Essential Tunisia - Issue 6 by Bluuprint

In This Issue LIFESTYLE Places Mahdia

Healthy Living Massage Therapy The right choice for you?

Health Matters Walk for life: When is the best time?

Tunisian & Mediterranean Cooking Tunisian Lamb Couscous

Fashion Paris Fashion WeeK Spring/Summer 2010

Motoring Freelander 2 TD4-e lands in Tunisia

Sport Laureus Sports Awards Nominess - Abu Dhabi

Golf 4 ways to beat the big hitter

Monthly Horoscope

March 2010 HOMESTYLE 36

Ceilings and Borders

3 Tips for staging the inside of your home for viewing

Business 20 Reasons to invest in Tunisia

Promoting the Tunisian Chechia

Business Directory

Classifieds

26 37

REGULARS 30

Tourist Map

Places of interest

Essential Tunisia Magazine Published by: LiveTunisia.com Information : info@livetunisia.net Advertising : ads@livetunisia.net Design, Layout & Editing : Gary White Contibutors : Gary White, Melanie Benna, NoMarmiteInTunisia, The Tunisian House Photos : LiveTunisia, Melanie Benna 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.

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

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)

LIFESTYLE Mahdia is a Tunisian coastal town 50 km south of Monastir and 200 km south of the capital Tunis. It is a provincial centre north of Sfax, and is important for its fish-processing industry and weaving, as well as being the capital of the Mahdia Governorate.

A settlement has existed here as far back as the Phoenicians and Romans, but this was destroyed during the Arab conquest of North Africa. Modern Mahdia was founded by the Fatimids in 921, and made the capital of what was then Ifriqiya, because of its proximity to the sea, and the promontory on which an important military settlement had been since the time of the Phoenicians. In 1087 the town was attacked by raiding ships from Genoa and Pisa who burned the Muslim fleet in the harbour. The Zirid dynasty had its residence here in the 11th century, but this was brought to an end by the Norman conquest of the city in 1148. 06

Essential Tunisia

Mahdia

The role of the capital was taken over by Tunis in the 13th century during the Hafsid Dynasty. Some buildings still exist from the 10th and 11th centuries, such as the Great Mosque and the Casbah, and along with the ancient ruins along the coastal area, these have helped make the city an important tourist attraction. Today, Mahdia is a fairly large, traditional, fishing town, largely remaining

Places

unspoilt by the influx of tourism. So those who expect night clubs and miles of shops selling tourist trinkets will be sadly disappointed. However, in recent years there has been a few fast food pizza restaurants appearing, producing excellent food at absurdly cheap prices. There are also several excellent fish restaurants alongside the port serving fish caught a few hours earlier and you can't get fresher than that!

Essential Tunisia

Places It is said that 70% of the fish eaten in Tunisia is caught in Mahdia. For those more intrepid travellers, there are small, basic, local restaurants selling superb dishes of local food for a couple of dinars - highly recommended! Most of the places of interest will be found to the north of the town, after walking through the incredible â&#x20AC;&#x153;black passageâ&#x20AC;?, the 16th century tunnel with 10 foot thick walls called Skifa elKahla. This dates back to the early fortess days of the town, but had to be rebuilt after being blown up by the Spanish in 1554.

Essential Tunisia

Here you will find the small, tourist souk with colourful shops, inviting you to bargain for quality souvenirs. You will also find the Place du Caire coffee bar - a delightfully, quiet oasis of calm amid all hustle and bustle. Carrying on to the end of the Souk, you will see the huge, ancient Great Mosque, which is said to be a faithful reconstruction of the original 9th century layout. Behind that is the imposing "Borj el-Kebir"which literally means Big Fortress. Dating back to 1595, this is a truly impressive fortification, and the views from the top, of the town, port and sea must not be missed!

Mahdia

Carry on walking and you will arrive at the famous Sidi Salam - a lovely restaurant/coffee bar literally perched on the cliff edge, where you can sit and enjoy your coffee whilst watching the fishing boats return to the port. Walking beyond the Sidi Salam and you will arrive at the beautiful sailor's cemetery behind which is the old working lighthouse. This extensive cemetery covers large parts of the eastern end of the peninsula from the Borj el-Kebir to the lighthouse,

and is laid out so that every grave has a view of the sea, reflecting Mahdia's long association with fishing, sailors and piracy. The weekly market is held on Friday and is a must for everyone, with hundreds of stalls selling everything from beds to bracelets, chicken to chocolate, spices to saucepans, etc. Just to the side of this is a large, indoor market selling excellent fish, fruits, herbs and vegetables. Also on Friday in the Skifa el-Kahla you will find a huge array of beautiful wedding dresses and gold being sold.

Essential Tunisia

Mahdia

Places

You can see many of the traditional, wedding clothes being woven in the workshops in the nearby medina. With one exception, all of the tourist hotels and complexes are situated about 6 kms to the north of the town centre, where there is a small centre including cafes, a bank with ATM, a supermarket, taxiphones and several gift shops. You can walk along the beautiful beach to the town centre or get one of the numerous taxis for a few dinars. Opposite the hotels is the metro station where frequent trains run both south to Mahdia town and north to Monastir (1 hour journey) or Sousse (1 hour 30 minutes). A daily train also goes to Tunis early every morning. For those preferring bus travel, there is an hourly bus to Sousse where you can get all the connections to the top, tourist sites of Tunisia. Acknowlegements to and photos from: nomarmiteintunisia.co.uk

Essential Tunisia

LIFESTYLE Health Spas, Massage Therapy Centres, Thalasso and Fitness Clubs. Tunisia is at the very centre of the health vacation boom. There are many aspects to a spa holiday, so this month we take a look at massage therapy. Massage therapy is a manipulation of muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin, fascia, and joints in the body. It is a practice that has been around since the beginning of civilisation.

Relaxation, awareness, anxiety, and depression can all be aided and eased with massage therapy. Massage boosts the immune system, relaxes and reduces anxiety, alleviates pain, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, stimulates lesser used muscles, increases endorphins, aids physical rehabilitation, and improves circulation (blood and lymph).

In fact, ancient techniques are still employed in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern world. The benefits of massage are extensive. Not only can it help alleviate pain and aid in physical maladies and day-to-day functioning, but it impacts mental and emotional wellbeing.

There are many different techniques and therapies in the field of massage. Some of these may be familiar to you already, even if you do not know specifically what they entail. Swedish is probably the most well known technique, and for good reason; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite popular. Acupressure is like acupuncture without the needles. Specific points are targeted and pressure applied to create a therapeutic effect. Aroma Therapy is often used in tandem with other techniques. It consists of using fragrant oils for healing benefits. These oils can be applied to the skin or simply allowed to perfume the air thus allowing those nearby to receive benefits nasally. Canadian Deep Tissue Massage is a technique that focuses on a muscle group working with the fibres of the muscle tissue to rejuvenate each level of muscle including deep tissue. Deep Tissue Massage works to invigorate and stimulate the muscle issue on a deep level. It involves more intense manipulation and can provide tremendous benefits on many levels. Hot Stone Massage, where warm stones are used on the body with gentle pressure to provide a soothing, therapeutic sensation. Other techniques include Chi Nei Tsang, Reflexology, Shiatsu,Thai Massage, Amma Therapy, Alexander Technique, Aston Patterning, Bioenergetics, Bowen Technique, and Craniosacral Therapy.

Essential Tunisia

Healthy Living Massage Therapy The right choice for you?

Massage therapy is considered a health field and massage therapy is often covered under many health plans because of its proven healing and beneficial results. Massage is private and safe. Depending on the type of massage you receive, partial body, full body, 30 minute or longer, you may have to undress partially, but the room should be warm and comfortable and there may be light music playing. If the environment makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to inform your therapist as a massage should be a relaxing and pleasant experience. This is also true if you feel pain during any part of your massage experience. Some techniques are more intensive and may be a bit uncomfortable at times, but if you feel anything that makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to speak up. Whether you are considering a holiday or if you are just interested in finding out more information about what it is and how it can benefit, you cannot deny the value of a good massage. Essential Tunisia

LIFESTYLE Walk for life: When is the best time? With our mild winters and invigorating sea air, Tunisia has all the attributes for a healthy outdoor life. Regular exercise in the form of walking, is one of the healthiest things you can do in your day. But when is the best time? Research on lung function, body rhythms, temperature, and hormone levels says one thing - to exercise around 6 pm. Surveys on exercise habits say another - to exercise in the morning before other commitments distract you, or during the day when you have a free period of time. Take a look at the pros and cons of when to exercise and work out what is best for you. Mornings Pros: • The majority of people who exercise consistently do so early in the day. It is easier to form the exercise habit through morning exercise. • Fewer distractions and schedule interruptions. • Can make time for exercise by getting up a bit earlier. • Raises your heart rate and metabolism to burn more calories earlier in the day. • Gives a feeling of physical energy for hours. • Cooler temperatures in summer. • Air pollution is lowest in the morning.

Essential Tunisia

Cons: • Body temperature is at its lowest 1-3 hours before awakening, making morning a time of naturally lower energy and blood flow. • Cold, stiff muscles may be more prone to injury - be sure to warm up well before doing a higher speed workout, and do gentle stretching. • If you do not enjoy morning exercise, you won't easily form a walking habit by choosing a morning workout time. • Because body temperature and hormones are higher in late afternoon, you probably get the same or better calorie-burning effects later in the day.

Health Matters

Noon and Break Time Pros: • Can make a habit to walk and exercise at lunch time and break time. • Can use a walking and exercise partner at work, school, or in your neighborhood. • Body temperature and hormone levels are higher than first thing in the morning. • Can help regulate the amount of food you feel like eating for lunch, can help you avoid break-time snacking. • Improves blood flow to the brain so you are sharper in the afternoon. • Stress relief from work, school, or home stresses.

Cons: • Time limits may not allow you to get in a full workout any amount is good, but best if you can walk for 3060 minutes or more at a stretch • Distractions and other commitments may keep you from walking and exercising at the appointed times. • Research shows that lung function is worst at noon.

Essential Tunisia

Health Matters Afternoon or After Work Research shows afternoon (3-7 pm) to be the best time to exercise for both endurance and for building muscle

Pros:

Cons:

• For most people, body temperature and hormone levels peak at 6 pm. Exercising 3 hours before or after the peak will give your your best workout for both endurance and building muscle. • Research shows lung function is best at 4-5 pm. • Muscles are warm and flexible. • Perceived exertion is lowest - how hard you feel yourself to be working at exercise. So you may be able to work out harder or faster by doing so in the afternoon. • Stress relief after a day at work, school, or home.

• Distractions and other commitments may keep you from walking and exercising at the appointed times.

Essential Tunisia

LIFE Evening Pros:

Cons:

• For most people, body temperature and hormone levels peak at 6 pm. Exercising 3 hours before or after the peak will give your your best workout for both endurance and building muscle. • Muscles are warm and flexible. • Perceived exertion is low - how hard you feel yourself to be working at exercise. So you may be able to work out harder or faster. • Can help regulate the amount of food you feel like eating for dinner.

• Need to allow one to three hours to wind down after walking or exercise to be able to fall asleep. • If you discover sleeping problems, need to schedule your workout earlier. • At dark times of the year, be sure to wear reflective gear.

The Very Best Time . . . The very best time to walk? Walking can only do you good if you do it. The best time to walk is the time that will fit best into your schedule so you can do it consistently. Experts agree it is not the time of day that matters as much as finding the time you can set aside consistently for your workouts.

Essential Tunisia

LIFESTYLE Tunisian Lamb Couscous Ingredients (Serves 4 - 6) 900g/2lb Shoulder or leg of Lamb, cubed 2 Large Onions, chopped 4 tbsp Olive Oil 2 tbsp Tomato Paste 2 teasp Harissa (or more to taste) 3 Garlic Cloves, crushed Salt 2 small Capsicums (sweet pepper), chopped 2 Turnips, chopped 4 Carrots, chopped 400g/14oz Potatoes, diced Water To serve 400g/14oz Couscous, cooked Freshly chopped Parsley 2 Lemons, cut into wedges

Essential Tunisia

Tunisian & Mediterranean Cooking Tunisian LambCouscous is a traditional lamb recipe for a main course, and will take about 90 minutes to prepare. Step by Step 1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the lamb and onions and brown on all sides. 2. Add the tomato paste and the Harissa and cook for 5 minutes stirring constantly. 3. Add the peppers mixing well then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 4. Add the remaining vegetables plus enough water to cover by 7.5cm/3 inches and continue to cook for a further 1 hour. 5. Serve over the cooked couscous garnished with the chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve hot.

Essential Tunisia

Fashion Spring/Summer 2010 Couture Show Paris Fashion Week

Essential Tunisia

Participating in Paris Fashion Week, the Spring/Summer 2010 Couture show of Lebanese designer Georges Chakra was held in Paris, at L'Ă&#x2030;cole Nationale SupĂŠrieure des Beaux Arts.

Drawing inspiration from nature's beauty, Chakra's collection treads the fine line between reality and fantasy, while staying true to the feminity of women. A collection of forty three dresses was presented characterized by varying geometric lines, contemporary designs, contrasting hues combined with delicate necklines and asymmetrical cuts. Essential Tunisia

Spring/Summer 2010 Couture Show Paris Fashion Week

All shades reflect summer tonalities: flamboyant pinkorange of sunset, flashes of metallic blue, sparkling gold and silver and the eternal beauty of black and white, create unparalleled elegance and sophistication. Textures came in an endless variety ranging from luscious layers of chiffon, tulle, organza, lace, to satin and silk embroidered with sequins, feathers, rhinestones and pearls.

Essential Tunisia

Fashion With its magical touch, this outstanding collection will undoubtedly leave in its wake a breath of sunshine and a gust of shimmering light.

Egyptian actress and well known panarab figure Youssra wearing a Chakra's dress, Egyptian director E'inas Al Daghidi, French actress Cyrielle Claire as well as a large audience of international press and VIPs gave the designer a well deserved standing ovation at the end of his show.

Essential Tunisia

Motoring Land Rover is pleased to announce that the Freelander 2 TD4-e has landed on the coast of North Africa. This new Freelander is Land Rover's most fuel-efficient vehicle to date. It is the first production vehicle to incorporate technologies from the company's programme of sustainable engineering initiatives, collectively named “e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES”.

These gains, coupled with the added benefits of the gearshift indicator light, software developments and efficiencies from low-rolling-resistance tyres, make the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e the most fuelefficient production Land Rover ever built.

On the standard cycle, the CO2 emissions of the Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e are reduced by 8 per cent, compared with the outgoing manual diesel Freelander 2. In additional tests, Land Rover engineers have measured fuel savings approaching 20 per cent in heavy urban traffic.

Land Rover's managing director, said: "The Stop/Start Freelander 2 is the first production vehicle to benefit from the massive £700 million investment in sustainable technologies by Jaguar and Land Rover. The Stop/Start feature will be included as standard on all Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 manual models, with no associated increase in list prices."

The 8 per cent improvement equates to a CO2 emissions reduction of 15 g/km compared with the standard Freelander 2 TD4 manual (from 194 g/km to 179 g/km). In terms of fuel efficiency, consumption is reduced from 7.5 l/100 km to 6.8 l/100 km, a saving of 0.7 litres of fuel every 100 km (62 miles).

Essential Tunisia

The Freelander 2 TD4 e- with the intelligent Stop/Start system, is available in Tunisia at “Alpha International”. The Freelander 2 TD4 e-reinforces the range of existing Land Rover vehicles available in North Africa, such as the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery and Defender.

The New Freelander Lands in Tunisia

Essential Tunisia

World Sport LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS NOMINEES GREAT LEGENDS OF SPORT - ARMSTRONG, BOLT, FEDERER, ROSSI, WATSON & WILLIAMS - AMONG NOMINEES FOR 2010 LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS - Lionel Messi bids to become first team player to win Laureus Sportsman Award - Swimmers Federica Pellegrini & Britta Steffen nominated for Sportswoman Award - Formula One's Jenson Button and Brawn Grand Prix Team both short-listed - Lakers and Yankees challenge FC Barcelona in Laureus Team category - Australian marathon man Kurt Fearnley nominated for Laureus Disability Award - Surfers Fanning, Gilmore and Long short-listed for Laureus Action Sports Award - World's media in 105 countries voted for Laureus Nominees - Laureus World Sports Awards to be held in Abu Dhabi on March 10

Essential Tunisia

SPORT

Edwin Moses of the USA The Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy (centre) with His Excellency Mohammad Ibrahim Al Mahmood The Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (second from left) Mr Mohamed Badawy Al-Husseiny Chief Executive Officer of Aabar Investments (second from right), Kapil Dev of India (far left) and Mikka Hakkinen of Finland pose with a Laureus trophy outside the Emirates Palace Hotel the venue for the 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards

A glittering collection of the world's greatest sports stars have been nominated for the 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards, following a ballot by the world's media. The Laureus World Sports Awards, which recognise sporting achievement during the period January 1 - December 31, 2009, are recognised as the premier honours on the international sporting calendar.

The winners, as voted by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 46 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time, will be unveiled during a televised Awards Ceremony staged in Abu Dhabi on March 10, 2010.

Essential Tunisia

Golf

4 Ways to Beat

1. Hit it straight Nothing gets inside a long hitters head faster then a fairway hitting opponent. Chances are the long hitter is not the most accurate driver of the golf ball, keep the heat on by hitting the fairway as much as possible. If you have to use a hybrid club or a iron off the tee to keep the ball in the fairway, the mental edge of hitting the fairway outweighs the loss of distance. 2. Hit the green Most of if not all of the time you will be hitting first, keep the heat on by hitting the green If he knows you are looking at birdie putts all day, it starts to wear on him 3. Have a good short game The short game is the true equalizer on the golf course. If you have a sharp short game you can compete against any golfer on the planet. 4. Ignore his distance Accept the fact the he hits the ball 50 to 60 yards past you. If you accept the fact that distance doesn't matter, you will have another psychological advantage. What difference does it make if he is hitting a pitching wedge and you are hitting a 7 iron for your second shot? Golf is all about getting the ball in the

Essential Tunisia

the Long Hitter

SPORT

COURSES IN TUNISIA

hole in the fewest strokes, not how you got the ball in the fewest strokes. When you are playing a match against a long hitter, and lets face it, with the technology in golf clubs, golf balls, strength training and nutrition, guys are hitting the ball 300 plus yards on a regular basis. The fact still remains that when you are on the golf course you are walking (or riding) with a bag of tools. It is just a matter of using the right tool for task at hand. Does it really matter what club it takes you to hit a golf ball 150 yards? Weather it's a 6, 7,8 or 9 iron should not matter to you, and your opponents club selection should be the last thing from your mind during a match. The pride of the long hitters game is hitting it long, so the fact that you can compete with him without having to hit the 300 yard drives is already a advantage in your favour if you choose to look at it that way. As a short hitter you should focus on keeping the pressure on as much as possible. The four steps outlined will give you the mental edge that you need to negate the long drives that your opponent is blasting past you.

Tabarka Golf Course, Tabarka www.tabarkagolf.com The Residence Golf Course, Gammarth www.theresidence.com Carthage Golf Course, La Sourka/Tunis www.golfcarthage.com Citrus Golf Course, Hammamet www.golfcitrus.com Yasmine Golf Course, Hammamet www.golfyasmine.com Kantaoui Golf Course, Port El Kantaoui www.kantaouigolfcourse.com Palm Links Golf Course, Monastir www.golf-palmlinks.com Flamingo Golf Course, Monastir www.golfflamingo.com Tozeur Golf Course, Tozeur www.tozeuroasisgolf.com Djerba Golf Course, Djerba Island www.djerbagolf.com Essential Tunisia

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.

Essential Tunisia

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.

Essential Tunisia

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.

Essential Tunisia

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 Ceilings and Borders As with most people, chances are you've never paid much attention to your ceilings. They're probably pretty bland. Boring actually. But, they need not be...

With the options of suspended wood ceilings incorporating integral lighting systems, or a more conventional spray textured finish, the possibilities are there to move away from the bland and the ordinary. Decorative ceilings are a tradition that extends back through the earliest ages of architecture. But ever since frescoed cherubs went out of style, the trend has been toward more detail on the walls and less overhead. Even in contemporary homes, however, the ceiling can be the perfect place to cut loose with some colour or pattern. That doesn't mean you have to recreate the Sistine Chapel: a solid colour, a painted centrepiece, or a stylish border can finish a room with an understated flourish. You can even add some interest to that most understated of rooms, the intentionally simple bedroom. One idea is to create a classical ceiling border, by taking a pattern from an adjacent feature such as a rug or decorative tile. By photocopying and enlarging the detail, you can come up with a template which you could use to cut a stencil. The border detail can then be stenciled on the painted ceiling, then coated with a light antique glaze to add some depth and finish. 36

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Besides its obvious eye-catching appeal, a ceiling border has a number of practical advantages.

imperfections, drawing the eye away from the uneven wall / ceiling join.

In a room with low ceilings, it helps to elevate the space overhead by making the walls look taller (the eye automatically links the border to the walls, visually adding a few vertical inches).

It's an idea that can be implemented in numerous ways, from the the painstaking hand-made stencil described here to the easiest job of hanging a pre-decorated wallpaper border as supplied by many paint and decoration stores.

And in older homes, where the line between the ceiling and walls can be fairly uneven, a border masks any

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STYLE What You'll Need To Make Your Own Stencil card and craft knife Stencil brushes, palette Rollers, trays and brushes (if painting a base coat) One gallon (depending on ceiling size) of paint for base coat Half gallon of paint in your chosen colours for the stenciled pattern Oil glazing liquid Paint thinner One tube of universal tint Cheese cloth What To Do Apply the base coat to ceiling if needed, finishing around the edges with a small brush, then rolling the width of the ceiling. If you want to make your own stencil, photocopy the pattern you have in mind, enlarge it to the size you want, then tape or trace a complete section on to a piece of heavy stencil card. Using a sharp craft knife, carefully cut out the stencil pattern. Make sure to leave yourself a nice margin on the edges to mask the undercoat effectively.

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HOMES Tape the stencil in place using low-tack painter's tape or stencil tape. (If your pattern is very intricate, make sure you have measured the distances so that the details meet appropriately in the corners.) Put small amounts of two or three colours on your palette and dab the stencil brush in the multiple colours simultaneously, gently filling in the stencil pattern. When you move the stencil, make sure to wipe it clean before repositioning, and continue around the ceiling. Allow to dry overnight. The final step, which entails glazing over the stenciled border, is optional, but well worth the extra work for the rich finish it produces. Mix glaze, using one part oil glazing liquid and one part paint thinner, tinted with a universal tint. Brush the glaze gently over the stenciled border, then softly pat with well-wrung out cheesecloth. Allow to dry.

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HOME 3 Tips to Staging the Inside of Your Home For Viewing

Are you considering putting your house up for sale or maybe long term rent, but not sure where to start? Afraid it will take too long to sell or rent, or that you won’t get the price you want? Think about “staging” your home, or in other words, setting the scene for immediate interest in your property. To be really effective, you need to look at both the outside and the inside of your home. Here are 3 tips to get you started with the inside of your home:

1. De-clutter. This is one of the most important things you can do. It might be easier to think of de-cluttering like this – you’re going to move anyway, so why not start packing now? Pack up everything you don’t need and store the boxes out of sight in the garage (or consider temporarily renting a small storage locker). 2. Organize your cupboards and wardrobes Put similar objects together, for example, put similar colour clothes together, because it will make your wardrobes look bigger. (Really.) A well organised cupboard or wardrobe appears bigger, and you want them to look as spacious as possible. Essential Tunisia

Did you know that many travellers pour a lot of their hard-earned spending money down the drain by not hunting down market-leading currency exchange rates? The FairFX Prepaid MasterCard® is a prepaid card which gives market-leading Euro and US Dollar exchange rates, low cash withdrawal fees and doesn't charge for purchases made in the card currency. What makes this card different from other debit or credit card alternatives? It allows UK residents to own a pre-paid currency card in Euros or US Dollars. Unlike most credit or debit cards issued in the UK, because the FairFX Card is denominated in a foreign currency, when you use it abroad to pay for goods you won't be charged any transaction fee. There is a low fee of €1.50 or $2.00 for cash withdrawals. Also, because money is stored in Euros or Dollars you won't suffer from uncompetitive exchange rates when using the card. Card users can typically expect to save as much as 10% on Euro and US Dollar exchange rates. How does it work? Your pre-load it with cash from a UK Sterling debit card, credit card or bank transfer to lock-in marketleading currency exchange rates. The lifespan of the card is 3 years. You can load it as many times as you want during that spell. Who needs the FairFX Currency Card? The card is aimed primarily at UK travellers to the Eurozone or the USA (or countries that accept the US Dollar); however, visitors elsewhere can make use of the card. Basically, if you're planning on taking a trip abroad soon then it may well be beneficial to take it with you on your travels! When should tell people to apply for a card? Now! Don't take the risk of people forgetting to order a card today and potentially having to get your Euros or Dollars at the last minute at more expensive rates. How much does it cost? It's normally £9.95, but FREE* if you order through this special link!! (*Subject to a minimum load of just €10 or $20 which is added to the card balance.) Apart from that the only charge for normal use of the card is a €1.50 or $2.00 fee for cash withdrawals. There is no charge for purchases when you're in the Eurozone or the USA! See website for full details.

HOME

3. Make your home look like a model. You want to de-personalize as much as possible so potential buyers can imagine themselves and their own belongings occupying the space in your house. That means minimizing – putting away everything you don’t need or use. Clear off kitchen counters as much as possible – stash all those appliances you don’t use, and put miscellaneous small clutter in a few attractive baskets or boxes. And the biggest tip of all? Imagine yourself as a potential buyer looking at your property for the very first time.

What impressions are you getting? Would YOU buy or want to rent your house? What would you like to see changed before you considered moving in to such a place? Whatever you do, don’t think about the money you spend to get your house ready to view – you’ll get it all back in the end when your close the deal. Proper staging helps you maximise the potential of your house in a shorter time and at the price you want.

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Business 20 Reasons To Invest In Tunisia! 1. Tunisia is considered to be the most politically and economically stable country in the whole of Africa! 2. The largest developers from Dubai and other countries are investing in huge projects in Tunisia! 3. Many well-known European companies and banks have a base in Tunisia! 4. Tunisia invests heavily in education, producing a highly-educated work force! 5. Government offered incentives for investment! 6. Excellent infrastructure and transport systems! 7. Currently 9 international airports in Tunisia! 8. 2010 completion date for the largest airport in North Africa, which will offer inexpensive flights from the cheaper carriers! 9. Flight time - London to Tunis, only 2 hours 30 minutes! 10. Investing in property now rather than later will allow one to capitalise on low property prices! 11. Miles and miles of stunning, sandy beaches and a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate! 12. Many historical, cultural, and archaeological attractions! 13. Diverse countryside from mountains and rocky coasts in the North to the awe-inspiring desert in the South! 14. Enjoy the outdoor life with 6 top golf courses open all year round! 15. Low crime rate! 16. Low cost of living! 17. Relaxed and pleasant way of life! 18. Modern and inexpensive health service on a par with Europe! 19. The English language now the third official language, being taught in all schools from age 10! 20. The expat community is growing with many choosing to retire and make it their permanent home! thetunisianhouse.co.uk

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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

Business GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE FOR

FREE! Contact Details Address & Email Included!

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FREE!

Promoting the Tunisian Chechia The Chechia is the close-fitting traditional red skull cap worn in Tunisia. The history of the Chechia in Tunisia dates back five hundred years, to the time when Andalusian Arabs arrived from Spain. A cousin of the European beret, the head piece comes in several types and colours, but only the Tunisian Chechia is red in colour. Before Tunisia's independence in 1956, all civil servants wore the Chechia. The industry is now in severe decline, despite attempts in the 1990s to revitalise it by manufacturing new varieties in different

colours. Wearing the Chechia is now typically confined to holidays and religious occasions, or is associated with the elderly! Figures show that the number of Chechia makers, which used to exceed 100, has fallen to fewer than 50 craftsmen! Discounts are being offered to promote the Chechia in promotional campaigns, to encourage Tunisians to buy more traditional products! Every year, March 16th in Tunisia marks National Traditional Industries and National Dress Day, when all civil servants wear traditional dress, including the Chechia! nomarmiteintunisia.co.uk

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PROPERTY

LEGAL SERVICES

Business Directory Rue 22 Janvier 1952, Immeuble Gloulou II, 4000 Sousse Tel: 00216 73211637 Email: rejibamalek@myway.com

English Speaking Lawyers in Tunisia

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

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

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

Contact Owners Direct Email: info@ tunisiahomesdirect.com

PROPERTY

Tunisia

SERVICES

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

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 48

Prestige Immobilier

Cleaning Services

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

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Business Directory Email: radio@livetunisia.net

Easy Listening Classic Tracks

Ten365 Internet Radio

RADIO

Tunisia

CD quality music, including classic tracks, soft rock & power ballads brought to you FREE by LiveTunisia.com

Sousse Tunisia Tel: 00216 26017138 Email: info@livetunisia.net

Tunisia Email: nomarmiteintunisia @yahoo.fr

Address Tel. No. Email:

PC & INTERNET

Network and cabling consultants. Computer & Accessories Sales & Service. Agents for TopNet Internet Providers English Language Website for Tunisia

WEBSITES

Tel: 00216 26017138 Email: info@livetunisia.net

Infohelp

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

Kantaoui Sousse Tunisia

Advice and Help Centre

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

WEBSITES

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

No Marmite In Tunisia The website in Tunisia dedicated to English speaking expats resident in Tunisia, featuring news, forums and noticeboards. List your business here and get noticed

Your Business

Take a listing like this in the Business Pages for only 13,50â&#x201A;Ź (25 TND) per month, and get your business noticed. Essential Tunisia

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Your Monthly Horoscope ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) The future calls, yet you may not be ready this month. Circumstances could prevent you from reaching your goals, yet there are many positive reasons to maintain hope. Now is the time to keep your eyes out of the past and on the prize. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Now is the time to imagine a future filled with work that satisfies the soul. Your discarded dreams are revived now, yet your attention is directed more toward the care and happiness of others rather than yourself this month. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your natural restlessness can turn this into a frustrating time if you actually believe that everything should simply fall into place this month. You may continue to struggle with a lack of resources, yet you are able to comprehend the difference between impossible dreams and those that can come true. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Obstacles may arise this month, yet these challenges can bring out your resourceful side and allow you to uncover assets that were previously hidden. Your life is full of unexpected events and generous, like-minded individuals. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Much of this month is about establishing a new direction. Connecting with others is key now, and your forgiving side emerges to allow you to move past old emotional pains. But the month isn't all about feelings, the rest of your focus goes toward handling finances and managing your resources. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) This month could be especially sweet for you. There's an overflow of inspiration to elevate your spirit and enrich your daily life. You can now smooth out the rough edges of unsatisfying connections by forgiving and letting go of little issues that don't matter anymore.

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in store for you? LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may feel as if you've been knocked off course and it's now time to put your life back on track. You're being offered a chance to create new dreams to feed your soul. magnifying the healing power of compassion and love. Relying on critical thinking can only take you so far. Set logic aside and let your uninhibited intuition reveal what's in your future. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your famously powerful feelings are especially delightful this month. You are able to release your restrained desires in constructive ways, but beware the onset of frustration when people or situations reveal themselves as less than perfect. A fresh light is cast on old patterns to excite you with new possibilities now. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) There's good news for you this month. Although your life is improving, remember that the hard work of stabilizing your finances doesn't happen overnight, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Cast hopelessness aside in favour of realizing the good times that are ahead. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) This is a month of adjustments. Changing conditions require you to alter your course to avoid running into resistance from others. Taking the time to make a few simple adjustments now can make your life drastically easier down the road. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) The heaviness of last month is waning and you're now able to grow more progressive in your thinking. There's magic to be found in your personal faith as you face the sometimes harsh realities of everyday life. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your life gets a little rosier this month, Pisces. Your general manner and appearance are more appealing as you're enjoying life's little delights and sharing those good feelings with others. Your recharged imagination allows you to see that those dreams that seem far out of reach are actually closer than you think.

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