Tabarka

Cap Serret

Sheep brought into town for Little Aid

Another great weekend after a very busy week. This week consisted of being at the school from about 6:45-5:00 everyday. Simon was working in the cashier's office. He was covering last week and next week for a women so she could make her pilgrimage to Mecca. This meant long days and many new systems for him to learn. It was nice for him to have something different and new to do. I had conferences this week, which meant half days on Wednesday and Thursday and Conferences starting at 12:30. The kids didn't have school on Friday because it was a professional development day for us, teachers. Four day weekend for the kids and a 3 day weekend for us because of Aid.

In November the Muslims celebrate little Aid. This is a very important holiday for them. The week prior to little Aid the Muslim families, that can afford it, purchase a sheep. The price of the sheep ranges from 180 TND to 250 TND. The night before little Aid the person who it was purchased from drops the sheep off in their yard. The week or two leading up to the celebration brings a ton of sheep into the city. It is common to see sheep in the city but the week leading up to it the streets are filled with sheep. On Sunday morning the Muslim family cooks a large breakfast to share with the family along with the man who comes to kill the sheep. Once the sheep in killed it is cut in half. One half is for the family the other half the family gives to the poor people. Everything but the brain is used. There are some families that do not use it all and will give it to other families. On Monday people traveled to see other family members which they were not able to see the day before. This is important because the women in most cases are expected to spend the first day with her husband's family but is able to travel to see her family on the next day. Aid Mabrouk!

For our three day weekend we decided to go up to the northwest corner of Tunisia, Tabarka, about 10 km from the Algerian boarder. On our way we saw beautiful beaches, coastlines, and orchards full of olives, cork trees, and pine trees. When we arrived at the hotel there was a lightning and thunder storm but as soon as that cleared we had two full days of complete blue sky. On Sunday we went to visit, Bulla Regia, one of the most well preserved Roman Ruins in Tunisia. The gate was suppose to be closed for the Aid but we were lucky that it was left open. We ended up getting a tour from a local man who knew a lot about the ruin and even spoke some English.

We got back to the hotel just in time to get a quick swim in before sunset. Karen, 1st grade teacher, Simon, and I braved the waters. It was fairly warm but the air was cool. I definitely didn't think I would be able to say that I went swimming in the Mediterranean in November.

This morning we went into Tabarka, most of the town was quiet because of the holiday but we were able to explore some of its natural beauty. Couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend, beautiful blue sky, 75-80 degrees, new sights, and great company.