A day at the market and beach….

Yesterday Marty and I had our morning coffee and breakfast then put on our walking shoes and headed out the door. We walked through Andy and Shelly’s neighborhood, first stopping at the end of their road where the road stops and the beach starts. We took in the view and then turned around to head to the train station. It is just a few blocks from the house. We got up to the window to pay for our ticket to catch the train to La Marsa but there was no train for some reason. Oh, well? So we decided to catch a taxi. We stood on the side of the road and finally were able to flag down a cab. Nice taxi driver, clean cab and…we decided that we look forward to learning more French. The cab driver was great, we spoke in very little French and more English and he spoke in French with very little English. We enjoyed the ride to La Marsa. I had been there with Shelly earlier in the week so the surroundings were looking pretty familiar. The cab dropped us off in front of the big Mall just down from the train station. I looked around and my bearings were off. I remember the Mall but then what? So as Marty and I do, we began walking around to find a landmark that was familiar. That is how we stumble around Kathmandu. We were heading in the right direction but turned a block or two to soon. So we walked toward the water and that is where my sense of direction kicked in. I said, “Oh hey yeah, here we go! It is right down this street and to the left!” The Market is kind of hidden down a street in a covered area. We crossed the street and made it to the main entrance. The bouquet of flowers greeted us as we entered the building. Last time I was at the market, I didn’t have my camera. It was a lot busier then and there was much more produce and meat. Marty and I hit the market about 45 min before closing, but at least it gave him an idea what it is like.

After the market we headed down to the beach. Finally our toes touched the water! We stopped in a little cafe and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. We sat on a park bench and took in the view and fresh breeze on our faces. It was time to head back home, so we grabbed a taxi. Another pleasant taxi ride, learning a little Arabic this time from the taxi driver.We walked down the streets back to the house. On our way we stopped in a little park down from Andy and Shelly’s house that has a nice cafe with a view of the water. Had an espresso while talking about the day. It was a good day!

Here are some photos. I am playing with how to post photos by gallery or slide show that is why there are duplicates. Enjoy!

 

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More sites and exploring…

Yesterday we had a beautiful brunch at the Secondary Principals house. Enjoyed new and familiar company, soaked up the amazing sun rays, and just took in the moments. Although we spent Friday evening with many of the same people, Marty and I were a little more with-it since we had two sleeps in Tunis. (Friday night we were very jet-lagged.)

Afterward, Andy and Shelly took us to a craft fair. I found some beautiful green pottery and olive wood.

 

It was a nice treat to begin preparing my kitchen in Tunis and got me excited to set up home again. Then we headed to a sweet town called Sidi Bou Said. Here is a link to see some amazing pictures.
https://www.google.com/search?q=sidi+bou+said&hl=en&sa=X&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=zFJ5T_PvBcOr0QW764maDQ&ved=0CEEQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=575

We strolled along the quiet streets and enjoyed the famous blue doors and white buildings. The view of the water is spectacular. On our way back to the car we stopped in at a cafe to have some fresh squeezed orange juice and a Brik. What is Brik? It is egg, tuna, cheese and spinach cooked in a thin layer of filo dough. It is folded over like a quesadilla. It is light yet rich tasting. We were going to then go to a restaurant shortly after but by the time we were heading back to Andy and Shelly’s neighborhood, we were quite content.

Marty and I have been fighting a sinus cold/sore throat the past 2 days, think it is from the airplane, so we were pretty tired when we got back to the house. It is also our day 3 of travel. This is usually the time where we both hit the wall and just want to chill out and rest. So here we are…the Donahues have left for their day of school and we are enjoying listening to the birds sing, drinking coffee and enjoying some breakfast.

I think we will take our time getting out of the house today, get the train that is just down the street from the house and head to Le Marsa. I am excited to show Marty the market and both of us can explore that area a bit today. The sun is out once again, cool fresh air is flowing through the windows. We will slather on our sunscreen, grab our shades and go out for another day of sight-seeing, exploring our new territory.

I truly look forward to sharing this beautiful city and historical sites with our family and friends. I think you are all going to like it! Plus, after spending some time with us in Tunis, you can get on a ferry and be in Italy the next morning (or just fly the 1.5 hours it takes to get there). Or, for those of you so inclined, get on a Mediterranean cruise ship and we’ll see you when you get back! There are many European destination choices all within 2.5 hours or less. We’ll have to be careful because the temptations are so enticing for any break from school of over 4 days.

Much Love,

Marty and Bridged

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So it begins…

Spring break has started. A much needed break.

Marty and I boarded the plane to head to our new future home of Tunis, Tunisia. It was a 5 hour flight to Doha, 6 hour layover in the airport and another 5 hour flight to Tunis. Thankfully, we were both able to get some good sleep on the plane and while waiting in the airport. The past 2 years we have adjusted to the crazy flight times and layovers. We have adapted to bounce our bodies to the new time zones and sleep in interesting positions on chairs, lounge chairs, floors and airplane seats.The sacrifice to travel to a new land.

We arrived finally at the Tunis/Carthage airport. Much bigger than the little airport in Kathmandu. We were the last to get off the plane, that’s how we roll, never in a mass hurry to be in the pack of travelers in a hurry to wait…hurry to wait…hurry to wait. So we meandered off the plane, boarded the bus to take us to the immigration and security. We entered the building to a swarm of people. All speaking French or Arabic. I found myself little again. I know I am short, but in Nepal, Marty and I are quite a bit taller. Well, at least I feel taller! Here we were surrounded by tall beautiful Tunisian people. We stood in line for quite a while waiting to finally reach the immigration counter to get our passports stamped and then move through security. After finally reaching the immigration counter, it was a smooth transition going through the security. We then made our way to the baggage claim. We brought 7 bags with us to leave here. Hopefully we will travel back to KTM with just 1 bag each. Mostly leaving our winter clothes, shoes and such here.

Marty tracked down our bags as I people-watched. I have not seen people smoking in an airport in…forever! I saw adorable little kids, beautiful women and well dressed men. We were ushered right through the last gate, Customs, with all our bags balancing on each other through the double doors to a sea of people. We were expecting the school driver to pick us up but to our happy surprise our friend Andy was there waiting with a big smile, 4 kisses (Tunisian greeting) and huge hug.
Whewwww, we made it!

We piled all of our luggage in the little VW Polo (which we are purchasing from Andy and Shelly), I wedged in and hugged the suitcases as Andy drove off to the main road to our new surroundings. I was expecting to see some destroyed buildings, garbage and a little chaos due to the revolution that happened 1 year ago last January. To my surprise, the roads were wide, traffic was flowing in a manner that made sense, few pieces of garbage strung here and there but was nothing like what we are used to in KTM. People still play “Frogger” across the roads, but here the roads are wide with a barrier in the middle (almost like a freeway) but people do still cross it randomly. The first feel I got was, it reminded me of an express highway in Florida going from Orlando to the Keys. However, you are pretty much 10-15 minutes from anywhere in the city. The traffic was moving quickly. I forgot, I have not been in a fast-moving car since January. Anyway, the sites were familiar in a strange way, similar to places we have visited before like Hawaii but it felt very European and rustic.

We arrived in Andy and Shelly’s neighborhood. There were some buildings that were abandoned and written graffiti due to the revolution months back, but as we reached their home we saw the Mediterranean sea a few feet from their driveway. Beautiful! We entered their white wrought iron gate to their white-painted house. We unloaded our bags and entered the home. So nice, spacious and beautiful. WOW! How did this happen. We are in North Africa!

Every morning we hear the beautiful birds sing, no barking dogs, well there is one dog next door, but it is less than we hear in KTM. It is so quiet here! The weather is perfect. It will be hot when we arrive in August, but really, it is just perfect. The sky is so blue and clear. The air is beautiful. It was nice to actually breath in some fresh air. You could smell the salt water and feel the tropical comfort. It was refreshing to see palm trees in areas and a pleasant lush greenness that surrounds us.

We were invited to our new Director Allan and Julie’s house for dinner with other couples that are going to be here next year. My goodness, it was magical. Delicious dinner, great new friends and some old friends and laughter that was well needed. Marty and I were a little rummy at this time but if felt great to share stories, hear stories and connect to our new school family. Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Very special.

Somehow we made it home. Haha, Allan and Julie only live a hop skip and a jump from Andy and Shelly’s house, stumbled in to bed and slept like babies that night. We were woken up by the call to prayer at 4:45am, but drifted back to sleep within seconds. Just before my eyelids opened to get up, I enjoyed listening to the choir of birds singing all around the house. Fresh breeze flowed through the white wood shutters. I was greeted by fresh brewed yummy coffee.

Marty, Andy and McKenna took off to a soccer game that Andy coaches. Shelly and I jumped in the little Golf and headed to the market in La Marsa. Beautiful drive. I really love this area. It reminds me of White Rock in B.C. We entered the market and I was in heaven. Fresh fruits and veggies. It was like a mini Pike Place Market. A sea of fruits, veggies, fish, chicken, meat, herbs…Ahhhhh…sigh. Shelly collected her veggies and fruit for the week, as I people-watched and was caught up in the color of all the produce. It was a delight to see Julie there too doing her shopping for the week. We just stayed in La Marsa for a short time but I look forward to exploring it together with Marty. We can grab the train by Andy and Shelly’s house and in 10 minutes be in La Marsa. Shelly and I then jumped in the car and stopped at her favorite bread store. FRESH baguette, croissants and desserts. After that we went to Carrfour. A big Fred Meyer/Walmart style shopping area. I was over-stimulated by all the wide isles and the huge selection of items to choose from. Olive oils, tuna, cheese, wine, all the important things in life!! This store has everything we need to set up home. Which is great; less to pack and bring with us.

We picked up McKenna and the boys and headed back to the house for some fresh lunch, cheese, fresh strawberries (like WA berries, red in the middle), fresh olives, baguette, olive oil and wine. We sat in the sun, enjoyed each others company and made the plan to head to an ancient site. Our first field trip.

Here are some pictures of our trip to Oudnha. The site is Uthina, Tunisa. It is about 50 minutes from Andy and Shelly’s house. Beautiful drive. Great day trip. We hiked around the old site and enjoyed the history. There are many ruins just minutes from Andy and Shelly’s house. This will be a week of exploration, rest, preparation to come to live in just a few months.

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