Just got back from my first trip to Sousse and Tunisia. I had done so much research, and read so many forums I had a rough idea of what to expect.

I booked a cab to take me to Victoria, as I was taking the train to Gatwick which I have never done before.The cab I booked, didn't turn up, so I was on edge until I got to Victoria. I was worried about being on the train at 2am in the morning. Well there was nothing to worry about, as the train was packed with all the party animals who had come to London on Saturday night. I mean packed, as you could not find a seat.

I got to Gatwick, and Thomas cook airlines were as I expected. I was three kgs overweight, and got charged. The woman at check in asked to weigh my hand baggage too, so for all of you who said it doesn't happen, it happened to me. I was well p....d off. At this point I wondered whether it would be a holiday from hell. I pleaded with her, and told her that she was eating into my spending money. I have worked for an airline before, and know the score. There is some leeway, but this ... was determined to penalise me. I challenged her and told her I knew she got commission, and she said 5% commission was nothing. I took some stuff out of my hand luggage, and was not prepared to do so with my hold luggage, so ended up throwing away my iron, kettle, and a number of books. I asked for her name, and she refused to give it to me.

I arrived in Sousse before 2pm, and was checked in right away. I went and had something to eat at Ben's restaurant in the medina, and then headed to the Soula centre. Whilst I was in Sousse I went on the medina ramble excursion, which I would recommend. I had been to the medina a number of times before the excursion, but had not been to the parts we went to during the excursion, some fantastic shops. I bought a number of things at the medina, but was with a Tunisian friend, so no haggling, as I got Tunisian prices. On the excursion we went to the Gold quarter, visited some shops, and the Dar essid Museum.

I went to Port El Kantanoui, for lunch on Thursday, but had to rush off to the dentist as my filling had come out. I loved the marina, and you are spoilt for choice with restaurants there.

Friday, I went to see Jenny and Frank. The train I took from Sousse, ended up having an accident, at which point I thought I wouldn't get to see Jenny or Frank, as we were stuck in the middle of nowhere. But we got moving, and I wasn't too late. Jenny and Frank took me round the Friday market, followed by lunch at Sidi bou Salim restaurant on the clifftop. We then walked back through the town, and then back to the hotel to chill.

On Saturday, I went on an excursion to Tunis, where I bought more kaftans. I bought about ten in total Some more gifts for friends, and family, then we went to the Bardo museum, Sidi Bou Said, and finally Carthage which I found amazing. I could have stayed sitting in those ruins all day.

I found the people very friendly in Tunisia. However in my experience most of the men try and chat you up. I found this irritating, and tiring. As a woman on my own, noone would leave me alone.

I will go back,as it is cheap. It is a few hours from the UK, and I felt very relaxed there. I am so glad I went on this trip, as it did me a lot of good.

Interesting most of the locals thought I was Tunisian, until they realised I couldn't speak Arabic, and my French was not fluent, at which point they tried to rip me off. As someone who is not local I found most people will try and rip you off with prices. The only time this didn't happen was when I went with my friend to the medina who the shopkeepers respect, as he is an older man and well known.

So hopefully I will be back next year Inshallah.