Trip to Tunis, the Capitol

Habib Bourgibah Street, just steps away from the Ministry of Interior Affairs (building behind me).

Next to one of the many police cars lined along the street. FYI, I did take permission from the two police men standing behind before I take this picture; they were very nice to let me do so.

And next to the National Guard. They were very kind to open a way for me through the barbed wires/fences, so I could get to their Jeep to take this picture. Two soldiers led me through, and one of them took this picture for me.

"Revolution"  graphiti! Phrase translates to: "Down falls the dictatorship of parties." 

Court of Justice at Beb Bnet, Tunis...

At the Municipality "court yard."


National Guard after performing their daily duty - pulling the flag down and taking it away, to be raised the next morning. Hats off to them! Long live Tunisia!
P.S. I want one of those outfits. They may not be very clear in this picture, since I was not allowed to take a closer picture, and was only allowed to take a picture of their "posterior." The outfits are more sophisticated than they look here...They look kind of similar to one of "Aladidn's" outfits - They are a piece of work.

Hennah "Party?"

Sunday, July 3rd, was the graduation party for another cousin of mine. The day before, my sisters and I went with my cousin and her sister to have our hands "designed" with henna and/or "Harqous," or "Nakshah." Many are familiar with the hennah, but not the "Harqous," or "Nakshah." I'm gonna have to write a very lengthy post if I would have to explain what it is. But, the main difference between the two is that the henna is made from a special bush (i.e. its natural stuff), while the Harqous is prepared from chemical items. Also, hennah lasts longer, and Harqous can cause "skin" allergy for many people. I chose to have Harqous on my hands, because: 1) I didn't want to have it for a long time, and: 2) I don't like the smell of Hennah :-)...

I loved the design...

A closer look at the design...

That was enough - I'm done with pictures!

Burnt Bizerte Center

The morning following my cousin's graduation party, I went to the nearest grocery store, namely, Carrefour, which is located in Bizerte Center, a shopping center more commonly known as "Batam" to get some essential grocery for mom. The center is just across the street from my Grandparents' house. During the revolution, a bunch of burglars attempted to burn/destroy the center and take everything that was inside. My cousin took me on a tour to see some of the damage that took place there...

   

Can you see the effects of the burning on those balconies? They appear to be "smoky," while they should be white, just like the rest of the walls...

It was a bit dark here, so I couldn't take a clear shot, but this is just one completely destroyed boutique...

Tunisian Triplets!

On Monday, June 27th - just a day after we arrived, we went to my cousin's graduation party at his parents' house. And there, I met his amazing "triplets" cousins...

From right to left: Ghada, Anas, and Nouran. They are 12 yrs old.

Three cute "monkeys." Aren't they adorable!

Yes, they let me take a picture with them...

Greetings from Free Tunisia!

I am in Tunisia. This is so much fun - Tunisia, post revolution!  The first thing I have noticed as I landed in Carthage Airport is that, unlike what the other Arab countries are going through at the moment, things in Tunisia are getting much and much better really quick. This was the impression of all the people I have asked who came with us. I must say what a blessed country and people there are. My family and I, minus Dad have arrived to Carthage Airport, Tunisia at 3:00 PM local time. We had no problem with the "entering" procedures - that was done pretty fast. However, we stayed about two hours waiting for our luggage, which was pretty frustrating, I must say; employees were just not doing their job. When we got out, we were greeted by all of our family/relatives, minus one of my maternal uncles and one of my paternal aunts. I guess we are always greeted by the largest number of people; we're lucky, but we also have a BIG family - I'm SO proud. It was also very nice to see Grandparents again.

We are in Bizerte now (the city where my paternal family lives). So far, sooo goood. We have reserved a furnished apartment for our neighbors. Apartment is in a compound that's on the beach, includes a swimming pool, soccer field, tennis court, and a resturaunt, plus, the compound is less than 5 minutes, by car, away from our home. We have also figured out that Rami's maternal Grandma is also coming to Tunisia. Exactly 10 days till Dad and neigbors will be with us. Can't wait! Yippeeeeee!!!!!!

Other notes:

Mom started her driving lessons - Good luck Mom! I'm glad I don't have to do that, since I took my driving licence last summer; it almost ruined my vaccation - oops! Don't worry mom, you'll do just good, since you already drove back in the U.S.

We're going to the beach this afternoon. I will take some pictures and upload them here...

I have been having a great time shopping with my cousins. Clothes are much much cheaper here than in Saudi Arabia. I have been having a great time shopping in some of the luxorious boutiqes here.

Tomorrow is my cousin's graduation party...It's gonna be fun...

Monday, July 4th, we'll be in Tunis, the capitol to spend a week there. All of us are really really looking forward to be there...

Till then, I wish everyone a happy weekend and a wonderful Summer vacation!!!