Lifestyle Tunisia - Issue 4 by Bluuprint

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Welcome, and the ly online LIFESTYLE magazine, To the fourth edition of our month to wish like ld ne at LiveTunisia.com wou first of a brand new year! Everyo living in Tunisia, a very happy and all those visiting, hoping to visit or prosperous 2010. to Kairouan, Tunisiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holiest city, and This month we put the spotlight on Tunisia featured in the movies, we complete our look at locations of orge n architecture and culture on Ge return to the influence of Tunisia ether with our usual features on Lucas and the Star Wars saga. Tog r information guide, we have anothe healthy living, golf and our tourist issue o, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the complimentary bumper 50-page issue for you. Als ial STYLE magazine with more essent of the property supplement, HOME looking to rent or even holiday in information to home buyers, those 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. by all that could benefit by being seen If you have a business or service website then please contact us at our readers and world wide on our sing our website for the FREE adverti info@livetunisia.net, or check out promotions available. itor

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contents SPOTLIGHT Kairouan The Holiest City in Tunisia

06 06

LOCAL Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Monastir

HEALTHY LIVING Time to Detox?

Natural Remedies - Linden

ON LOCATION Film set - Tunisia George Lucas & Star Wars

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january 2010 INTERNATIONAL 28

The Royal Film Gala Performance, London TOURIST GUIDE

Map

Places of interest

Useful information

GOLF 40

Effortless Distance With Your Golf Swing

Tunisian Golf Courses BUSINESS

Directory

HOROSCOPE 48

Decembers Horoscope

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spotlight Kairouan (also known as Kirwan, Al Qayrawan) is the capital of the Kairouan Governate in Tunisia. Kairouan is the holiest city in Tunisia, being the oldest Islamic settlement, having the oldest mosque in North Africa and what is said to be the world's oldest minaret.

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spotlight

Kairouan It’s original name is thought to be derived from the Arabic kairuwân, or from the Persian Kâravân meaning "camp", "caravan", or "resting place". Kairouan was founded around the year 670 when the invading Arab general Uqba ibn Nafi selected a site for a military post, located far enough from the sea to be safe from attacks by the Berbers who resisted the Arab invasion. The story goes that Uqba ibn Nafi found a golden cup in the sands here, a golden cup that he had lost in the holy well of Zamzam in Mecca a few years earlier. When picking the cup up, water sprang from the ground. This was considered sufficient proof that there was a underground river between Mecca and Kairouan, making the water of Bi'r Barouta holy. Although the settlement here thrived, Berber resistance to the Arab invasion continued, led first by Kusaila, whose troops killed Uqba at Biskra some fifteen years after the military post was established, and then by a Berber woman called Al-Kahina who was killed and her army defeated in 702.

Power struggles remained until Kairouan was recaptured by Ibrahim ibn al-Aghlab at the end of the 8th century. In 800 he was confirmed Emir and hereditary ruler and founded the Aghlabid dynasty that ruled between 800 and 909. Kairouan was made their capital, and soon became famous for its wealth and prosperity, giving Tunisia one of its golden ages, long after the glorious days of Carthage. In 800, the Aghlabites rebuilt the Great Mosque started by Uqba ibn Nafi over a century before, and established in it a university that was a centre of education both in Islamic thought and in the secular sciences. In the 9th century the Kairouan became a focus of Arab and Islamic cultures attracting scholars from all over the Islamic World. The Aghlabids also built palaces, fortifications and fine waterworks of which only the pools remain. 909 saw the overthrow of the Aghlabites and the creation of the Fatimid dynasty. Kairouan was neglected and lost its importance, as the Fatimids moved their capital to Mahdia on the coast of modern Tunisia.

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spotlight In 1057, invaders from the east so utterly destroyed Kairouan that it never regained its former importance, and it was not until the 13th century, under the prosperous Hafsids dynasty, that the city started to emerge from its ruins.

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Finally, under the subsequent Husainid Dynasty, Kairouan started to find an honourable place in the country and throughout the Islamic world.

spotlight

Kairouan Kairouan is a great tourist destination, being the best place in Tunisia to learn about the country's Islamic history. Recently Kairouan was proclaimed as Capital of Islamic Culture for 2009. The Great Mosque of Kairouan dates back to 670, and although it has been destroyed then rebuilt several times, today's structure is on the site of the original mosque built by the Aghlabites in 800. The columns of the prayer hall are even older, thought to have been taken from the ruins of earlier-period buildings such as the Roman structures in Carthage. It was said that anyone trying to count the columns in the prayer hall will be struck down by blindness. (There are actually 414 columns.) Seven pilgrimages to the Great Mosque was considered the equivalent of one pilgrimage to Mecca, and after its establishment, Kairouan became the Islamic and Qur'anic learning center in North Africa, so much so that during the medieval period, Kairouan was considered the third holiest city in Islam after Mecca and Medina.

Many agree that Kairouan has the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest minaret, with the lower levels being the remains of the first real minaret in the world, dating back to 730. It is still quite impressive even today, and well worth a visit. In addition to the Great Mosque there are a number of smaller, still very interesting and attractive, religious institutions to see, some open to non-Muslims too. As you walk around, many of these religious buildings can easily be located by looking out for their domes. The modest looking Bi'r Barouta is the historical focal point of Kairouan and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular attraction among Muslims. It is the well here that has elevated Kairouan into its prominent position in the heart of devout Muslims in this part of northern Africa. Apart from the popular legend of Uqba ibn Nafi and the golden cup, another story goes that he simply put a stick into the ground right here, and out came water. Even today, the local religious traditions says that a Muslim drinking water from Bi'r Baruta a number of times can be exempt from performing the long and expensive pilgrimage to Mecca.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153; It was said that anyone trying to count the columns in the prayer hall will be struck down by blindness. (There are actually 414 columns.) â&#x20AC;&#x153;

spotlight Tourists can also see the noted Mosque of the three doors which dates back to the 9th century, founded by Kairoun alMaafri, a holy man of Cordoba. There is also the Zaouia of Sidi Sahab, which houses the tomb of one of the prophet's companions, a sahab, named Abu Zama al-Belaoui. It is sometimes referred to as the Mosque of the Barber, as he was known for always carrying with him 3 hairs of Muhammad. Kairouan's city walls date back to 761, but have been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Parts of today's walls are not as old as they seem, having been rebuilt after World War II, and the oldest surviving gate dates back to the 18th century.

The best parts of the wall are to be found around the main entrance to the most popular areas of the medina. The souk (market place) can be found in the medina, with products such as carpets, vases and leather goods. Although you may never have visited Kairouan before, it may still seem familiar to you, as it was in these very streets that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cairoâ&#x20AC;? street scenes were fimed for Raiders of the Lost Ark. As with merchants in most major Tunisian cities, Kairouan merchants rely on tourism for much of their income. Among Tunisians, Kairouan is also known for its pastries (e.g., zlebia and makroudh). Kairouan is well worth a visit. Just to wander around this holy city is an expeience, and although you have to respect that some buildings are closed to non-muslims, there is still much to see and admire. Although at times it may seem far from ostentatious, it is this simplicity that makes Kairouan so beautiful.

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The Rezidor Hotel Group opens the

The Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Monastir in Tunisia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a perfect opportunity to revive, relax, replenish and rejuvenate. Set on a five-hectare beachfront site, this newly rebranded 280-room hotel operates as a fully renovated resort in one of Tunisiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most alluring destinations. The adjoining 14,000 mÂ˛ Thalasso-Spa will specialize in seawater treatments and is due to open in 2010. Located right on the beach in the beautiful Skanes resort, the stylish resort is just 2 km from the international airport and a mere 5 km from Monastir. Combining oldworld charm with modern delights, this Tunisian city offers visitors a true flavour of North African culture, with a wealth of attractions including a 9th century Mosque, a beautiful 8th century fortress and the Museum of Islamic Art. 14

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Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Monastir

The resort’s 280 guest rooms – including 14 Junior suites, 2 Senior Suites and 20 Spa suites – are designed to combine comfort with style. The spacious, modern rooms are equipped with first-rate amenities, including free high-speed internet access and a private balcony or terrace. Lifestyle Tunisia

Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso The buffet restaurant with its great terrace offers breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes served in chic surroundings. Influenced by the flavours of Italy, Tunisia and the Orient, the international menu caters for a wide variety of tastes. Guests can also enjoy a waterfront lunch, dinner or snack at the informal beach restaurant. Open during high season, the menu offers a range of international favourites. For more serious dining, a gourmet experience awaits guests at the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a la carte restaurant. The resort further has six diverse bars, including the Piano Bar, the Lounge Bar, the Moorish Cafe, the Pool Bar, the Beach Bar and the Garden Bar. For true poolside chic, guests can cool down in the hotel's pool or just lounge around on the surrounding terrace. Younger members of the family splash about in the nearby children's pool, specifically designed with safety in mind. An indoor pool is heated from November to March. The Radisson Blu Resort & Thalasso, Monastir is also a paradise for sporting enthusiasts. Facilities include tennis, table tennis, beach volleyball, bowls, water polo, aerobics, mini football, jet skiing, water skiing, parachute, canoeing and pedaloes. The fitness centre features a wide variety of the latest equipment, and children are welcomed at the dedicated Mini Club.

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Opening in March 2010, the “Royal Elyssa Spa Cinq Mondes & Thalasso” will comprise swimming pools, saunas, hammams, treatment rooms, and food and beverage outlets. The top floor will feature 20 unique spa suites, many with private jacuzzis and beauty treatment rooms. The development includes a 4,500 m² Thal’lon Thalasso centre and a world-class 4,000 m² Cinq Mondes Spa. It will also feature a I’Usine fitness club and an Eric Zemmour hairdressing salon. To complete the array of amenities, two new restaurants and a bar will be added to the existing food and beverage facilities.

Ideal for events ranging from small meetings to large product launches and weddings, the hotel offers three versatile meeting rooms and a 400 m² ballroom. A range of high-quality marquees and a beautiful garden area are also available for hire and can accommodate 600-800 guests. All rooms have natural light, air-conditioning and top-of-the-range audio-visual equipment, plus free high-speed internet access. A fully equipped Business Centre is also available. Lifestyle Tunisia

healthy living Many people will have spent the winter so far in hibernation mode, eating more, exercising less, and getting less sunlight and fresh air and, especially after the excesses of the Christmas and New Year holiday period many people feel its time to give the body a break.

Life today, even in sunny, laid back Tunisia, brings with it stress, environmental pollution, unhealthy diets and fast foods. Every year illnesses like cancer, heart disease, arthritis and other lifestyle conditions are becoming more frequent and many people in the Western world do not really know what it is like to feel truly healthy, full of energy and bounce. The result? A depressed immune systems, constant fatigue, obesity, sluggish livers and digestive systems, allergies, respiratory ailments, unhealthy skin and many other health problems. If this is how you feel then it may be time for a detox. A detox routine is an all-natural method of cleaning out the toxins that build up in your body by providing your body with time and the conditions it can use to rebuild and heal. Detox is a perfectly natural process--in fact, your body already detoxifies itself as it goes about its business its just that sometimes it needs a little help. 18

Lifestyle Tunisia

healthy living

Time to Detox? Your five main detox systems--lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, the gastrointestinal tract, and the skin--work together to neutralize and eliminate potentially harmful substances, from the outside (pesticides, food additives, and airborne allergens) as well as the inside (free radicals and metabolic waste). The hydrochloric acid in your stomach kills bacteria; your colon readies wastes for expulsion; your skin secretes toxins via sweat. The tiny vessels that make up your lymphatic system act like garbage trucks that shuttle fluids, fats, and waste throughout your body, channelling these to your liver, which constantly filters and purifies the blood. The liver decides which substances the body needs, and which to purge, it is the key to life. If too many harmful agents accumulate, your body is unable to expel them. The mercury your liver can't eliminate, for example, likely ends up in your hair, while xenoestrogens take up residence in your fat cells. This "body burden" can result in immediate problems like fatigue, headache, and low-back pain, and over time, it may create conditions ripe for disease.

Detoxing need not be a grim chore. A simple cleansing program can increase your vitality, bolster your immune system, and leave you with healthy habits to live by all year long. There are many different routines in the world of natural health for example water fasting, juice fasting, minimal eating, herbal detox, detox baths, colon cleansing, caloric restriction and many others, but whichever one you feel suits you it will leave you with dramatically improved energy, an improved clarity of thought, a desire to exercise and move around, a more optimistic attitude about life in general and an improved sleep pattern.

When toxins are released from fat reserves during a fast, the body has insufficient nutrient support to rid itself of them, this often results in headache, fatigue, and other problems, so anyone tempted to fast should consult a physician to find the best method for them.

Lifestyle Tunisia

healthy living

Natural Linden (Tilia species) Also known as Lime blossom or Lime flower. Linden was originally the adjective, "made from limewood", from the late 16th century This tree grows in the northern, temperate climates of Europe, Asia, and North America. Many medicinal species of linden exist, with Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos generally being the most available and studied. Regardless of species, the flowers are used as medicine, and has been found to be effective in use against indigestion, anxiety, common cold and ear infection.

Lifestyle Tunisia

Remedies

Linden Historical or traditional use which is now also being supported by scientific studies show that since time immemorial, the fragrant and tasty linden flowers have been used medicinally as a calming agent and to relieve indigestion, the common cold, and griping or colicky pain in the abdomen. Older clinical trials have shown that linden flower tea can help people with mild gallbladder problems (but not gallstones), upset stomach or dyspepsia, and excessive gas that causes the stomach to push up and put pressure on the heart (also known as the gastrocardiac syndrome.)

healthy living

Lime Blossom Lime Flower

Linden flowers act as a diaphoretic when consumed in a hot tea. Diaphoretics induce a mild fever, thereby possibly helping promote the immune system's ability to fight infections. The fever usually does not go very high because the diaphoretic also causes sweating, the body's natural way of lowering its temperature. A tea of linden is prepared by adding 2-3 teaspoons (5-10 grams) of dried or fresh flowers to a pint (500 ml) of just boiled water. After steeping the flowers in a covered container for ten to fifteen minutes, sip the tea while it is still hot. During an acute problem, several cups can be taken daily for up to one week. For longer term use (three to six months), three cups (750 ml) per day can be used. A tincture or fluid extract of linden, 3/4-1 teaspoon (3-5 ml) three times daily, may alternatively be used. All medicinal remedies should be taken in moderation and with advice from your medical practicioner.

Lifestyle Tunisia

Sights of Tunisia

To complete our short series on the many sights of Tunisia that may well be a lot more familiar to you than you would imagine, we return to George Lucas and the Star Wars saga. Lucas was a great admirer of the locations to be found in Tunisia, and not only set much of the filming of the original trilogy there, but returned again and again for the subsequent “prequel” episodes. Star Wars fans may well be more familiar with Tatooine than Tunisia, but they are actually the same. It's set in ‘a galaxy far, far away’, but parts of four of the Star Wars movies were filmed in the south of Tunisia and there are still some of the sets preserved there.

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More Familiar Than You Would Imagine

on location

In the first movie to be filmed there in 1977, later to be retitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hopeâ&#x20AC;?, Lucas featured the landscapes and native architecture of Tunisia. Lifestyle Tunisia

on location

For the home planet of Luke Skywalker, the desert planet of ‘Tatooine’, the actual location is close to the real Tunisian town of Tataouine. Luke’s sunken home was in the troglodyte town of Matmata, where homes are burrowed into the soft local sandstone formed from the sides of circular pits. The interior is now a hotel, where you can still see some of the sets and props from the movie. The exterior of the homestead, where Luke contemplates the two suns, is part of the vast Chott el Jerid, the dry, white salt flat stretching across central Tunisia to the oases of Tozeur and Nefta. Nearby is the “Dune Sea” where R2D2 and C3PO crashed in Episode IV. The gully, where R2D2 is captured by the Jawas, now known locally as ‘Star Wars Canyon’ (also used in Raiders of the Lost Ark), is Sidi Bouhel, east of Tozeur on the edge of the Chott el Jerid.

Star Wars

Moving to Ajim, a fishing town near the Island of Djerba, you can find the location for ‘Mos Eisley’, the sleazy spaceport where Luke and Obi-Wan first meet Han Solo. You can still see the exterior of the Cantina here. Close by, and a little to the north, overlooking the Gulf of Gabes, is ObiWan’s remote home, where he chose to settle because it was ‘close enough to the Lars' homestead - so that he could watch over the young Skywalker’. Here, there is also a mosque, which was filmed on their entrance to ‘Mos Eisley’.

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on location

In 1999, in the first film of the “prequel trilogy” “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace”, made some 20 years after the originals, Lucas returns to Tunisia for the ‘Tatooine’ scenes. The young Anakin’s slave-quarter home is a ksar (originally a grain store) in Medenine, about 35 miles southeast of Matmata in southern Tunisia. The last square of this complex has been turned into a bustling bazaar, and the narrow street behind the square is where Anakin says goodbye to his mother. The rear of the slave-quarters, where Anakin works on the pod racer, is the Ksar Hadada near Ghomrassen, south of Medenine toward Tataouine.

The Yardangs in Chott El-Gharsa are unique sandstone features peaking out of the desert sands. The Chott is north of Nefta, an oasis town in western Tunisia, near the Algerian border. The Yardangs are a tourist draw in their own right but even more exciting for Star Wars fans as this is where the Jedi duel between Qui-Gonn and Darth Maul in Episode I was filmed. You’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle, to visit the location of the nearby set of ‘Mos Espa’ where some of the pod race arena, streets and shops are still standing. In fact there are 4x4 excursions, day trips and tours to many of the original Star Wars locations, and these are a must for any enthusiast, or even the mildly curious, while on holiday in Tunisia.

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international

Prince Charles meets Susan Sarandon and Saoirse Ronan

PRINCE Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, attended the Royal Film Performance of Peter Jackson’s “The Lovely Bones” at a rather cold and wet Leicester Square in central London. Due to the weather conditions, many of the stars who attended were forced to hide under umbrellas until inside, but there was still opportunity for the fans waiting outside to get close to the stars. Peter Jackson

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This royal film performance showcased the world premiere of Jackson’s movie, which is based on the 2002 novel by Alice Sebold of the same title.

The Royal Film Gala Performance - London “The Lovely Bones” Speaking about the choice of his film for such a high profile opening, Director, Peter Jackson said, "I am honoured that The Lovely Bones has been selected to be this year's Royal Gala film, in support of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. This film has been an extraordinary journey, for myself as a filmmaker and for all of those who worked on it. On behalf of everyone involved, we are thrilled that Their Royal Highnesses and the CTBF audience will be amongst the first people in the world to see it." Duchess of Cornwall

Saoirse Ronan The Lovely Bones is the story of a 14year-old girl from suburban Pennsylvania who is murdered by her neighbour. She tells the story from Heaven, showing the lives of the people around her and how they have changed, while attempting to get someone to find her lost body. At the performance, Prince Charles and his wife were greeted by Peter Jackson, as well as the film’s stars Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon and Michael Imperioli. The films other stars, Mark Wahlberg and Stanley Tucci could not attend. Lifestyle Tunisia

international

Susan Sarandon signs autographs

Commenting on the red carpet, Jackson – whose film credits include the Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy as well as King King – said the book had struck a chord with him, and prompted him to turn it into a movie.

“We all wonder what it’s like after we die, is there some life after death existence. It is, I think, one of those questions that everybody thinks about from time to time. It’s a challenging movie but I wanted to make it really positive.” He also praised the film’s young star, Ronan, predicting that she had a very bright future ahead of her. The Lovely Bones opens in UK cinemas towards the end of January 2010 and also throughout Europe.

Saoirse Ronan Lifestyle Tunisia

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 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 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

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. 36

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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 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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. Lifestyle Tunisia

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 38

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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

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golf Many times when you hear people talking about getting the most distance out of their drives or irons, you probably hear the word timing used as they talk about how to achieve this. Or, when you watch the professionals play (especially in person) the distance they achieve seems to come so effortlessly and smooth. Although a discussion of the entire golf swing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t within the scope of this article, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about the timing.

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golf Effortless Distance With Your Golf Swing Timing is a word that is often bantered about when discussing the golf swing and more precisely achieving maximum distance; but timing of what? And how do I achieve it?In a nutshell, when is comes to getting the most efficient distance out of your golf shot, the timing element is the timing of the release of the stored energy that has amassed during the process of your golf swing. Again, for the purposes of this article, let’s fast forward just a bit to the point where you are at the top of your golf swing. At this point, if all has gone well, your left arm will straight.

The relationship between the club and your wrists will be 90 degrees (wrists will be cocked). Your hips will have rotated approximately 45 degrees away from their original address position, while your shoulders have rotated more toward a 90 degree posture. Essentially, you are in somewhat of a ‘coiled’ position at the top of your back swing. At this position, you have accumulated your stored energy. Except additional energy that will be stored and released rapidly as your shaft flexes and un-flexes, this is what you have to work with. Now that you have all this energy stored up, how and when to release it is on of us golfers greatest conundrum.

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golf This power that you now possess is but a fleeting thing, and one must apply it at the proper moment in order to achieve the desired results. Unfortunately, from this position at the top of the back swing is where the vast amount of golfers goes wrong; and that is the first movement they make back toward the ball is with the hands and arms. If you do this, a vast amount of your stored energy has now been released and not available to be applied to the golf ball. When you do this, you lose the angle created between your wrists and your club. You lose the angle that you have created between your shoulder and your hips. In essence, (among other things) you have begun uncoiling way to early. Among other things, in its simplest form, this type of action is generally called swinging or releasing from the top or casting the club. Aside from grossly leaking energy from your swing this will cause and outside in swing path, and more often than not produce some severity of slice.

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But, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay strictly within the confines of energy and timing. If, from the top of your swing, you begin the ascent of your golf swing toward the impact zone from the ground up and maintain the aforementioned angles we discussed much longer, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be well on your way to applying the energy of your swing at the proper moment (not to mention your swing path will be much more desirable). From the top of your swing, the weight beginning to transfer from your back instep toward your front foot is what initiates the downswing. Not your hands, not your shoulders, not a spinning motion with your hips. As your weigh begins to move toward your front side, your hips will follow by beginning to release (uncoil) from the angle they had attained at the top of the swing. As the hips begin to uncoil and continue to follow the weight shift your shoulders and arms will naturally follow. You shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be consciously firing your arms and shoulders to catch up. If you do, once again, you have just spent more of your stored energy.

golf As the weight shifts, the hips follow with rotation and the shoulders and arms now begin to follow suit, your wrists should still be in a ‘cocked’ position in relationship to the club. In other words, this angle is still maintained. As your left hip clears, this imparts a tremendous amount of pressure for your upper body to catch up. And catch up it will in a big way. With you hips cleared and your belly beginning to point down the target line, you shoulders will follow through the hitting zone and finally your arms and hands will be naturally force to release in a dramatic fashion through the impact zone. As all this happens the shaft of your club will have a pretty fair amount of flex imparted on it. This is easily discernable if you look at a slow motion or still photo view of the club coming into the impact zone. It is at this point, with the shaft flexed that the right hand begins to release and is the culmination of releasing all this stored energy upon the golf ball with the proper timing. In a sense, the release of the energy which entails the hips following the initiated weight shift, followed by the upper body responding to the hips uncoiling, that then begins to lead the arms and hands down the target line and through the hitting zone until finally the hands can no longer remain ‘cocked’ and they release the club naturally as a result of rapidly catching up to the rest of what the body has done. Lifestyle Tunisia

Golf in Tunisia 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

golf In summary it is the arms and hands that complete the release of your stored energy NOT initiate it from the top of your swing. As you begin to bring this concept together it may actually feel to you as though your arms and hand are ‘trailing’ the rest of your swing. And in sense they are… they are waiting for the precise timing. And the great thing is, is that the physics of this will all take place quite naturally once you begin to refine the mechanics of your golf swing with your teaching professional. And with some practice you’ll soon be able to let the natural forces and physics of a good golf swing apply the proper timing to the golf ball in a smooth and effortless… longer distance manner.

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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.

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

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