October-November 2019
This trip began in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. This is the 38th country that I have visited and can say with certainty that Thailand is my favorite country and Tunisia is my least. I like to stay positive, but I feel it is important to be honest. Now I certainly had some pleasant experiences here, but there were absolutely more negative ones. I have heard from many people that this was a great place to visit a few years ago, but political revolution and instability has devastated the economy and it certainly shows. Everywhere I went I saw large numbers of men just sitting around drinking espresso and smoking cigarettes.
I have never been somewhere where it is so difficult to do everything, especially get around. It always took me at least an hour to find a cab and the car sharing services did not work. When I finally did get a taxi I had to pay double for them to take me back to my downtown hotel because they were afraid of getting robbed, which didn’t exactly give me peace of mind.
On a positive note, Tunisia has an interesting history. It was part of the Roman Empire and has a lot of Arab and French influence as well. There are many beautiful mosaics and ancient ruins.
This was my hotel, the Royal Victoria.
Outside the entrance to Medina.
Similar to Morocco, but less energy.
El Jem is the second largest Roman colosseum in the world, behind the one in Rome.
Ceasar
Incredible tile work all around.
Sidi Bou Said is definitely the best area around Tunis.
Signage is in Arabic and French. Puppies are fluent in both.
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
First Muslim graveyard I have seen.
It was so nice to return to Europe. Malta is a beautiful island. The whole country has a population under 500,000. It has an interesting history having been occupied by many different civilizations, including: Christians, Muslims, and the Knights of Saint John. The frequent turnover is largely because of it strategic military location between Europe and Northern Africa in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a very unique language and online gambling is the most prominent business on this rich little island. One way to tell how an area is doing is to see if people are building there. I have never seen so many cranes in my life.
Ironic
This is the entrance to Mdina, and was the entrance to Kings Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones.
I sat here while eating the best pizza of my life.
This was the first church in Malta. There are now 313 on this island that takes 45 minutes to drive across.
I did an Air BnB experience Games of Thrones tour. They filmed in this garden.
During WW2 the Germans dropped a bomb on this church during a service. The bomb did not go off and it was considered a miracle. Years later the German pilot returned to apologize and was warmly received and forgiven.
This is where Ned confronted Cerci about her relationship with Jamie.
This is where Khal Drogo died. They used CGI to make the ocean look like desert.
I liked the wall decorations in my hostel. The Marco Polo Party Hostel.
Popeye village, this is from the movie set of the Robin Williams’ movie. Now it is a kids park. I just came for the instagram picture.
Took a 15 minute boat ride over the the island of Gozo, it is pretty and pretty low key.
Back on the main island, they have a lot of cat sanctuaries.
Malta is a beautiful and nice place. Well worth a visit.