|
|
|
 |
Northern Africa DVD US$29.95 (includes 3 shows )buy now
|
|
|
Where's It At
Tunis feels more like a large town than a city. A European
influence can be seen in its architecture and the easy going
character of the people. "Suuq" is the Arabic name
for market, but is now often called the "medina".
Most of what was once Tunis is today like an enormous shopping
centre and handicraft factory. The central market is the largest
food and vegetable market in Tunisia. Fresh fruit and vegetables
are on offer all year round, and most people shop weekly here.
Shoppers Paradise
The central market opens early, around 6am is the best time
to catch its colour and atmosphere. The markets are far from
haphazardly arranged, there are areas for goldsmiths, metal
workers, fabrics and food. The tourists have their own medina
area. Stear away from the tourist area as goods are generally
overpriced and inferior quality.
The arrangements of the souqs are traditional for Muslim cities,
and they divide the different class of craftsmen from one
another. In the Souk de la Laine (weaver's market)
it is likely that you can see weaving on hand looms using
expensive fabrics. The gold on sale at the Souk des Orfevres
(gold market) is far higher grade than in the west, but often
simple designs at reasonable prices. |
