Awesome Weekend Dream (Part 3)

#NowPlaying: Coldplay-Mylo Xyloto Album

Firstly, i wanna tell you this is my last chapter of Awesome Weekend Dream after Awesome Weekend Dream (Part 1) and  Awesome Weekend Dream (Part 2). Secondly, you really have to read until the end cuz this is the magic part that makes me have to add the word "Dream" on title. It's hard to find in a real-fucking-reality! To prove my words so let's just go check this out! x)
Day 2: 19th of June
Time: 3 PM
It's been a long walk after the family workers house. There are no cars which want to give us a ride. When the energy almost finished and i just gave up, we saw the ruins not far from us. It's quite big and located in the middle of town. The name is Mustis, it's easy to neglect this ruins if we're not overtired. According to Wikipedia, Mustis was a Roman City in Northern Tunisia. It is between Le Kef and Dougga. It has a triumphal arch, temples, fotress, the most interesting thing is the olive presses. Julien told me, they use it for grinding the olive into oil. The guardian was very kind, he explains many things about Mustis. Including the house style of Roman, which has different rooms with different functions. It's amazed to know that the housing rules have been applied thousands years ago which also exist until nowadays. It's enough for Mustis and now we continued our tracks to Teboursouk.

 I was standing on olive presses 

The Mustis

The next car is pick up, again. I think we're meant to be with pick up, or it's the only car that want to have us. Connie and I sat at the back, the sun can't be hotter and i have nothing to cover my body. The only enjoyable thing to do was sleeping in the middle of heavy wind. This driver dropped us at looage station near Dougga. He was drinking beer while saying goodbye to us. His skin is quite dark and there was a dark circle under his eyes. Julien told us the story of our fourth driver, he's literally a driver, his job is dropping ceramics from town to town. Actually he offered to drop lil further but Julien said no cuz he see this guy is drinking while driving. Well, better to prevent than cure! x)

After buying some water and recharge our body, we continue to walk. Since it's a big crowded road so it's quite difficult to find a car. People think we can take looage or other transportation. Finally, we got a ride from two young guys who also going to Dougga. One of the guys is so cute and i just blush when i see him. During the journey, I spent time alone on corner with my terrible shoes between the romance of Connie and Julien. How miserable life is x(

Miserable girl x( 

Pick Up Couple xD~

Actually Connie has visited Douga but this time she was agree if i want to go there. She said she can wander around while i enjoy the beauty of Dougga. The ticket price is 4 dinar and if you bring camera it becomes 5 dinar. I've been curious about Dougga so much and couldn't be happier when i can see it live. When i went to entrance gate there was a man who is praying. I remember that in Islam we can do our pray anywhere, in the car, on the plane, at the beach, in the forest, anywhere during travelling or emergency situation that makes us have to pray not at the place where it should be. Even when you are sick and can't move your body, you can pray by sitting, sleeping or only by moving your eyelid (if you're totally can't move all your body except the eyelid). Islam allows us to pray anywhere in whatever our situation is.

The man is praying devotedly 

I love the way he can concentrate during the pray

Dougga is incredibly beautiful! That's the first word came up from my mouth. I was the only tourist that day and makes me free to explore this big Roman City. My friends are Connie's Lonely Planet, Connie's Nikon Camera and my self! x) But since i'm not good at reading a map so i just close the Lonely Planet and start discover the mystery of Douga.

 Hello Dougga! x)

According to Wikipedia, Dougga or Thugga has been awarded by UNESCO as the Best preserved Roman small town in North Africa. It's located at about 550 metres above sea level and first served as an important military post and when Romans came it changed to be a regional administrative center. There was about more than 10.000 inhabitants in its heyday, according to http://looklex.com. No wonder it's very huge x)

This is Capitol, one of the most impressive remains in Roman era. It is served as the main temple for the entire city and dedicated to three gods: Juno, Jupiter and Minerva. The walls are 10 metres high and stands solidly.

 The Capitol

The most amazing one is the theater. It has 19 tiers and affords 3500 spectators. It was built up the hill which has us to enjoy the breathtaking view over the valley. Julien said, the orator usually stands at the lowest level of theater which is the stage and his voice will come out loudly until the highest stairs. This is the proof how Romans Civilization have been so advanced in that era.

 The big theater 

Dougga is very big and even it has the Nouvelle Dougga or New Dougga. All inhabitants moved to New Dougga for preserving the ruins. Unfortunately, i was hearing a dog barking somewhere. FYI, i'm so afraid of dog even just hear the voice cuz i had trauma before. In addition, Dougga area is around jungle where you can't get fast enough for a SOS call. What did i do? I was running so fast even my shoes has been widely torn  and wait to be thrown away. I'm looking for Connie and Julien for helping me out. Alhamdulillah i found them near theater.They came in from the other way which is the entrance from theater. I asked for Connie's sandals cuz she brought two sandals and kept my lovely cool shoes in plastic. Poor shoes, he has been travelled to manyplaces, from Indonesia to Malaysia, Istanbul and Tunisia. I'm gonna put it at historical museum.

 The splendid view over Dougga x)

Some mosaics 

 Temple de Tellus

 Le Nouvelle Dougga is over there

The water source

Dougga has been a place to visit over and over. At least it requires you three hours for understanding its magical ruins. But, we have long way to go! The view after Dougga is simply beautiful as well. Connie and I just enjoy taking some pictures while Julien wanna walked fast to reach Teboursouk.

Breathtaking xD~

Finally we got a car, this one is the fanciest of all cars we have been hitchhiked. Ford car with executive driver, Julien said this guy speaks like a French not Tunisian. And he dropped us until the looage station of Teboursouk, our next destination is Tunis. It's 7.30 and dark will come soon. Suddenly, when we just stop at shop to buy drinks, A little girl asked us surprising questions:
Little girl: "Are you Italian?" 
Connie and I: "No" 
Little girl: "Do you have facebook?"
Connie and I: "No"
My mind say something wrong with this girl. By the time she saw us, she directly asked that annoying question. Other guys offered us to take looage for 50 dinars to Tunis cuz the last looage is at 7PM. Seems we were late and don't have any transport to go home. We decided to take dinner first while thinking what we should do. Somehow, the same little girl has talked to Julien and even she joined us at table. I started not to like this girl cuz i know how Julien can be. She talked in French which some words i can get but i don't really know what they're talking about. It's strange cuz the way she talks seems like she's an adult and know everything. Hey, probably she's just 10 years old!

Julien sometimes laughed and enjoy the conversation. She said that be careful with the guys there and there will be bus at 10 PM tonight, said Julien. Connie also seems so tired and ate her bread quickly. Then the girl went away and she came back with some candies on her hands. "Pour Ulka, Pour Connie et Pour...Julien!" She laughed. Pour (French) means for (English) so she gave us that sweet candies. I have no idea what it's on her mind but i think Julien has told her to be more friendly. While we were talking, she also introduced her dad, oh i see, so she's not alone in this crowded place. She offered to sleep at her place as well since we don't have any transport to go back. But Connie and I refused cuz probably we can take whatever car will be to Tunis. Tomorrow is Monday and we have to work. No more weekend for us.

Me and Julien: Dinner at Teboursouk

Then we walked away to the street in front of restaurant. We can find bus which will go to Tunis there. The street is so dark and on the half way someone called us, "Heyyy!" We were shocked and decided to go up. There were The little girl, Her Dad and another guy waiting for us. That road will direct us to a forest and its dangerous, said Julien after he asked what's going on. At the moment, i was hopeless where we should spent the night. There was a hotel but it's 60 dinars. We don't have any money now. Finally, Julien offered something that we don't have any choice to say no, we can stay at her house tonight and tomorrow morning we take looage at 5 AM to Tunis. Directly we can go to work and no worries, seems a perfect plan. I can't imagine to sleep at someone's house whom we knew just for one hour. I don't know how it's gonna be.

Oh ya, the girl's name is Shaima. She holded my hand tightly on the way to her home. She said the same thing many times. Like, Ulka is so beautiful. I love Ulka. And to Connie as well, but Connie was so tired and she's not in  good mood. I tried to speak with Shaima with my broken French.  She is totally like a cute girl now after her annoying first impression. We were walking together with Shaima's Dad and his friend. Their house is quite far and the street was dark. However, the sky is full of shining stars that night.When we were passing the neighborhood, Shaima told me to keep silent cuz the neighbors can't know about our presence in her house. They would gossiping and she's afraid if they will robbed or do harmful things. After a long walk, finally we arrived at the house which we'll be our stay. The first person we met is Shaima's mother.  She greeted us with smile and at the same time the other children came one by one . It's just a simple house though. Even it's unfinished and need more construction. But, their hospitality was more than rich people with big perfect house.

 The garage

The sheep inside house

They served us luxurious dinner with noodle and chicken. I just knew that Papa a.k.a daddy called Mama to prepare us dinner. Shaima bought big bottle of Boga (soft drink) and Coke as well. Not mention other cookies she bought to make it a full dinner. Then what happened next was, we were just like old friends who were having reunion. Simple meal, incredibly generous people, warmth of family, simply the best dinner I've ever had. After a nice dinner, we continued the chit chat on a mat with the other girls. Suddenly a Police which is Papa's friend as well came, he said that we have to report to police. He asked us our passports cuz all Tunisian family must report to Police if there are any foreigners at house. Hope everything is okay.

Best dinner ever with lovely kind family x)

Papa and Mama have 4 daughters and 1 son, many generation! x) They told us that Shaima is a smart little girl. She is 11 years old and the oldest in family. She's always takes care of her sisters and brother.  No wonder, she looks more mature than her age. She's also understand what Julien said even  she just learn some basic French at school. Moreover, she's always got first rank at school that's why she has many certificates. All of them are kept at her small bag and when she showed to us, one by one, and it's coming again and again..so many! x))

 We chit chat on a mat x)

Yeay, Shaima's the number one in class! x))

I wonder what they were doing inside so once i came in and saw a really simple house. They just have small kitchen and big living room which used as bedroom as well. And they provided us big bed cover for us to sleep together. The little son was sleeping at the kitchen with some kittens around him. So cute! Since i was very sleepy so i asked Connie if she wanted to sleep inside. She directly went to the corner of bed and slept. Shaima came and she said that she wanted to sleep between Connie and I. Childish girl! x) Somehow i can't sleep so i just look around. Suddenly Julien came and gave back our passports. He said everything is okay and police said that "Hope you enjoy Karim's family!" x) Then Shaima opened her cupboard and offered me her dress, Tunisian dress. I said "No, thank you" cuz i don't wanna ask anything from her. She also showed me Tunisian dance which i usually seen during wedding. She's very cheerful and has much energy even it's late already. Her Mom was laughing to see her little daughter's act. I knew that the space is not enough for everyone to sleep. So Mama whom usually sleep with the girls have to sleep with her son at the small mat near kitchen. And Papa? He slept outside with the goats. Oh my, they did this to make us sleep well on bed cover inside. How nice they are x') Then the light switched off,  time to sleep.

The boy and kittens : so cute!

A simple kicthen

Alarm has rang. 4.30 AM. It's hard to wake up after beautiful dream. But it's Monday and time to work! We prepared our things to go quickly. In the middle of sleepy eyes, i took some pictures which will be nice memories later. Shaima wanted to take picture with Papa, they look very happy. Like father, like daughter. Also with Julien, this time i saw a brother with his little sister. The sheep also look fine to get inside the picture. I can't imagine Papa slept in front of the sheep and we slept comfortably inside last night. But Shaima said, it's normal, Papa sometimes sleep there in order to protect the sheep from robbers. Oh ya, the toilet, there's no water and it's just the seat only. You can take the water from outside and keep it in bucket. Yes, it's a bit traditional, but it's the reality. Papa hasn't finished built the house and he will work for it, sure. I will tell more lovely story about Papa later. The rest is, Papa and Shaima walked us to looage station. At the moment, The sun was rising. Yesterday i saw sunset and now is sunrise. How beautiful life is!! x)

 Papa slept with the sheeps

The red curtain is the toilet

 Like father, like daughter

Julien and Shaima: Brother and sister

 Sunrise!

Shaima, Me, Papa and Connie

We kept walking and talking. Papa showed the beautiful house which usually seen at Sidi Bou Said, one of tourist place near Tunis. The street we were passing is also cool enough, it's clean and nice. I still can see the grayish moon over the cloud. The stacking houses on the top, the fort at main street with Connie and Shaima pose, and a hot mint tea, were the last thing to see and to do inside this awesome weekend. But, wait! One of Papa's friend showed up and he said that he went to Tunis as well, so we can join him and no need to take looage. Again, another luck or it's a sign that Allah is always be with us? Exactly the combination of them.

 The Sidi Bousaid House

 Can you see the moon?

 The stacking house on top x)

Shaima and Connie at fort

On the way to Tunis, Julien told all the story about Papa and his family. Before, Papa was in the brotherhood gank. He doesn't have any home after he got married, so he and Mama lived at forest. The forest which we were going to find bus yesterday night. It was a dangerous forest. Papa and Mama tried to stand up for life. Then when he was around thirty-something-years old, they moved to a house, for a better life. Papa said the only thing to do for him is, he wants to build nice house for his wife and children. He wants to do the best for his beloved ones x) One more, last night when all of us has slept already, Papa found a homeless guy on street. Then he brought the guy to his home and Mama gave the homeless guy the delicious noodles and coke, the same we had for dinner. Julien simply can't said anything to see that amazing generous scene. They had taught us the beauty of kindness. x)

Anyway, No wonder Papa has many friends, he was in brotherhood gank! hehehe I love this story, when a bad boy sometimes can be good for a girl, right? Meanwhile, Tunisian National Anthem was playing out loud on radio station and the car is going smoothly. Suddenly, Connie showed me the text message from me to her before this awesome trip.
Text Message Service

From: Ulka

"I've said no to Eduardo. So let's make it the best weekend!" x)

Totally, it is! x) This is the best weekend i've ever had in entire life. As Connie said, the Shaima's family makes me realize, a family who has nothing but they gave us everything. Beauty of kindness is something that has been faded away in our society culture nowadays. People just care about their own business. Individualism has changed us to be ignorant person. Probably this quote may hook you:

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

-Mother Teresa

Thank you for following the last chapter of awesome weekend dream. It's like a dream but thank Allah, it's real! x) Happy belated valentine's day, anyway! Start to share your love with everyone x)  

Happy kindness day,

Chandini

Awesome Weekend Dream (Part 2)

Good Morning!

How was your sleep? Hope it was a nice sleep after Saturday night! Haha

Let we continue the awesome weekend story then x)

Day 2: June, 19th 

Yesterday was like a nightmare for me. Yes the good part is about Hamam Mellegue and Le Kasbah but Taher was the antagonist inside the dream. He’s friendly and helpful enough but he should be more mature with his age. This morning, Connie and I took picture at our luxurious room. We totally got the coolest place! x) The other rooms are normal and not special like ours. I took picture of the old man- guardian of La Source Hotel. He’s sleeping tightly at his room.

Me and Connie: Rockin' Roommate!

The guardian is sleeping tightly

Yesterday, we found the ruins on the way to Le Kasbah. So it’s our first destination this morning. When we arrived, there was a donkey in front of the door. He's waiting for his breakfast. hehe  The ruins are cool as well. It’s located in the middle of housing complex so it doesn’t seem to be taken care of. It's like hidden, people who look  from outside will be curious to see the real inside. I think it’s part of Romans’ ruin but the small one.

Morning Donkey! 

Hidden ruins

Connie and Julien set up for next plan

While i was taking pictures, i heard that Julien gave Connie’s number to Taher. Well done Jul, you’ll get us trapped again! Huhu  Julien is a person who can’t say no. He’s a typical kind-hearted-person. So we can’t run away from Taher and at the same time, Connie’s phone rang, it’s him! He asked where we are now and Julien said we wanna go find some breakfast. So Taher said he will take us to the nicest place for having coffee at Le Kef. We’ll see what he will do today. We left the ruins and find some shops to buy breads. Actually, i don’t wanna go to meet Taher but there’s no choice.

I found cool vintage houses on the way to cafe. Finally, we met Taher and he walked us to a coffee shop at the street. We talked and he asked our contacts. Connie and I don't give our emails and Fortunately we can’t speak French so Julien is the speaker for us. Once Taher asked Julien’s email, i saw his eyes, he even can’t lie. It’s simple, just say that you don’t have any email. But Julien gave Taher his skype, i think, so it’s fine. Then we discussed our next destination: Douga or Teboursouk? I said Douga! x) But Connie has been there so Teboursouk is the answer. I just realized that Taher dropped us to the border of Le Kef. The rest of road is going to Teboursouk. Finally, good bye Taher! Thank you for the trip! x)

Cool vintage house

We kept walking until find the cars who wanna ride with us. Being a hitchhaker is totally awesome! But remember, we’re lucky cuz we travel with Julien which is a guy and speak French. Don’t ever try if you travel alone, girls. There are many crazy people out there! x) It’s quite hard to find cars this afternoon. Some of them just passed by. Connie and I, started to play games of hitchhiking. Who will get a ride first? Julien can’t play cuz drivers won’t be interest to see guys waving hand. haha

After an old fashioned car, we wanted to get a pick up! Hahaha OMG, to get a ride now is more than enough, no need to be so picky! Hehe Finally we got our car, a better one, a nice pick up car with air condition x)) Julien is always sits at the front cuz he’s the one who will chat with driver. This second guy is nice, he told us that he planned to go to Marseille but because of some reasons he can’t go there. He also can’t drive us far cuz he’s on the way to his father’s house.

Beautiful view

The view surronding : Is it flat? Hope it's not x)

We’re back at the street. The sign told us that to the left is going to Bulla Regia-Tabarka and go straight is to the Teboursouk. I’ve been to Tabarka but i really wanna go to Bulla regia. I heard it's anunderground ruins. But, Connie had been there as well, so i think we should stick to Teboursouk. The sun was very strong, my skin feels like burnt. Julien was soo tanned, his parents won’t believe he was in Paris! haha Then we’re talking about the hitchhiking. In France, girls should ask first where the driver will go, cuz if she said her destination, she’ll be trapped. It’s also will be easier to get ride when girls do hicthhike compare than guys. Our strategy is, whether Connie or I who waves hand to cars and Julien will ask the driver if they go to Teboursouk or not. Deal! x) This time, we wanna get a truck! Sounds challenging! Haha Finally after some refusement, there are some workers passed us by with small trucks. Immediately, we wave our hands and got it! xD~

  

They are so kind. Even though they can’t understand english but they welcomed us get in the truck. Oh, there are other trucks beside this one which are also their friends. Since i can speak a bit Arabic, so i greeted them with, “Chana walek? Labes?” means, “How are you? Fine?”.  They giggled and said “Labes, Hamdulillah” x) I enjoyed time with these middle aged men. They are funny that makes connie and I laughed happily. So does Julien, he smiled widely x) The most thing was the excitement to sit on truck! Hehe You really have to keep the balance if you sit at the edge.

Julien sits at the edge confidentially xD~

Laughing Out Loud xD~

I was starving enough when they asked us to have lunch together. But they have to work first for thirty minutes. So we agreed to join them working in the middle of hot crazy summer. The one who can speak english was a young guy named, Zied, he is on holiday and his college is in Monastir. He’s kinda cute, actually. haha  And he told us that he always come to help his family during holiday. Good guy! Well, Do you wanna know what the men are working on?  They are working to gather the straws around the field. These straws are useful during winters. I was going to help them but they said it’s fine for us, girls, just to set on the tractor. Connie and I took cool pictures on tractor, for once in my life i did this activity! Nice x)  Julien also say that he remembered when he was a child, he usually helped his Dad to set on truck. These men work happily, i don’t see any burden on their eyes. After finished collected the straws then we went to their house for lunch. I wondered what we’ll have there.

Gathering the straws  

Tractor girls! 

Ready to go! 

Funny happy workers

Arrived at home, the women welcomed us. Seemed they’re happy to have guests. They have prepared us the sandwichs for lunch. Together with all the men, we have a full lunch. It’s just simple sandwich that i usually take at Tunis. But their kindness has made the taste of sandwich i ate that afternoon, more delicious. The house is simple, living room with sofa and TV at the front. The next is kicthen where all women gather to cook. I think they are big family who lives close to each other. There was a grandma also, she’s Tunisian old lady that i see around twice in Tunis. But this one is totally cool! She has tatooes on his cheek and hands. She wears traditional clothes, calm and always bring tasbih. Beautiful! I love the way she looks at me. She looks surprised with my act. hehehe Finally i can see this Tunisian lady face to face.

Happy MEAL! 

Let's watch TV!

The Living room

I was offered the honey from its nest. They just bought it at market. It’s so sweet! There’s another girl named Khaula, she speaks a lil bit english. She’s still 18years old and she’s on holiday as well. She’s not sure whether she will continue her study to university or not. Then she showed us their sheeps, the sheeps are at the side of house. They have chickens too! Time flies fast, we have to go cuz It’s evening already.We changed contacts with Khaula and Connie, as usual gave her chinese pocket money. I don’t bring anything from Indonesia so i hope she remembers where i’m from. 

Sweet honey

Shawn the sheep 

Khaula and I are having chit-chat

Before we go, all women gather around for taking pictures with us. They are such a very nice people! Just before we left, Suddenly, the woman, she's the first from the left on picture, she gave Julien 10 dinars. WOW! I was very surprised cuz we are the one who should give them money. But they said, the father , especially, had considered Julien as brother. It's cool that you can be a brother of someone just in two hours. Julien said No and this is the first time i saw him say that words after yesterday. They still want us to take the money even we say we’re fine and don’t need it. So, with combination between sorry and thankful face, we left and said goodbye. On the way, Julien said that they have asked us why we hitchhiked. The reason is to save money that doesn’t mean we don’t have money. 10 dinars for them is a big amount, they gained it by working from 6 AM to 6 PM on someone else's field. And, they still can donate and give their money to needy people. Subhanallah x)

Women Family Portrait

Grandma and I: We're from the same time machine x)

Amazing, today we met a very kind and generous people after a hard day yesterday. Strangers are always unpredictable. I’ve learnt how to be humble and care to others no matter our situation is. In the middle of tired body and cruel summer , it gives me a new spirit. We don’t know what we’ll have later but sure we’re going to Teboursouk. FYI, the story is our last chapter of awesome weekend dream, way more interesting and worth it to be read! Check them out in next post! See you soon! x))

-To Be Continued-

Happy Humble,

Chandini