Going to Monastir was like my dream since we got to Tunisia. I have read a lot about this city and that the former president Habib Bourguiba, who brought equal rights for women, who fought for independence, and who is still loved by people of Tunisia, was in fact from this small town called Monastir. A mausoleum where Bourguiba's Tomb lays is located in the center of Monastir.
I wanted to visit this City from the day we arrived at Monastir, but could not for various reasons, first we went on excursions, then we had to get tanned, laid on the beach, drank a lot of all inclusive alcohol, relaxed near the pool. Well there were so many tasks that our trip was always delayed.
Of course, I was really exited and took my camera ready to take pictures. We made a decision to go by train, because we were told that it goes every 30 minutes, it's cheap and comfortable. I took like 50 photos 7 of which I used in the collage above. We waited and waited but it did not arrive. One hour has passed.... What is wrong? There was nothing else to do, we did not want to give up and it was too far and too hot to come back to take a bus or a taxi. We waited and waited until 1 hour and 20 minutes later our train arrived.
The ride took about 15-20 minutes while we passed the Habib International Airport. Very comfortable train I must say if you don't count that there are beggars on the train that just spotted two tourists on board. There was one guy who stated talking to us asking us waiving at us. 2 minutes later he started begged for cash and we got so uncomfortable. But thanks to two intelligent Tunisians, who were probably going to work, kindly asked him to stop and he did.
Wow, finally we arrived to the city. Where are we? I could not get my map working, and I could not understand where to go. We were already lost? Once we have already been to Monastir Market, but that was only there and back trip by taxi. Never actually go to see anything except the market.
My wife said "I feel that we should go this way", and trusting her instincts I said that I feel we should go in that direction, too. Plus my navigator started working and it also showed in that direction :))
First place that attracted us was an open air clothes market. There were so many branded clothes there from $1-$5 each, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, dresses. We chose like 7 clothes and decided to move on, because that was not the main part of our trip here.
Just after that clothes market I started to realize that I see something familiar and that was the main Market we have already been in. So we move through the known market, on our way buying fruit for the trip back and some more olive oil. Tunisia is famous for it's olive oil, by the way, as one of the top exporters of it.
Hehe, we are here. A huge square right outside the Mausoleum was so beautiful. Right there, I felt that Habib Bourgiba was a very organized man, as thought he liked everything neat and tidy. The square was spacious and tidy.
A guard has guided us inside the Mausoleum, while at the same time telling us about the history of this monument and about the former president, whose tomb lay there. The building was actually very small compared to the territory. Compact and neat. A Tomb right in the middle of the building a recreation of his office on the side.
We went on the second floor to take a better picture of the Tomb. We were amazed how there was so little inside this building. Nothing to get you distracted from the main purpose of the Mausoleum, to get to know Habib Bourgiba better. There was a table showing his personal belongings and even a telephone he used.
Was really interesting to see even such small details such as a pen he used and glasses he were. This was actually the main place we wanted to visit. And since, my wife is pregnant and tired we decide that this will be the final place we visit in Monastir. So there we go.
Now it's time to bargain. Every time we had to take a taxi this meant a time to use all the bargaining skills possible. There were about 20 taxi drivers that you could go home with, but none of them want to drive you for a fair price. It always starts really high even for a really quick trip. I mean compared to NY city it is a cheap ride, but no one likes to be fouled in paying higher than regular fair.
The fair starts out at about $7-$10 and end with $3-$5 depending on how lucky you are. If you tell them to drive you for $3 they will always tell you that you are crazy, but many of our acquaintances rode for such a fair there and back. Then one taxi driver will tell the others not to take you for cheaper price. If you stay strong on $3 and just walk away they sometimes catch up and agree on the $3-$5 rate. This time I think we went for $4 because we were really tired and wanted just to get home quicker.
The driver agreed to take us. When driving back I have noticed that he has turned on the taximeter. This was the first time I have seen them do it :))). Later he told us that this was necessary so that if police stops us they don't fine him. The price was going up quickly as he was driving really slowly. Usually, they drive really fast to get you to the location and to quickly look for other clients. But this guy was driving sooo slow.
I have noticed that the price has gone way over the $4 we agreed on. I was starting to get nervous because we have spent everything we took with us except for these $4. I was mentally preparing to argue with him, while understanding that legally I am obliged to pay by taximeter no matter what we agreed on. Now we are approaching out Hotel, taximeter is showing about $8. I hand him over the cash and he does not say a word and just takes it. That is kind of a relief. Thank you for being so fair!
So that was our small trip to a small and cozy town called Monastir. Happy traveling everyone.
