Local neighborhood, Carthage. November 2014

We are lucky enough to be settled in an ancient area that has been civilized since B.C.  Not being much of a history buff, I do not know the details, but had heard of many of the areas around here and it does not take me long to become fascinated.  It is something to be sitting in a classroom at the age of 16 or whatever, reading a book about history and not being able to relate.  Just memorizing the facts, making up little rhymes and funny sayings so that I can keep the info in my head for a few weeks.  But then when you actually are walking through areas that  you realize have been trod upon for thousands of years... it is something extraordinary!
Never mind the beautiful weather, glorious turquoise waters and the overall setting.  You cannot help but be interested and enthused to learn more.

Most of Carthage is rocky.  It is not really a beach community.
The sea is lovely from here, but there are no places to walk on
the beach or to swim.

One of the streets is covered, all cool and shady in the heat
of the day.

Flowers year round.

Most of the home in this area are grandiose!

Mr Beach Babe!  He doesn't mind that it is November.

               

One of the large cruise ships or ferries coming in.

A few evenings later, we are invited to a celebration for the Embassy of Oman.  We cannot read the invite, but after a translation, we thing it would be a fun thing to do and decide to go.

We are always up for new experiences!

Glad that I grabbed my shawl at the last minute to cover up!

I was invited over to the ladies area.  Believe me, men are not allowed over there.  It was an honor.  I had met this woman at work, but did not realize she was the Oman Ambassador's wife.  Lovely lady, very gracious.

We purchase a few more items to decorate our home in Carthage.  There seems to be a bit of a Spanish influence going on here too.  Never mind the green antique vase that I carefully brought back from Sevilla.  We are trying to make our home feel like that:  a home.  We need to work on  a few things, including the outside.  The backyard should have so much potential with this weather, but it has not happened yet.  There seems to be an older fellow next door with a mental disorder who loves to scream.  Bloody murder.  A bit unnerving to say the least!

Local neighborhood Sidi Bou Said. November 2014

There is so much to explore around the local neighborhoods.  We live in Carthage, but Sidi Bou Said is very close.  Sidi Bou, as the locals call it, has been named as one of the Most Charming Small Towns in the World.  Once you visit, you understand why this is so true.  We went with a staff friend, Nejla, who is also from the area and her family still lives around Sidi Bou.  Nejla is a great tour guide and you can tell that her heart belongs to Sidi Bou!
The phenomenal views are picture perfect.  The unique large wooden and decorated doors are everywhere.  It is no wonder that artists have loved this area for hundreds, it not thousands of years.

Inside one of the shops is what used to be a grand residence.
With an inner courtyard, open to all the rooms and the air.

A small local place to have a  bit of chicken for lunch.
The mosque goes off loudly in the middle of lunch, calling the
worshippers to prayer.

Suddenly, we were looking at a house for rent...

Breathtaking views from the two terraces!

View from the top of a B&B.  Looking out to the Mediterranean.

The dead have the prime property here in Sidi Bou.

Mark thought he should try the hot tub out at the B&B,

An old place built on the cliff.

Narrow little alleyways, lined with blue
and bougainvillea.

A lovely day spent with a lovely gal!