something New

Europe, for all its cultural history and magnificent beauty is, i feel at times, all the same.
Its not to say that each country doesnt have its own unique cultural differences and quirks but, as one coming from Australia is nothing really new.
Tunisia, on the other hand, is, and i realised how much so when i stepped off the plane.

A little nervous as i was out on my own again, a little bit more nervous as i was staying at my first couchsurfing hosts place that night, made only worse being stuck behind immigration slowly getting my visa arranged (although tunisian immigration people may be the friendliest in the world, even more so than the aussies, so that was nice) but wondering if my host would wait around or think I had given her the wrong details, it was ticking past 1am.

Just walking down the street the next day i realised how far out of the norm i was. I have found that walking down the streets of a European country, even though i dont know the language, is no problem, I dont wonder if i will do something wrong or offend someone by accident or provoke a fight... nor in asia, I know these cultures, they are part my own. But here, here it was a little different. Everything was so alien, the dusty streets baking in the hot sun, people wandering about, speaking french or arabic. Its just a place i have never been. Delighfuly, everyone is friendly, so much so you wonder if they are wanting something from you but it seems that all they desire is a chat, to know whereyour from and be helpful if they can. I think im a bit of a prized posession over here, special treatment all round, a glass with ice in it at a restaurant (normally its just a straw in the can) people inviting you into their resaurants, people just going out of their way to hunt down someone who will peak a little broken english so they can help you! its great, its strange but i love it.

SEems as though theres much more to tell, about Pamela our wonderful host and about the adventures me and will have had, sitting and drinking coffee by the road watching chickens fight, stray cats, old carthage, and an awesome taxi driver (probably got a little ripped off though.. but its ok... ) but im out of time, internet cafes are like that...