Friday, July 29, 2016

Back to the Roman days of Africa

One of the really cool places I visited on my recent trip was the small country of Tunisia. For those of you not so good with geography, that is in North Africa, situated between Algeria and Libya. It is actually the northern most part of Africa, as it juts up into the Mediterranean Sea. It really is a fascinating place, with such a rich history. Ever heard of the ancient city of Carthage? Yep, that's right near the modern city of Tunis. 

One evening we went to Sidi Bou Said, a small seaside village. The streets curve all up and down the hill, so walking was fun, especially since the road is paved with flat stones. I slipped a couple times in my flipflops. :) This little town looks like that famous white and blue town in Greece that many are familiar with. There was talk of which one came first.... but I never did find out which one was the original. 

While there, we ran across another group of Americans. It is always weird to overhear your native tongue while out and about in a foreign country. Then one of them greeted us and asked where we were from. My friends are from Ohio and the other group responded that one of their Representatives was there. I really thought they were joking, but later we looked her up and sure enough she was a state representative! Never know who you'll run into while traveling!

Sidi Bou Said

overlooking the sea

I really love large, colorful doors!

One day we took a day trip about three hours south to El Jem. This is the site of a Roman amphitheater, similar in structure to the famous Colosseum in Rome. Built in the 3rd century, it is the largest amphitheater in Africa and is in remarkable condition. I've not yet been to Rome and seen the colosseum there, but I'm sure there would be a ton of strangers there to share in your experience. Here off the beaten path, we almost had the place to ourselves! My favorite way to experience history. There might have been a dozen other people besides us wandering around the building. 

Ancient buildings of that magnitude are hugely impressive; it's always a wonder to me how they built such amazing structures so long ago. And it is still in remarkable condition. One side had large, marble seats and stairs and across the way, there were three floors with separate suites.  

It was slightly sobering to think that many who believed in Christ were martyred there hundreds of years ago. If I had been alive in Tunisia during the 3rd or 4th century, it might have been me in the center of that arena dying at the hands of gladiators or the mouths of ferocious beasts simply because I believe in Jesus as my Saviour. 

eating lunch across from the amphitheater

first floor corridor




We continued our tour of El Jem by walking through part of the town to another old building. The mosaic tile work is intricate and complex. In many buildings, it was their form of carpet, better than sweeping a dirt floor all the time. At times they used tiny pieces and they are so well-laid, that they have withstood hundreds of years and millions of feet. 

old house with courtyard

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Epic 30th Birthday!

Two months ago today I celebrated my 30th birthday! Well to be truthful, I celebrated my birthday over a couple months time. :) This four month trip that I recently returned from was graduation gift/birthday celebration trip to myself. I'd been itching to travel and since I had just completed my Bachelor's degree and my 30th birthday was approaching, I figured what better time! The celebrating began in Mongolia, where my friends threw a birthday party for me the night before I left. Numerous people were invited, old friends from ten years prior and new friends I had just recently met. Crazy that some of my old youth group crowd came with their young children! Trina made not one, but three cakes for us to enjoy! Apple spice, lemon poppyseed and of course, chocolate... I may or may not have had all three. ;) 

birthday bash in Mongolia

three delicious cakes!
I continued to celebrate through out Europe and ended up waking up the day of my birth in Paris, France. Now, to be honest, Paris has never held much intrigue for me, it was never high on my list of places I wanted to visit. But when I realized that I would have to fly through there on my way to Tunisia, why not spend an day there!? So I began my birthday eating hot, fresh baked croissants slathered with Nutella at a French hotel. I got picked up and began to explore the city some. I didn't have much time, but we saw quite a bit in a short amount of time. Stopped off at the Notre Dame cathedral. Massively amazing, the architecture is simply incredible. Then on to the greatest attraction of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. Now, remember Paris was never a big wonder on my list to visit, but the Eiffel Tower is impressive. Well worth a trip there to just see it. Way bigger in person than in pictures. We climbed the staircase to the 2nd story and passed on the elevator to the top, because there were so many people in line already. 



We ate our lunch after that while on a riverboat that took us up the river through the city. The tour was all in English and I learned about several other old, cool buildings in the heart of the city. It was a gorgeous, sunny day. Had to laugh at all the tourists with their selfie sticks. One middle aged guy stood and took selfies almost the entire one hour boat ride. 

Then the mad dash to the airport. Actually the drive to the airport wasn't bad. And check in wasn't either, but then the line for passport control...... it wasn't a dash either, more like a snail's crawl. I had plenty of time, or so I thought, but I didn't figure for an hour plus in line for emigration. I sighed a breath of relief after making it through finally, then turned the corner and remembered I still had to go through security. Ugh. Thankfully, that didn't take as long, but was still running late by that time. Then of course, found out my gate was the far end of the terminal.... so with my backpack and computer bag commenced to fast walking/running through the airport. My shin splints acted up and my legs were screaming in pain by the time I made it to my gate. BUT, I made it! 

And wonder of wonders, I was greeted in Tunis by four smiling faces and once at their house by a lovely oreo cheesecake to finish off the day. 

perfect end to the day

Friday, July 15, 2016

A Few Random Pictures

I'm sure nobody has even noticed my lack of blogging.... but I keep telling myself that I need to write more about my trip. Finding the time and energy however has been a struggle lately. I journaled a lot while traveling and it tends to be that the more I journal personally, the less I blog and vice versa. Though since I've been home, I've not done much of either. :) 

Today I just have a few random pictures from my trip around the world (it was more like half the world). I'll try to write more soon! 

Kids grow so much in 3 years time!

the beautiful, awesome city of Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Met up with Dad overseas for a couple weeks 

a famous mosaic inside the Hagia Sophia