no never used it but will give it a go in may, I love the café beside the marina on the corner right hand side but I cnt remember its name, there steaks are lovely in there

We used to go in to the Sultana Aslemma, there are some nice looking rooms above the shops / cafes at the fountain which I always fancied.

I love the café beside the marina on the corner right hand side but I cnt remember its name, there steaks are lovely in there

Is that the one upstairs towards the far corner on the right?

I can never remember the names of all the cafes out there Graham, only the Sultana which was a regular meeting place until it closed for refurbishment and we moved to the Veranda in Sousse (near the Slim cenre). Jim and Anne were at the Sultana a couple of weeks ago and say it's even nicer now, I don't want to wish my life away but roll on April.

the one im on bout is on corner on right just as you come in to marina were the boats all sit. geez wish I could remember its name lol.

I'll have a look in April Tammie.

Hotel and transfer now booked so I can relax. The icing on the cake is that I had a phone call from my solicitor today to say the barrister has agreed I have a valid claim against the council in respect of my broken elbow last March. If they pay up I may be able to upgrade to 5* next time.

I have been asked on another part of the forum if I noticed any differences in Tunisia on my last visit and rather than go off topic there I thought I’d come over here where it might be of interest to some of the regulars..

First I must say that I only have personal experience of the situation in Sousse, but have no reason to believe that it is any different in other areas frequented by tourists.
Regular visitors will notice a lot of new building, both apartment blocks and at least a couple of new hotels. There are also new restaurants and cafés, some of which appear to be doing good business. The other side of the coin is the number of hotels which have closed down or deteriorated badly and may not survive for very much longer unless the owners up their game.

The euphoria following the revolution seems to have been replaced by a feeling of frustration at the lack of improvement in living conditions, lack of tourists and the rise of hard-line Islamists (Salafists) who seem intent on imposing their views on the country. Tourists are rarely in danger from these people, but news of unrest has spread, particularly via the internet, and has done nothing to encourage tourists to return.

In the past Tunisia had many advantages for tourists. A pleasant climate, short flight, reasonably cheap prices, a feeling of exoticism and locals who made visitors feel welcome. Much of this still remains but prices have gone up a lot, both for flights and hotels, the level of service seems to have gone down in many instances, and crime appears to have gone up, though I still feel it is much safer than many places in the UK.

I didn’t meet one local who was happy with the progress Tunisia had made since the revolution. The new constitution is still being thrashed out and the election of the new government which were due to have taken place earlier has again been put back, the new date being given as December at the latest, though many of us are not holding our breath.

Tunisia is still a good place to visit and you will be made very welcome by the locals but it would be wise to pay attention to up to date hotel reviews before deciding where to stay. Also, as I’ve said above, tourists are not at risk but should be aware of any possible problems and avoid getting caught up in any demonstrations, which are far more frequent than in the past, both against the government and those between the Salafists.and Secularists. I pray that Tunisia will get through its troubles sooner rather than later but at the moment the jury is out.

Aslemma, thanks for the info, I am going to Tunisia for one week 19 May 2013 staying at the Royal Kenz.
I shouldn't think `Thomson` wouldn't take bookings for Tunisia, if it wasn't safe.
What do you think?
This is my first trip back to Tunisia after a two year absence?
When were you last in Tunisia and how was it?

Hi Jasmine. Yes, Tuniisia is still safe for tourists although crime is rising and you need to be even more careful about theft of property, I didn't see any demonstration when I was in Sousse last month, but if you do see any big crowds gathering it would perhaps be wise not to linger. Enjoy your holiday and do post your impressions when you get back.

Many thanks Jasmine, yes, I will post my experience.... when I get back.

Thanks for the info Aslemma :-) Jasmine, we were in Tunisia last year and the year before, and were there when the revolution was on, sadly tourism was very low, but at no point did we feel threatened, or unsafe, even though a helicopter flew over our hotel on a daily basis, the helicopter flew so low, that you could actually see the guys inside it. We are due back again end of June, so will also post when home. I had heard crime rate has risen, but as long as you keep your wits about you (hope that does not sound bad) as crime can happen anywere, I am sure you will be fine :-)

Roo

As you say Roo. crime can happen anywhere. I've been going to Tunisia twice a year for 13 years and always felt safe there, I still do, but realise we now have to be rather more aware of potential problems. It doesn't sound bad to point this out but simply a timely reminder. I was in Sousse just after the revolution and ex-pat friends remained there throughout. Unfortunately the tourists are still not really back to anything like the previous numbers.

Roo wrote:

Thanks for the info Aslemma :-) Jasmine, we were in Tunisia last year and the year before, and were there when the revolution was on, sadly tourism was very low, but at no point did we feel threatened, or unsafe, even though a helicopter flew over our hotel on a daily basis, the helicopter flew so low, that you could actually see the guys inside it. We are due back again end of June, so will also post when home. I had heard crime rate has risen, but as long as you keep your wits about you (hope that does not sound bad) as crime can happen anywere, I am sure you will be fine :-)

Roo

Thanks for the info, yes I like Tunisia, because it is a place where I am able to chill out.
I went to Spain at great expense last year, and I didn't like the hotel.
A country, whose customs and practices, I am familiar with, because I lived their for eight years.
Shame Politicians are so power hungry and economically greedy, and what leaves the disadvantage
to take extreme measures.

just back yesterday from another 2 weeks to soviva hotel. cnt beleaved how much its changed in the last 3 yrs since I was there . was lovely to see all the new work done. new sunbeds, plus new matteress to lie on. food was gorgus to much pizza/panni,s for me tho . and hubbie just loves the desserts.lol. omg JASMINE we were just nesxt door to you, if id of known that we could off met up for a coffee. did you see the new block of apartments other side of soviva there just built?.RESISDENCE TAHA THERE CALLED, well we had a look round them and THINK HUBBIE IS GOIN TO BUY ONE, WE HAVE TO FLY OVER AGAIN IN SEPT TO SEE SOME GUY AND GET PAPERWORK IN ORDER. , hubbie wants to move out there. its bottom floor left hand side as you go down to the beach for soviva hotel. we are now looking at getting things sorted out but been told the property wont be open for us to move in to till next yr. that suits us fine as we have a lot of things to take care of this end first.

I'm afraid my recent visit to Tunisia for a weeks holiday, was not a success.
The Que on our arrival in Tunisia at passport control, took an hour and a half to get through.
On the return journey to the UK; we waited at the airport an hour and a half to get our baggage put through and another hour and a half at the new Airport to get through passport control.
For people with disabilities such as I have, which is a weak ankle...the three hour wait left me unable to walk.
Which is why this will be my last visit to Tunisia.
New Airport with a bad service, and why I suggest that it will be better not to fly at the weekend; but mid-week where there will be fewer ques and passengers?

Jasmine, did you request assistance from the airline? That might make the difference and enable you to return to a country that you seem to have had many happy memories of in the past.

SM

No I didn't ask for assistance, because there were many people, who I felt who were more in need than me.
But I must confess, that on this trip I felt that I had finally outgrown Tunisia.
I no longer sit in the sun to get a tan..because at my age it is not healthy and apart from a visit to the Port; there is not much to do?
I used to enjoy going to the Casino in Souse to watch the "Changing ladies" but I was informed that they are no longer in Tunisia.

jasmine I found the new airport in tunsisa was brill . took us from time we landed to time we got on bus outside was all done in 30 mins, tho maybe its because I get help ( wheelchaired ) from check in straight on plane, and the same other side. I use a stick to help me while walking.. I cnt climb stairs well you see thsts why I get helped. and they were very good to me, loved the new airport as this was our first time flying in to it. didn't like old one at all.

Yes the design of the new airport was superb, but I think that those who run the Airport, must now work to make passing through baggage and passport more efficient.
Because, my experience of it at the present time , reallywas not good enough, although I appreciate what you say, which is that your experience was more positive.