December already. Not that it feels like it in Tunisia. A little cooler than when we arrived? Maybe, but yesterday we abandoned our light jackets by late morning - while locals passed us in coats and often woollen hats as well. Curious - one would have thought that biology more than culture would determine sense of cold and heat, but it's clearly a mixture.
This morning J shows me the footprint on top of his shoe where a man at the Medina yesterday stood on his foot, firmly and unapologetically - presumably to allow his knife-wielding companion time to slash J's bag.
Make our visit to the ribat, a large sandstone complex, walled fortification originally defended by warrior monks who slept in small cells around the central courtyard. Great views from the ramparts and tower and reminiscent of Life of Brian which was filmed there. Makes, as Zeffirelli found, a better Jerusalem than present Jerusalem for film purposes. There's not a great deal in its little museum, but some of the antique embroidery is lovely and the picture of Monastir 150 years ago is interesting - an Arab village.
J chats up a young man as we're leaving about the present state of Tunisia. Things are difficult economically despite the signs of construction. Monstir itself he says is a university town - faculties of pedicine, pharmacy, health, agriculture. Do they pay for university or health care? Not for university, except accommodation, but they do pay for medical care, though not a lot.
To the internet café. Fascinating Canadian political/constitutional situation but ot easy to follow via the internet glimpses, especially as it's still early morning in Canada.
JAWORSKI TRAVELS