Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answers blog

The wonder of Answers is never more apparent than when you encounter one of the community’s truly great participants. We’re going to be sharing some of this sense of wonder with you, as we highlight Answers’ own North African expert, Tunisian Belle.

Real name Jamie, she was raised in Colorado, is married to a commercial pilot and has been living in Tunisia for over 6 years. She is a stay-at-home mum with three children. She loves to travel and can speak four languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and French.

In a series of posts, we’re going to turn the blog over to her expert knowledge of Tunisian people, culture and geography. Through her photographs we hope to make you feel as if you’re right there with her, travelling this hot, dusty country. Welcome to Jamie’s world…

Geography

“Tunisia is in North Africa, towards the middle of the continent. Our neighbours are Algeria to the west, and Libya to the south-east. We are directly under Sardinia, Italy. Our closest neighbours to our North-East are Malta and Sicily.”

“Much of our boarder is on the Mediterranean Sea, and the city of Bizerte is not only the northern most city in Tunisia, but the northern most city for the whole continent of Africa.”

“The mountain region is breathtaking! There are fantastic views and the atmosphere is reminiscent of an old town in Switzerland. Absolutely gorgeous! The coast is marvellous. The sea is clear and picturesque. The midland and south are terrific because they offer you the chance to peek into a forgotten society – one that holds fast to tradition. I have been all over Tunisia and have visited most cities and have loved everyone because they each have their own special charm.”

History

“The country is so full of history – it has been under the rule of Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Berbers, Ottomans, Beys, and French. It played a significant part in WWII, was the centre of the ancient world with Carthage as the capital and it has so many beautiful places to visit! It is unlike any other Arab country in that is has a lot of greenery. There are also many historical ruins in just about every part of the country you go to.”

Culture

“Tunisia is also a very safe place. There are not many places in this world where a women can walk the streets alone in the middle of the night without fear. Yet I often take late night walks, around 11pm or so when I can’t sleep and have never had any problems and have never felt fearful. I have lived in Tunis and Monastir and have visited other parts of the country without any problems.”

“There is a joke here too that between a police officer and a police officer, you find a police officer. Believe me, it’s safe. We also let our children run around the marina or the cafés and don’t worry about someone kidnapping them because that just doesn’t happen here. It is a terrific place to raise a family – amongst safety, security, love and kindness.”

“Women’s rights were implemented as soon as Bourguiba became president. Tunisia was one of the first countries in the world to give women equality to men, and grant them the right to vote. It was one of the first Arab countries to allow women to seek a divorce from a man on her own accord, to work outside the home, and give them education on family planning.”

People

“The people are so warm and hospitable. They instantly welcome you as one of their own and treat you like family. They will offer you the clothes off their back without a second thought or want for being re-payed. If you are lucky enough to dine with a Tunisian family, be sure that they will prepare a feast that is the best they can within their means. They will offer you the biggest and best portions of all foods.

“Family is very important here – there are no homeless people, although there are poor people. Everyone helps everyone else -neighbours bring food to each other, the poor can always count on someone giving them food and clothes, children are not expected to leave home as soon as they turn 18.”

In the forthcoming part two of this blog post, see Tunisian Belle’s “must see” experiences and places in Tunisia!

Five Tunisian Belle Best Answers:

• What are some fun things to do in Tunisia?
• What are some Tunisian recipes?
• What are some shopping and bargaining tips when in Tunisia?
• Who are three important Tunisian historical figures?
• How much does alcohol cost in Tunisia?

Know someone who’s “wow-ed” you on Answers? Think somebody deserves to be celebrated as next Featured User on the Answers Blog? We want to hear from you!

Email the Answers team a link to the user’s profile or answers to y_answrs_team_uk@yahoo.co.uk

• Read part two of Tunisian Belle’s guide to Tunisia here.