(1922) Kevin Spacey (1959) Kate Beckinsale (1973) 27th: Norman Lear (1922 ) Bobby Gentry (1944) 28th: Beatrix Potter (1866) Jacqueline Onassis (1929) 29th: Benito Mussolini (1883) Rasputin (1871) Clara Bow (1905) 30th: Henry Ford (1863) Emily Bronte (1818) Peter Bogdanovich (1939) Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947) Hilary Swank (1974) Lisa Kudrow (1963) Laurence Fishburne (1961) Kate Bush (1958) Jean Reno (1948) 31st: Bill Berry (1958) Wesley Snipes (1962) J.K. Rowling (1965)

Famous days in Tunisia July 26 - 1881 - French marines occupy Tunisian harbour city Sfax July 8 - 1943 - US invasion fleet passes Bizerte, Tunisia July 6 - 1954 - Tunisian govt of M'zali, resigns July 20 - 1956 - France recognizes Tunisia's independence July 25 - 1957 - Monarchy in Tunisia abolished in favour of a republic July 20 - 1961 - French military forces break the Tunisian siege of Bizerte July 20 - 1962 - France & Tunisia recover diplomatic relations

Famous Birthdays July 29 - 1979 - Karim Essediri, Tunisian footballer

Famous Deaths July 1 - 1953 - Azzedine Bey, Tunisian heir to the throne, murdered

Essential Tunisia