Ma Vie...Ma Joie: Sidi bou S3ied Ya S3ied!!!

The evening before, we had dinner at a Thai restaurant, delicious food, with Fahad's cousin Khaled and his beautiful wife Noora. We had a great time with them. Later that evening my brother Falah returned from Kuwait very late and the kids and I were already sleeping. So we saw him the next morning at breakfast. He was sooo excited (but that's a long story and needs another post). Falah had errands to do and Fahad went with him. Fawaz, the kids and I headed to Sidi bou S3ied. If you ever go to Tunis, Sidi Bou S3ied is a must to visit. It is a cluster, of white washed traditional houses with light turquoise doors and windows, built on a high hill. I just love that place. By the time we got ready and headed there it was already mid day and the sun high and hot. Fawaz parked the car and we walked a short distance, crossing a mini bazaar and into the main street of Sidi Bou S3ied. We crossed the road and got into one of the houses that is opened for the public. I've been to that house before, and when I built my house few years ago, that house in Sidi bou S3ied was my inspiration for its design. The lady at the door who sells tickets, was astonished Fawaz spoke in Tunisian accent. For a moment she was puzzled and couldn't make out from where we come from. But then he told her we were from Kuwait. We got into the house. Very very beautiful. It's like stepping into a time capsule. The house has been restored to its old glory with mixed and matched colorful tiles, white washed walls, traditional upholstery and furniture, and old paintings. Some rooms had mannequins dressed in traditional bridal gowns. After we went around the house and snapped few pictures, we were back on the main road passing through a market and up the hill. On the way I found a tiny shop which sells "Bambalouni" Tunisian doughnuts. OH!!! They are so delicious!! With the exercise of climbing up, and the heat of the sun, poor Ahmedi turned as red as a turnip. Fawaz carried him for the rest of the way. We reached the top of the hill, which overlooked a seaport and the most beautiful view of the sea. Below there were cafes and restaurants, but the children were getting tired so we headed back down on the same way we came from. We passed a lady who does "Harkous" it is like henna but black and it smells like boukhour. Azoz wanted to have a tattoo so the lady made him a scorpion design which they believe it brings good luck. I had one in a flowery design. We passed through the mini bazaar, Azoz bought some drums for him, Ahemdi and his cousin Fahoodi. Next to it was a small stand which caught my eye. It was homemade candy. Candy of every kind! Candy brittles with different kind of nuts, Nougats, Turkish delights and many more. I became dizzy just by looking at them. I bought few bags of mixed candy. Yum! We headed back home. The boys jumped in the pool with their uncles, Fawaz and Falah. I went to rest and prepare myself for the big night! So stay tuned to know what it was about!

Getting ready to leave. Ya 7alathom 3yal Al Khaled ;)