Sousse Local Custom Tips by sandysmith Top 5 Page for this destination

Cafe Culture

For men only by the looks of things ...all smoking their hookah pipes - also known as chichas ! It was so funny just to look into these cafes and see them there looking so solemn. The water pipes are filled withTOMBAC (close relative of tobaccco) - the tombac itself is placed on top of the pipe and covered with a very hot piece of charcoal. The smoke is then filtered through the water before being inhaled.

Fresh Produce

The Tunisians believe in eating produce which is currently in season - so foodstuffs outside of this period are difficult to come by. During our stay it was time for oranges and olives! I must say the blood oranges were the juciest, most tastiest I can ever remember having. Freshly squeezed orange juice was available everywhere and there were many novel ways of displaying the oranges.

Turkish Hamman

The turkish bath house or hamman is still very popular. Many locals do not have thier own bathrooms but cleanliness is very important to them. This one was in the midst of the medina and had separate times for men and women - wish we had time to enjoy (or is it endure) one - from my memories of one in Turkey they are quite invigorating and very good for cleansing the skin. Often hotels will have a hamman service for guests.

Hand of Faith

Tunisia is a muslim country and Fatima hand symbol is often see outside houses. The fingets represent the 5 pillars of the Muslim faith - prayer (5 times a day), fasting, pilgrimage to Mecca, tithing of their income and helping others.