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Welcome, ly online LIFESTYLE magazine, To the second edition of our month se Tunisia.com and dedicated to tho brought to you exclusively by Live Tunisia. visiting, hoping to visit or living in isia flown by, and everyone at LiveTun The first few months have simply to all our readers, contributors and would like to say a big thank you t ments and feedback from our firs advertisers for all the positive com gestions. The second issue of the issue, as well as their help and sug le soon LE magazine will also be availab property supplement, HOMESTY t or home buyers, those looking to ren with more essential information to even holiday in Tunisia. mote vetunisia.com we hope to help pro Together with our website www.li , coming about this beautiful country all that is relaxing, healthy and wel right on the doorstep of Europe. ning, iness Directory is now up and run With this in mind, the website Bus by that could benefit by being seen so if you have a business or service at us t our website then please contac all our readers and world wide on sing our website for the FREE adverti info@livetunisia.net, or check out promotions available.
The Editor
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Lifestyle Magazine Published by: - LiveTunisia.com Information & Sales : - info@livetunisia.net Lifestyle Tunisia
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contents SPOTLIGHT
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Monastir Blend of Traditional and Modern
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Skanes Tourist Resort Centre
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HEALTH & BEAUTY Juice Therapy Alternatives for Tunisian Fruit and vegetables
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FRAMED Film set - Tunisia The making of a classic
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november 2009 BOOK REVIEW 24
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Monty Pythons Tunisian Holiday TOURIST GUIDE
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Map
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Places of interest
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Useful information
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GOLF 33
Tunisian Golf Courses
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10 Ways to Increase Your Energy with a Golf Performance Diet BUSINESS
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Directory HOROSCOPE
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What’s in store for you
livetunisia.com Lifestyle Tunisia
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Lifestyle Tunisia
spotlight
Monastir
Monastir is a city on the central shore of eastern Tunisia, in the Sahel area. It lies at the tip of a small peninsula protruding into the Mediterranean Sea between the Gulf of Hammamet and the Bay of Monastir.
Situated 20 km south of Sousse and 170 km south of the capital Tunis, Monastir is the capital of the governorate of the same name. 08
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spotlight Traditionally a fishing port, Monastir is now a major tourist resort, with the Habib Bourguiba international airport just a few kilometres out of town towards the adjacent resort area of Skanes. With flights from most European countries, it is now operated by Tepe Akfen Ventures Airport Holding (TAV), who are about to complete another major international airport, just 60 km away at Enfidha. As well as being a popular beach resort, it is also a port and has a healthy centre of industry, producing textiles (especially wool), and the manufacture of salt, soap and olive oil. Monastir was founded on the former Phoenician and Roman settlements of Ruspina or Ruspinum, the ruins of which can be found just to the west of the new city. The "monastery" (from the Latin monasterium) after which the town was named, was built by an Islamic religious order in 797 to defend the town from roaming nomadic tribes and Byzantine warships. The fortress or “ribat� and imposing tower are perhaps the finest of its kind preserved in North Africa. Lifestyle Tunisia
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spotlight The Ribat has been rebuilt over the years, and used as the setting for several movies like Monty Python's Life of Brian, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jesus of Nazareth. The modern Monastir may be to the fore in places, but underneath this historic city retains its ancient air of having been Tunisia's holiest place, and an important strategic stronghold that was even once used as a base by Julius Caesar.
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spotlight
In 1956, with Tunisian independence, President Bourguiba, a native of Monastir, launched a grand modernisation program for the area. In a city of several old mosques, a new modern mosque was completed in 1968 and dedicated to Tunisia’s first president, Habib Bourguiba, as was
the afore-mentioned airport. Benefiting from Bourguiba’s continuing patronage, Monastir enjoyed considerable development, including a modern marina and infrastructure. In 2000 Bourguiba was buried at Monastir in his family mausoleum. Monastir captures that blend of the traditional and modern that characterises much of Tunisia. The marina nestled in the shade of the 9th century walls provides an enjoyable promenade, as does the long seaside avenue looking out over the blue Mediterranean ocean.
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spotlight Just a few kilometres from Monastir lies the extravagant stretch of resort hotels that have been built along the coast in the area known as Skanes. These magnificent buildings are set in acres of lush gardens, most of them encompassing their own patch of well-maintained sandy Mediterranean beach. The Skanes hotels are well connected to Monastir and the nearby city of Sousse, by a tourist road train, a provinsional railway line and a multitude of cheap taxis and mini-buses. Parasols line the beaches in between watersports equipment stands and local vendors parading with a variety of
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wares, particularly pottery. Shopping, like everywhere else in Tunisia can be a great deal of fun haggling for bargains in the local medina, but both Monastir and Skanes are also well equipped with more modern shops catering to tourist needs. In Skanes, most dining is confined to the
spotlight Skanes
hotel restaurants geared towards holidaymakers, but those wanting a change can venture to nearby Monastir, particularly around the marina, where restaurants, cafes, pizza parlours and snack bars abound. Most of these establishments are aimed at European tastes, but those wanting to try genuine local fare can head for the back streets where spicy dishes are served up with unleavened bread at rock bottom prices. For activities, there is little need to move off the beach to have an actionpacked holiday in Skanes, with a wide variety of watersports on offer from jet skiing to paragliding.
Those needing a break from the sun, however, will find plenty of interest in exploring the Ribat, or interesting museums containing a collection of ancient Islamic fabrics, pottery and other artefacts. Also worth a visit is the mausoleum of Habib Bourgiba, the first president of Tunisia, with its magnificent gilded dome. Many visitors enjoy a short cruise from the marina or a camel safari into the local countryside. Golfers are also well catered for with a choice between the renowned Palm Links and Flamingo 18-hole courses. Lifestyle Tunisia
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healthy living Try a touch of juice therapy Here in Tunisia, we benefit from a healthy variety of fruit and vegetables in our diet. It is almost impossible to find a street without a stall covering the pavement, displaying a multitude of fresh produce to entice the passing customer. High in concentrated nutrients, fruit and vegetable juices are ideal for keeping your immunity high and fighting off colds and other infections. It is claimed that juice therapy can also lower blood pressure, remedy skin disorders, and relieve digestive problems, though the evidence for these benefits is less than conclusive. Juice therapy can also aid in "detoxification" regimens. The How!
Extracting the juice from fruits and vegetables yields a liquid that's rich in sugars, starches, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, but low in mass. In other words you produce a concentrate that contains almost all the nutrients of the plant without the fibrous cell walls that originally contained them.
These juices can be used in two ways: as a supplement to a normal diet, or as a substitute for solid food (a "juice diet").
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healthy living
Typical Tunisian street stall
Most “treatments� are short term, for your own benefit and well-being, but if you are undertaking a more serious regimen or dietry change you should always consult your doctor first. There are a variety of juice combinations possible, and since juices are mostly water, they can be mixed in ways you'd rarely attempt with solid foods. Even combining fruits and vegetables is common, although it's unwise to mix acidic juices, such as lemon or orange, with other types as the acids can curdle some liquids. Almost all fruits and most vegetables can be juiced.
The fastest and easiest way to extract juice is from any commercial juice maker or type of kitchen blender. It is recommended to drink the juice as soon as it's made, since raw, unpreserved juice is highly perishable. Any contact with light, heat, or air starts an oxidation process that will eventually break down many of the nutrients. Nevertheless, you can store juice for up to two days if you keep it as cold as possible, just above the point of freezing Lifestyle Tunisia
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healthy living Juice Supplements
Juice Diets
When combined with other dietary regimes, “juice therapy� can be used to augment exercise and sport, or simply improve overall health. However, remember that juicing a fruit or vegetable removes its fibre, and therefore juices cannot be used as a substitute for whole fruits or vegetables, but only as a low-fat supplement to a balanced diet.
Dieticians advocate short term juice-only fasts to cleanse and rejuvenate the body. Juices can also provide at least some nutrients if you are unable to keep solid food down or have some sort of illness. They are especially good for convalescents because they are easier to consume and digest than solids, yet still provide the much needed nutrition.
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Juice fasts typically should last for no longer than 2 to 3 days, and are often recommended for general health improvement, generally twice a year.
healthy living
What Treatment Hopes to Accomplish? Juice serves as a valuable nutritional supplement in the treatment of all manner of debilitating illnesses. However, it's important to remember that it's not a magic cure-all. It won't do any more for you than a similar supply of vitamins and minerals from any other source. It lacks the fibre, fat, and protein needed to maintain energy and preserve optimum health. Juice therapy is credited with a wondrous array of benefits, some of them true, some not. Carrot juice, rich in vitamins and minerals, is an obvious favourite, but despite claims to the contrary, it won't boost energy.
Juices made from green vegetables, are said to heal, stabilize, and calm frayed nerves, but they are not a source of long-term energy. Juice advocates also focus on the many that show a promising role in the prevention of cancer. However, it is worth remembering that foods such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, oranges, grapefruit, and lemons are especially rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, and juice from these sources can provide you with a concentrated mixture of unique nutrients that can't be obtained from commercial supplements. Lifestyle Tunisia
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healthy living
Who Should Avoid This Therapy? Juice fasts provide minimal calories and little fat or protein. They are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and they are also unwise for infants, young children, and the elderly.
Certain health problems can make it necessary to avoid or limit intake of particular juices. For example, you should obviously avoid the juice of any fruit or vegetable to which you may have an allergy. If you have a problem with sugar, you'll need to dilute sugary juices such as carrot and beet with low-sugar juices such as celery. And if you have diabetes or suffer from hypoglycemia, you should always take fruit juices with food. What Side Effects May Occur? Although, in general, there are no side effects from juice therapy, certain medical conditions such as diabetes may be aggravated by excessive intake of certain juices. It's also possible for a juice such as grapefruit to interact badly with certain prescription drugs. If you have chronic health problem or are currently undergoing treatment, it's wise to check with your doctor before undertaking any form of juice therapy. Avoid including excessive amounts of tomato and citrus juices in your regimen. Because they are highly acidic, they could conceivably upset the body's natural acid-base (pH) balance. Remember, too, that the juice of a food to which you're allergic can be just as upsetting as the original source. 18
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When Should Treatment Stop?
healthy living
Juice as a supplement can last a lifetime. Juice fasts, however, should be limited to short spells of 2 to 3 days. No matter how many juices you include in the regimen, it will still lack many of the elements of a balanced diet. A protracted diet of juice alone will damage, rather than improve, your health. While juice can boost overall health and resistance, it can't cure any serious chronic disease. Likewise, juice therapy may help the body overcome an infection, but it won't kill any germs by itself. If an infection hangs on or gets worse, your best bet for getting rid of it is to see a doctor and get a prescription drug.
Tunisian markets are colorful with all kinds of fruit. Oranges and strawberries are the most common in winter. April to June is the time for apricots, blackberries and medlar. Summer fruits are the melon, watermelon, peaches and grapes. The prickly pear and pomegranates appear in autumn, followed by oranges and dates (one of the best varieties in the world grows in Tunisia: the Deglet Nour). Apples and pears are present year-round. Lifestyle Tunisia
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Sights of Tunisia More Familiar Than You Would Imagine The sights of Tunisia may well be a lot more familiar to you than you would imagine, as many popular movies have been filmed here. One of these, based mainly in Monastir, was Monty Python's Life of Brian, a comedy written, directed and largely performed by the Monty Python team in 1979, and perhaps one of the funniest films ever made.
Monty Python's Life of Brian: Location: The Ribat, Monastir.
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There are various stories about the origins of Life of Brian. Shortly after the release of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Eric Idle jokingly suggested that the title of their forthcoming feature would be Jesus Christ – Lust for Glory, but they soon began to seriously consider a film lampooning the New Testament era in the same way Holy Grail had lampooned Arthurian legend.
framed Film Set - Tunisia
After settling on the name Brian for their new protagonist, one idea considered was that of "the 13th disciple", but the focus eventually shifted to a separate individual born at a similar time and location, who would be mistaken for the Messiah, but had no desire to be followed as such. Writing began in December 1976, with a first draft completed by mid1977. The final pre-production draft was ready in January 1978, but the film would not have been made without former Beatle and Python fan George Harrison, who set up Handmade Films to help fund it at a cost of ÂŁ3 million, as the original backers, EMI Films, had been scared off at the last minute by the subject matter. As a reward for his help, Harrison appears in a cameo appearance as Mr. Papadopoulos, "owner of the
Mount", who briefly shakes hands with Brian in a crowd scene. Another interesting and unplanned brief cameo is that of Spike Milligan. By coincidence he was visiting his old World War II battlefields in Tunisia when the film was being made. The Pythons were alerted to this one morning and he was promptly included in the scene that just happened to be being filmed. He disappeared again in the afternoon before he could be included in any of the close-up or publicity shots.
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framed The main parts of the film were shot on location in Monastir, Tunisia, and you can still visit the film’s ‘Holy Land’ settings where most of the film was shot in the Ribat, the fortified monastery at Monastir. Cleverly, this allowed the production to reuse sets from Franco Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth production (1977) with many of the locals again employed as extras on Life of Brian. Director Terry Jones noted, "They were all very knowing because they'd all worked for Franco Zeffirelli on Jesus of Nazareth, so I had these elderly Tunisians telling me, 'Well, Mr Zeffirelli wouldn't have done it like that, you know.'" Other locations were used nearby, such as the shots of the city walls, which were often that of the Kasbah
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at Sousse, the nearby city about 20 miles west of Monastir. Some tour guide books, will tell you that the Colosseum of Jerusalem scene was filmed at the spectacular amphitheatre of El Djem. Altough this is the third largest Roman amphitheatre in the world. and certainly worth visiting, it bears little resemblance to the arena seen in the film. In actual fact, the scene of Brian being recruited into the People’s Front of Judea was filmed at the Roman theatre in Carthage, northern Tunisia, with plenty of set-dressing. The crucifixion scene at the end of the movie uses the landscape around Matmata, toward the south of the country, which became home to Luke Skywalker in George Lucas’s Star Wars epics.
framed Following shooting between 16 September and 12 November 1978, a two-hour-long rough cut of the film was put together for its first private showing in January 1979. Over the next few months Life of Brian was re-edited and re-screened a number of times for different preview audiences before the final cut was complete. The film contains themes of religious satire, controversial at the time of its release, drawing accusations of blasphemy and protests from religious groups. Although banned in certain towns and cities, the film was a box-office success, grossing fourth-highest of any film in the UK in 1979 and highest of any British film in the United States that year.
Monty Python’s Life of Brian: Location: “Jerusalem city walls” The Kasbah, Sousse.
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books Monty Python's Tunisian Holiday My Life with Brian Kim Howard Johnson
Thomas Dunne Books, October 2008
In 1978, Kim “Howard” Johnson ran away to join the circus---Monty Python’s Flying Circus, that is. The Pythons converged on Tunisia to film their timeless classic, Life of Brian, and Howard found himself in the thick of it, doubling for nearly all the Pythons, playing more roles in the film than John Cleese, and managing to ruin only one shot. He became the unit journalist, substitute still photographer, Roman soldier, peasant, Biggus Dickus’s double, near-stalker, and, ultimately, friend and confidant of the comedy legends. He also kept a detailed journal of what he saw and heard, on set and off, throughout those six weeks. The result is a unique eyewitness account that reveals the Pythons at work and at play in a way that nothing else written about them could do. Now, for the first time ever, the inside story of the making of the film is revealed through the fly-on-the-castle-wall perspective. Even the most diehard fans will get a fresh take on the comedy greats through some never-before-revealed nuggets of Python brilliance: what 24
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John Cleese offered to exchange for suntan lotion; Terry Jones directing in drag; Michael Palin’s secret to playing revolutionaries and peasants; Graham Chapman gets naked; Terry Gilliam gets filthy; Eric Idle haggles; talk of George Harrison; the cake-flinging that jeopardized the production; badminton, impromptu cricket, and erotic frescoes; and the first-ever presentation of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.”
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Here, uncensored, are the legendary Pythons in their prime. It was a period of comedy history that will never be duplicated, and Monty Python’s Tunisian Holiday captures the wit, the genius, and the sheer silliness of the six men that comprised Python. “If anyone can remember more about making the Life of Brian than me, it’s Kim ‘Howard’ Johnson. He came, he saw, he got into costume. While the rest of us were fighting to upstage each other, Howard had a notebook hidden in his toga.” --Michael Palin “One of the finest and most accurate records of the making of the film that I have ever read. I just wished I could remember what actually went on then.” -Terry Jones “Of all the books that I am planning to read in my dotage, there is none I am more looking forward to than Monty Python’s Tunisian Holiday. . . . Not only does ‘Howard’ Johnson know more about Python than anyone outside of the IRS, he was in Tunisia for most of the filming of Life of Brian, and is the only person who captured every thoughtless remark, heated exchange, embarrassing detail, petty insult, and spiteful act of indifference.” --John Cleese “Kim ‘Howard’ Johnson was invented by Graham Chapman during an idle moment on the set. ‘Let’s invent a person,’ he said. ‘An American fan from the Midwest,’ chimed in Michael Palin, ‘who keeps a daily diary of Python filming. And then doesn’t publish it for years and years.’ How we laughed, and each day we’d make up stuff this ‘person’ would write about us.” --Eric Idle Lifestyle Tunisia
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YOUR TOURIST GUIDE TO 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 semi-arid and desert leading into the Sahara.
tourist guide TUNISIA is a beautiful and diverse country in Northern Africa that has a Mediterranean Sea coastline, and is situated at the very centre of Mediterranean Africa. Tunisia lies immediately to the south of Italy and Malta. Libya borders Tunisia to the south-east, whilst Algeria lies to the west. There are many places of interest, cities, towns and villages, all well worth a visit. The information on these pages is a quick guide to just some of those worth a mention, but by no means a comprehensive list of all that Tunisia has to offer. 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. With a population of over 1,500,000, the city still feels small and compact. The must-see attractions are The Souq, which is one of the most authentic and hassle-free in North 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.
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tourist guide 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 SOUSSE is a popular destination, international airport which caters with tourists from Britain, Germany mainly for tourist flights from Europe. and many East European counties Sights to see are theimposing Ribat, visiting the area. It is one of which is a fortified monastery locaTunisia’s oldest cities, and boasts an ted next to the sea with great views authentic medina, which has been from its walls and towers. It has declared a UNESCO World Heritage been used in several films as a Site. Situated on the Mediterranean stand in for Jerusalem, most notably coast it has good beaches and many "Monty Python's Life of Brian". first class hotels. MONASTIR 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 natuAlso, there is the impressive re to the Hospitaller Knights that Mausoleum of Bourguiba in the lived in Rhodes. Climbing to the top centre of a large cemetery in of the watch tower affords you fanMonastir, which is the resting place tastic views over the Medina. and home of the founding president The Mosaic Museum, is in the old of modern Tunisia. kasbah on the edge of the medina. SOUSSE
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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 Sea and the 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 also known as the last town to remain 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 around 65km south of Hammamet, centered around a marina and traditional-style buildings, complete with narrow streets and arches. There is the waterfront with walkway, jetty and yacht pier, the open “square� 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 hundreds of thousands of palm trees, Tozeur is a large oasis from which the 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 from which you can explore the edge of the Sahara. Lifestyle Tunisia
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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 (now the suburbs of modern Tunis). 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. SFAX is a city situated on the east coast of Tunisia, 270 km southeast of Tunis and approximately halfway between the capital and the border with Libya. The city, founded in AD 849 is a Mediterranean port on the Gulf of Gabes, and due to it’s population and it’s prowess as an industrial centre, it is often described as Tunisia's second city. Wander around the fascinating Medina where life and business go on much as they have for years although without the tourist attractions of other cities. From here, you can also take the ferry to Kerkennah Island where you can wander around in a land, virtually unspoilt by modern standards. 30
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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 large mosques and cultural history have seen it added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s main sights are obviously The Great Mosque, which is one of the finest Islamic buildings in North Africa. Bi'r Barouta, which is a Well at the place where the city was founded, and is reputedly linked to the ZamZam well in Mecca, and so is 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 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. The site's last military use was in the early 1950s, as a place of detention for Habib Bourguiba, the first president of the Tunisian Republic. DOUZ is a small town in south-central Tunisia, often known as the "Gateway to the Sahara", due to it’s popularity as a destination for tourists looking to experience the desert, either by camel or four-wheel drive. The town of Douz has grown up around a large palm oasis that stands on the northern fringe of the Sahara. As a major palm oasis it is a large producer of "diglat noor" dates. Surrounded by little other than desert and scrub land, it was an important stop on the trans-Saharan caravan routes. Today tourists come in numbers, many from the coastal resorts, to get a taste of the mighty Sahara for themselves.
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 it’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. Lifestyle Tunisia
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tourist guide Tunisia is made up of 24 Governates (administrative regions) These are : - (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) Official languages Arabic, French Government Republic President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (Independence from France 1956) Area - Total 163,610 km2 Population - 2008 estimate 10,327,800 Currency Tunisian dinar (TND) Exchange Rates (1st Aug 2009) 1.00 EUR = 1.87258 TND 1.00 GBP = 2.21396 TND Time zone CET (UTC+1) Driving on the right Electricity European-style two pin plugs on 230 volts, 50Hz Internet TLD .tn 32
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Important Telephone Numbers International Dialling code + 216 Dial 00 + 216 + City/Area Code + Local Number To make a call from Tunisia you will need dial 00 + Country Code British Embassy Rue du Lac Windermere Les Berges du Lac, Tunis 1053 Telephone: (216) 71 108 749 Emergency Telephone Numbers 197 - Police 190 - Ambulance 198 - Fire Brigade
golf Tunisia is already a world-class golfing destination, with ten wonderfully varied courses and ideal weather conditions throughout the year.
GOLF COURSES IN TUNISIA
In fact, it is set to become even more popular as an “out of season” target for golfers from Northern Europe, keen to get away from the wintry conditions on their local courses. Although Tunisian winters might not hold the sweltering heat of the height of summer, the “winter” climate is perfect for golf, and is enjoyed by amateurs and professionals alike. 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
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10 Ways to Increase Your A golf conditioning program should always be accompanied by a solid golf nutrition plan. In essence, what you eat determines how you play. So, which foods produce champions and which foods hinder play? Here are a few hints. It goes without saying that proper nutrition is important for all of us. But, if you are serious about shaving valuable strokes off your scorecard, you need to make some tough decisions on seeing your diet through. If you travel for golf, or play in frequent tournaments, it is important not to fall into the trap of ‘settling’ for fast food or a quick bag of chips or chocolate bar. Make a commitment to use some or all of the following tips and your energy will reach new heights in your next round. • Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both of these are diuretics and cause fluid loss. They also both affect performance. Coffee can over stimulate your mind or your muscles, making your performance uncontrolled. Excessive consumption of alcohol severely affects your coordination.
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golf Energy Instantly with a Golf Performance Diet • Avoid large amounts of food in the two hours leading up to tee time. Food in your digestive system diverts blood away from your brain and muscles, affecting concentration and physical performance. A meal two to three hours before play is preferred. • Don’t skip meals. Golfers need that slow and steady release of energy to see them through difficult or long hours of play. Smaller meals are better to help increase metabolism. • Eat 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day. This gives your body the nutrition it needs to last. • Drink lots of water. Think in terms of 8 to 10 glasses each day. Continue throughout your round to stay hydrated especially during the summer months. • Combine carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal. This aides in overall digestion and ensures you are getting the proper nutrients. • Bring a snack or bag lunch. Beverage carts are not known for healthy choices, so don’t put yourself in a position to feel forced to rely on them.
• Avoid high processed foods or sugar based foods. They tend to raise blood sugar levels quickly and, then, drop rapidly causing fatigue. • Stick with the basics. Don’t try new foods just before you play. Stick with what you know your body responds well to. • Keep it simple. There is no need to make elaborate meals or go to great extent in preparation. A piece of fruit and bag of nuts will go a long way in replenishing energy when you need it.
As a golfer, especially if you are of a championship calibre, it is essential to have a wide variety of complex carbohydrates to maintain your energy through an 18-hole match or a 72-hole tournament. Mentally your brain needs to stay conditioned to tell your body what to do, not to mention calculating distances, swing strength and maintaining focus. Follow these 10 tips and watch your scorecard drop to new lows.
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Rue 22 Janvier 1952, Immeuble Gloulou II, 4000 Sousse Tel: 00216 73211637 Email: rejibamalek@myway.com Kantaoui Sousse Tunisia
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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. English Language Website for Tunisia
LiveTunisia.com English language website to promote all things Tunisian. Travel, Holidays, Property (sales & rentals), Golf, Spas & information. Property Sales & Rentals
Prestige Immobilier We are specialists in all aspects of property sales and rentals in the areas of Kantaoui and Hammam Sousse. We speak English. English Language Forum for Tunisia
The Tunisia Forum Tel: 00216 26017138 Email: forum@livetunisia.net Tunisia Email: radio@livetunisia.net
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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.
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Find us at www.live365.com/stations/ten365
horoscope ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) This can be an explosive month, a month that offers the potential for breaking through stubborn resistance and empowers you to overcome difficult obstacles. You are forced to take relationships and your own limitations much more seriously now. Tough decisions are in the air. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) November is slated to stir up relationship conflicts and perhaps even anger with yourself. The stakes in the game of love are getting higher as your desire for more may upset a current companion or attract the ardour of a new one. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Something big has changed, yet it might be difficult to put your finger on it. You could run into obstacles that seem to stand in the way of your happiness this month. Although you may worry whether you can withstand the slow but intense pressure to change, have faith that you are up to the task. CANCER (June 22-July 22) November fuels competitive feelings and challenges you to get more out of yourself. There is a temptation to pursue a romantic fantasy, and the foresight to achieve your goals in ways that stir up the least amount of folly. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) November starts a long-term process where you begin establishing healthy patterns in your everyday life that will sustain you for years. You are forced to eliminate destructive behavior and excessive consumption of resources while still finding the freedom to explore your imagination. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Travel and education are key this month, and you feel the need to break from the pressures of your routine. You may have to struggle to get what you want, so be bold in the pursuit of your dreams. 38
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horoscope LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) There's no room for laziness this month, and extra efforts will be recognized and rewarded. There is change in the air, change that will affect the most stable and fundamental areas of your life, but leave you stronger and wiser if you're up for the challenge SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Professional and personal change are stressed this November, and it's better to take the initiative than to stand still and simply react. You find yourself more comfortable in your own skin now, making you more alluring to others. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Service, spirit and self-awareness are three major areas of interest throughout November. Your attention is drawn to meeting your obligations, but patience is essential. Spiritual ideals can be turned into action now, and there is a call to connect with a higher meaning. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) November brings demands that aren't likely to be satisfied and events may not unfold according to your plan. Life seems harder now, and this time can be a test of your will. Think long-term yet stay on top life's immediate changes. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Practical and immediate issues get the attention this November, leaving less time to think about the future. Professional lives feel the shuffle as a sense of spirituality or community service feels like it's missing. The danger is taking on more than you can handle. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Dreams come into the focus of reality, bringing new life to your desires. Total discipline is critical to achieving your goals, and distancing yourself from individuals who don't respect you may determine whether you gain more control over your life. Lifestyle Tunisia
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