When I moved to Texas in 2007, I was fresh out of college and working a temporary receptionist job while looking for a “real” job. My days were long (in that they were boring), I was tied to my desk, and when the phones weren’t ringing I had nothing to do but surf the internet. Though I’d gone to school for English and art, my love for travel sparked an interest in international relations, and specifically concerning the Muslim world. I spent a lot of time at that job falling down Wikipedia rabbit holes reading about different countries, conflicts, etc., and contemplating a future (and grad school program) in that arena.
As years have gone on, my interests in school-related things changed (did I mention I’m in grad school for marketing now?), but my fascination with the Greater Middle East hasn’t waned. I voraciously consume books, articles, movies, and TV shows that center around the region and long for the day when I will visit.
So, with that, today I’m dreaming of visiting Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia. Located just over 10 miles from Tunis, Sidi Bou Said looks like it was torn from the pages of a book about Greece–white-washed walls and blue doors and windows. From what I’ve read about it, Sidi Bou Said can be likened to Tangier, Morocco in the time of Burroughs–a sort of writers’ and artists’ haven in Africa, which has inspired the likes of Paul Klee.
This tiny village is situated on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Tunis. I can’t think of a much better view than that. The labyrinth of corridors and stairways are reminiscent of Dubrovnik, the streets are dotted with palm trees, and the walls are covered with various flora. According to its Wiki page, the whole town is walkable in just two to three hours, but visitors are encouraged to stay overnight to see the touristy town returned to its inhabitants by nightfall.
Sidi Bou Said has certainly worked its way to the top of any travel list I’ve recently crafted. I want to stroll those streets, taking photos of every blue doorway I come across, and sit in typical Arab coffee shops writing for hours, garnering inspiration from every nook and cranny of the village.
So, who’s ready to go?
Alan (my husband) did some work in Tunis for a while. I don’t think he made it to Sidi Bou Said, but I need to ask him. Looks amazing!!
Lindsay recently posted..What it Means to be An American
Definitely ask him! I’d be curious to know how he liked that area. :)
I’ve never really thought about the Middle East as a travel destination, at least in the near future. You might just convince me to consider it.
Lance recently posted..Memphis: Where Visions Become Realities
I hope I did, Lance! :) I think it’s a fascinating region of the world..
I’m ready, take me with you!
zof recently posted..Berlin Goes Artsy
Haha, let’s go, Zof!
I’m game! (I’ve been trying to figure out how to refer to Northern Africa without having to say “The Middle East and Northern Africa” so I like this “Greater Middle East” term. But then I saw that it was coined by the Bush administration so it makes me like it a little less… )
Jill recently posted..Happy Canada Day!
Hahaha, I know! The GWB thing does make it a bit less appealing, but I needed a relevant term for the area, so it’ll work. ;) When are we going?!
I’ve been dreaming of Tunisia for years! I’m seriously considering moving there next :)
Karisa recently posted..Review: The Mangosteen Boutique Resort & Ayurveda Spa
If you do, I’ll be over to visit in no time. ;)
Looks like a perfect travel destination for me. Sidi Bou Said, here I come. When? I don’t know. Haha. Thanks for sharing these amazing pictures.
Mark Murray recently posted..speech therapy for lisp
Haha, I know! So many places, so little time.
It looks wonderful. Especially the blue colour of the doors!
I know! It looks so gorgeous. Can’t wait to someday get there.