Sidi Bou Said
... some kind of blue ...
This rich suburban town is perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean and the city of Tunis. It is so chic that it looks a bit like a film set. It has long been a favourite of rich foreigners who not only preserved the existing Tunisian architecture but had laws passed to maintain its character. For example, all buildings shall be white and only one shade of blue trim is allowed .. the same shade of blue is used in their trash receptacles and their plastic bags ; how's that for design control? There is not much of cultural interest and I didn't see any of the rich inhabitants, but the place is attractive and catching glimpses of the sea through the passageways adds a special touch to the experience. I am pleased with this photo because that patch of blue in the upper right is actually sky. A French painter, Baron Rudolphe, is credited with selecting the town's colour; he certainly picked the right shade of blue.
Carthage Museum
... any old rocks, any old stones ...
I had been forewarned by my friend Richard that there is not much to see at this site and the Rough Guide is not exactly full of praise but I can say that it really is disappointing. As for the museum, 'any old rocks, any old stones' to paraphrase the English street cry 'any old rags, any old bones'. Perhaps someone with a real passion for the Punic civilisation might find it interesting but for the rest of us mortals .. at least the view from the hilltop out over the Mediterranean Sea is spectacular.