Tunisia was amazing, but as an Italian it literally killed my willingness to visit it again.

Whilst I understand Italians might be seen as multi-millionaires travelling to Tunisia, I wish locals would understand that the constant harassment will only make tourists (whether they're Italians or not) not wanting to come back.

Felt like an actual walking target, from the moment I went downstairs to the hotel lobby to the walks around different cities.

- street vendors constantly trying to speak/say something in Italian to you, whilst switching back to MSA as soon as you say no or ignore them

- not understanding that a no is a no, If I'm not interested in what you're trying to sell to me, please understand that and let me go

- a couple of people literally took money away from my dad's hands and grabbed my brother's arm as they didn't want him to leave

- massive arguments when we bought a small souvenir from one seller instead of another one, up to the point that we had to leave immediately and jump back onto our car

- people randomly approaching you inside the medina trying to walk you somewhere even though you still want to enjoy your walk inside the area, then asking for money without understanding when to stop.

On the other side, I met some amazing people, and I really appreciate the fact that some of them have literally nothing yet they're still extremely happy with their life. We drove past what it looked like an actual war zone outside Tunis, and our local guide/driver had a smile on his face, he was saying hi to everyone left and right and from my brief conversation I tried to have with him in English, he said he was happy with what he had and didn't need more. He had his car, his animals, and some income from driving tourists around.

All in all, it was a beautiful trip and experience apart from getting harassed by some locals, whilst I understand they're trying their best to hustle/survive I wish the had some understanding of when to stop.

Ciao Tunisia, maybe we'll meet again in a few years, here's to the next trip.

Submitted March 27, 2023 at 04:58AM by unknownusercircle https://ift.tt/bjcZk5x