Tunisia 2005

[Astbury]

A few pics of the Tunisian trip last month

http://homepage.mac.com/caastbury/PhotoAlbum17.html

Next year Russia for a month!

C

[AJC]

Nice phots.

Did you prefer it to Morocco?

AJ

[Astbury]

They are two completely different countries as (maybe you) said before our visit. Tunisia is a lot more friendly, with the children running to see you but stopping a few meters away just to wave.

The landscape is less dramatic than Morocco and the poverty less evident than in Morocco.

From a driving point of view we found Tunisia more fun and more of a challenge in the dunes, small dunes are also harder more demanding than the bigger dunes.

A lot less police check points thank in Morocco even in the military zone.

Over all I think that the two countries offer different things for two kinds of people:

Morocco:

Offers a lot of contrast both in scenery and in the way of life of the people from well off to out right poor with almost nothing, makes you come away thinking just how lucky you are. The driving is timid and just about all mountain passes can be navigated in a Peugeot 2WD car (the locals manage it!). Hassle can be quite high and intimidating at times if your not ready for it or cant handle being out right firm with some people. Though you will meet some genuinely friendly helpful and kind people that being said.

Tunisia:

Calm friendly and easy going. Get into the Sahara and your on your own, not even a friendly local will try following you too far into the dunes to try selling you camping, camels or souvenirs! You can find impressive mountain passes that almost equal Morocco's Atlas but not quite. Hassle is at a low level and your almost ignored in the larger towns, though some will still have a go on a small scale.
Sahara: unless you go to Libya or Algeria (were soon visit too) Tunisia is the place to have a lot of fun Desert driving. If you have never done this before then start on one of the piste that is regularly driven even by tourist with guides or locals, if you get into real trouble (a roll over) then someone will come along soon. Some piste are demanding some are just a Sunday drive.

Important info: Beer costs about 2 Euro for a can the size of a Red Bull can, a bit more expensive than Morocco but hell to it your on holiday!

Next year?

After doing desert for two years in a row we and a group of friends are off to Russia next summer, so if anyone has and details please let me know anything about travel in your own vehicle in Russia. (please only people that have first hand advice not stories that you have from someone else or read in a book)

Cheers

C

[kevinrbeech]

Excellent pics Chris, I have to say even though I can't compare it with Morocco, as I've not been there, your summary of Tunisia is pretty damn good.

[jjsaul]

nice pictures Chris :)

[Astbury]

Excellent pics Chris, I have to say even though I can't compare it with Morocco, as I've not been there, your summary of Tunisia is pretty damn good.

Thanks all I have over 3 GB of photo's so more will be added to the site when I get time.

C