An E-card from Tunisia…
Asalama!
Labes… actually we’re more than just Labes because it is barcha good here! We’ve arrived after a short flight from Leeds to Monastir on Sunday 4th July (American Independence Day) and, into my kind of paradise…
Dates, Camels, Bellydancing, drumming, music and good coffee!
Our first day involved us wondering around the huge Spa Hotel where we’re staying and along the promenade until we reached the harbour which is spectaculr. Not only are there lots of Yachts and lovely people but tacky shops! We have all bought a Camel (mine’s called Mei Mei) – well of the small furry variety – along with cowboy hats and plenty of tacky souvenirs. My next mission is to buy a bigger camel, Shisha Pipe and a bongo drum to bring back…
We ate our first meal by the harbour as the sunset and also as an attempt to lose our stalkers – 3 lovely young Tunisian men whom insist we are family or ‘Pussycat Dolls’ – almost guys… almost Inchallah!
After an early night (and a Baileys of course), we woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on our huge Buffet breakfast – Pastries, Omelettes, fresh fruit, Cheeses and I was even able to have a plate of stir-fried vegetables – my mum would be proud.
We’ve had a hard day on the beach sunning ourselves on the longer and swimming in the clear green sea as well as making lots of friends especially the Animation team at the hotel. This was after a classic Aqua gym session in the sea along with some cheesy dance routines – LOVE IT!  This shared love has then lead us to spending the whole day on the beach eating, drinking coffee’s and dancing on the sand to Arabi, Latino and R n B usic. We have even tried or hand at learning the language, drumming and a bit of authentic dancing.  I have found a new dance partner – a stunning Russian bellydancer – we don’t speak just dance.
All four of us (Louise – my agent/best friend, Ruth – my training partner and Rebecca – drinking uni buddy) have had a Camel of a time! I jetted off on a Pedalo after befriending the Manager’s family, Rebecca lay sunbathing, Lousie went jet skiing and Paragllding and Ruth remained at the bar playing some tunes on the beach with the DJ.
Ruth and I (training partners forever) have even found time for a run and toning session along the promenade whilst Louise had a walk and coffee – we are all quite simply HAPPY!
Day 2: Crowned Miss’ Vincci Hotel
I was fooled into believing at school that my 5 A-levels and 13 GCSE’s were essential for late life, when in fact, all I ever needed was a diploma as ‘Miss Vincci Hotel’ which I was crowned last night, in return for my dignity it has to be said.
Today was spent camel (Jamal) riding, cooking bread in a pottery oven and then nearly getting kidnapped on the camel as the owner took a shine to me. I had no defence other than that I would happily jump off the hump if he took me anywhere too weird.
Louise took the choo choo train to Souz whilst the rest of the girls danced on the beach and slept in the sun. We are being well and truly looked after by the staff at the hotel who won’t allow men to even talk to us in the sea.
That evening we went to the beautiful fountain square to watch a light and fountain display and then I ran off to the pub to watch Holland Vs Uruguay in the semi-finals – what a game! I did stand out a little in a crowded bar full of Arab men smoking and cheering on Uruguay whilst U
We then finished off another night in the hotel disco-theque dancing to a mix of Russian, Arabic and RnB music. With our funky dance routine, our animation friends and loud Yorkshire accents – we really are the talk of the hotel – y’luv us or ‘ate us!
Day 3: Louise’s Birthday!
This morning we made our hue buffet breakfast extra special with a sing song and Balloons for the Birthday Girl. We’re not off to the Ancient town of Carthage to see some Roman ruins and mosaics before having a Tunisian Folk night later on – and more suprises in stall for the Birthday Girl!
Off to get the Choo choo train now and get a Bric and café Turc for Lunch as well as a bowl of Tunisian salad for me…
Yalla – Basalama
Bousa Bousa xxxx
