marsa poétique // poetic la marsa

 

Rushing through La Marsa, on the way to my next appointment, I spotted these beauties: Poems in Arabic, French and English printed on banners and displayed on the fence that surrounds the park in the center of La Marsa Plage all the way from the fountain roundabout to SafSaf.

Marsa Poétique – Poetic La Marsa makes you stop for a moment to take a deep breath and inhale some culture. A welcome twist to our busy days between phones and computers!

So – get on the streets of La Marsa and read for yourself!

the market

Cracked eggs on the floor – almost slipped. Carrying peaches to the scale – no sales assistant in sight. Queuing at the cashier – a trolley being pushed into my heels. True story…!

So – supermarkets aren’t exactly my favourite place to be. What I enjoy a lot more is stopping by the market in La Marsa on a Sunday morning – and here is why:

 

Seasonal & fresh produce
Nothing better than a Sunday stew made of flavourful veggies & herbs! You take your time to pick and choose from the respectable variety of produce – and the quality usually turns out to be a lot better than what you find at the big supermarkets.

LOVING IT because you only get what’s growing on the fields – buying the season’s first fennel suddenly feels super exciting. Also, you can simply bring your own bags to the scale and avoid single-use plastic bags and stickers on your veggies.

 

The extras: Spices, olives, dried fruits, jams, cheese…
The list goes on and on. You can find a wide selection of delicious treats in the small stores or épiceries fines around the market.

LOVING IT because you find products that aren’t on the shelves of regular supermarkets and you can taste them before then buying the exact quantity you need (less waste!)

 

The flowers
For usually no more than 5-7 Dinars, I love bringing home a lovely, “kitsch-free” bouquet. Fresh flowers for a fresh week!

LOVING IT because… Well, when it comes to flowers, I’d always choose boho over Marie Antoinette – simple is beautiful. Oh, and there is nothing that says positive vibes quite like a fresh bouquet on the table – perfect for Monday mornings!

The Marché Municipal is located in the heart of La Marsa Plage – Rue El Moez (close to La Corniche and SafSaf) and open every day until 2 pm.

moroccan miracles

A few weeks ago, the Mr. and I decided to go out for some moroccan food after he went into rhapsodies about the divine flavours he had experienced during previous trips to El-Maghreb, as it is called in Arabic.

Our first idea was to book a table at the infamous El Omnia at Moevenpick Gammarth, but it turned out to be closed for summer. This turned out to be quite a fortunate coincidence, as we went to Le Safran in La Marsa instead and what can I say – it really was divine!

Le Safran comes with a takeaway counter, delivery service and a charming upstairs restaurant area that can hardly fit more than 10 guests. In other words, exactly my kind of place.

Both the service and the food were not only outstanding, but also truly Moroccan. The team and the taste invite you to dream about Marrakesh.

Distinct, exotic and heart-warming combinations of sweet and savory, such as Couscous with vegetables, caramelized onions and a hint of cinnamon, leave you with a satisfied stomach, a delighted spirit and certainly longing to return soon.

All in all, I can’t say more than this: Dinner at Le Safran, whether you’re dining in or having the tasty treasures delivered to your house, is highly recommended!

Find Le Safran on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/traiteurlesafran/?fref=ts

 

 

friday find: fripe fun

Old things are great: They are unique, they tell stories and they don’t require new resources. As you can guess, I have always had a thing for street markets and vintage stores.

Here in Tunisia, “fripe”, or pre-loved items really have their space in the culture. From family to fashionista, it’s a sure thing you will find Tunisians scouring piles of clothes and accessories for their new favourite jumper or pair of shoes on a Sunday morning once in a while.

A fresh croissant in your hand, endless gems to discover, affordable prices and miles away from the tiny and overcrowded aisles at Zara – what more could you ask for?

Unless like in some German cities I have lived in, it is less of a “hip thing to do” and is more part of everyday life, which I really appreciate. I think it’s a great way not only find notable pieces that you will love, but also to save money and resources.

So – to remind you of the fripe fun, here come my favourite finds:

Gentlemen’s bag/briefcase, circa 1980s – found in Hamburg
Necklace with jade pendant – found in Hamburg
Moroccan Pouf, similar to the ones you get in the Medina of Tunis – found in Bremen
Loafers by Bally Switzerland – found in La Marsa

 

amazing autumn!

People say that September is the Monday of the year… Well, I must say I kind of like September – You still have that smile that summer put on your face (and the tan!), but at the same time you’re no longer melting away in the heat of July and August. 

And: It marks the beginning of autumn, which in Tunisia is very charming, as it lets you enjoy the last rays of sun touch your skin and allows you to be all cozy, curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea on a stormy day.

All in all, I have plenty of things to look forward to…

#1 Long walks by the beach
Barely any other people, fresh air, the endlessness of the sea and the sound of its waves have always had a magically calming effect on my thoughts. It helps me relax and replenish, leaving me totally zen and full of energy.

 

#2 Brunch with friends
Of course you can meet up for a brunch all year round, but there is nothing quite like feeling the crisp autumn air around your nose during a morning walk to your favourite brunch place only to sink into a comfortable chair a few minutes later, smelling the freshly brewed coffee and hearing all about your friends’ summer vacation.

 

#3 (Audio) Books
Nothing beats an afternoon on the sofa, wrapped up in a blanket and equipped with a cup of tea and your favourite (audio) book. Diving into a story, forgetting about the endless rain outside and simply dreaming away… Need I say more?

 

#4 Pumpkin
Because… Pumpkin! All classic in a soup, warming your heart as a curry or truly Tunisian with Couscous. A simple all-time favourite that will never fail to bring good autumn vibes to your plate and to your soul.

 

#5 Real clothes
As much as I enjoyed spending a good three months in bikinis and summer dresses, I really missed those jeans and jumpers! Can’t wait to run around in ankle boots again and throw on that extremely cozy coat.

 

#6 Bubble baths
Because they are best after a long day or walk in the cold, they let you embrace that gloomy autumn light (in fact, it makes it even more enjoyable) and they are just perfect when combined with point #3 and a cup of tea.

 

How to give back

Over the last year, Tunisia has given me a lot – most importantly, a home and a lot of happiness. Naturally, I feel that it’s time to give back and here are my top suggestions on how to do that!

1. Support Samari Consulting’s charity football tournament
On October 22nd in Gammarth, Tunis-based headhunting & coaching company Samari Consulting will hold a charity football tournament.
A total of eight company teams are waiting for you to support them… And so are the kids at the Zaouit Chafai school about 10 km from Thala, which will benefit from the money being raised at the tournament.
Read more about the project here and join the Facebook event

2. Help keeping Tunisia clean
A lot has been said about the waste situation in Tunis. Feel like doing something about it? Become part of Tunisie Recyclage, a volunteer initiative throwing trash parties and recycling like real pros!
Find out more on Facebook 

3. Get rid of those millimes
Many of us keep them in a jar somewhere around our house or just collect them in our wallets until it’s too heavy to carry around: Millimes coins, or “pieces jaunes”.
How about getting rid of the extra wallet weight and doing a good deed at the same time? Look out for the International Women’s Group’s initiative or simply distribute jars filled with millimes to those in need yourself.

4. Buy a beautiful carpet from Aatik
Batik is not only selling beautiful traditional carpets featuring vibrant colours and exceptional designs, but it is also helping to keep Tunisian tradition alive and supporting women leaders and entrepreneurship at the same time. Autumn is coming – keep your floors cozy and your heart warm by checking out their catalogue

moving abroad – part iv

why comfort zones are a good thing
When making a place a true home, it’s all about the network. This doesn’t only include making both local friends in order to feel fully connected and in getting in touch with other expats who will share and understand your feelings about certain aspects of your new life. It is also about establishing daily routines and a comfort zone.

At the end of the day, this is what home really means to me: A strong social network and a comfort zone. Moving to a new place, you will have to make more of an effort to create either of the two – and here is how:

1. Meet locals
Connecting with the local community probably is the most obvious – if not most important – step in order to truly arrive in your new home.

2. No one gets an expat like another expat
Leaving home, family and friends behind, having to learn another language, not finding you favourite foods at the local supermarket – especially in the beginning, these things can really get to you. And there is nothing like finding a fellow expat who understands what you’re going through.

3. Create routines and networks
Going to the same bakery every morning, greeting the news agent with his name – little things often make the difference and  make a new place feel instantly more like home.

appreciate things for what they are
You can’t re-create your “real” home – and you don’t have to. There are reasons for why you left and certain things you were looking for. Keep both in mind when establishing yourself in the new country.

After having lived in Tunisia for almost a year, I can now happily say that I am very lucky to have two homes!

friday find: films & books at L’Agora

small update: you can now find sandals in winter on Instagram!

Sometimes a good book and a some fresh coffee are all it takes to make your day. You can find both and much more at L’Agora – cinema, café and cultural space in La Marsa.

With walls full of books & magazines, hot coffee and tempting cakes, L’Agora is a place that instantly makes you feel comfortable. You can dive into a story in one of the little corners or catch up with some friends over a brownie at one of the inviting tables outdoors.

In addition to simply being a great place to spend a relaxed, yet inspiring afternoon (I stumbled upon a late 1990s magazine on Moroccan fashion & interior design that captured my attention for a good hour), the cinema at L’Agora is also the best address when you’re up for either the latest Hollywood blockbuster or a journey into Arab cinema, with screenings of the original versions in English or Arabic (with French subtitles) as well as of the respective French versions.

If you are always up for a good cultural night, L’Agora is definitely a space to keep your eye on. They also host various events – one of them being the Urban Session, which will take place on August 4th, 2016 as part of the Festival International de Carthage and celebrates anything Urban Arts – hip hop, rap, break dance and much more!

Last but not least, special shoutout to whoever bakes the chocolate chip cookies at L’Agora – the only truly chewy and delicious cookie I found in Tunisia so far.

Follow L’Agora on Facebook and don’t forget to join sandals in winter on Facebook and Instagram!

tunisian temptations…

One thing that I do find a bit hard in Tunisia, where the next sweet or savoury sin awaits you just around the corner, is to maintain a healthy diet. 

Loads of baguette and chips with every meal, the smell of freshly fried bambalouni* covered in sugar, crêpes, the uncountable number of pizza places and ice cream shops… The list of temptations in Tunisia is endless!

I am not someone to restrict myself from enjoying life to its fullest and I want the same for my tastebuds (plus, I also happen to be born with the biggest sweet tooth you can imagine). At the same time, I like to make sure I feed my body good things because as they say: what you eat, you become. And I have no aspirations to become a bambalouni.

So here are my top tips for finding a balance between sins and salads

1. Crazy carbs
Tunisian food often includes lots of carbs that can make you feel bloated and let your blood sugar levels shoot up, especially as they tend to come from white flour. The easiest thing to do is to cut out that baguette that they serve you before every meal. Ordering a bottle of water whilst waiting for your food can be a good idea, as it makes sure you are well-hydrated and it also keeps your hands busy, so you don’t reach for the bread basket as often as you normally would.

2. Dessert decisions
As mentioned before, I have a thing for anything sweet and I could never advise anyone to completely delete desserts from their diet. However, we should define what actually counts as a dessert and make some smart choices.

For example, fruit juices that you can order at most restaurants often come with lots of sugar added and are definitely more a dessert than a drink. Ordering a strawberry juice after your lunch instead of a classic dessert can satisfy your sugar craving just as much as a piece of chocolate cake would.

When it comes to ice cream, fruit sorbets are usually the better choice in terms of fat & calories. And: Extra point for keeping you active, as it can be combined with a long after-dinner walk.

3. Sharing is caring
Tunisians are very generous with their portions, so it’s a good idea to share a main course or several starters with a group of friends. It keeps you from over-eating (because you feel that the plate should be empty), makes your meal instantly more fun and sociable and allows you try different or new things.

4. Pizza passion
If you live in Tunisia, you can’t avoid pizza. It’s everywhere. Everywhere! On a 20-minutes-walk around my town, I easily pass by no less than 8 pizza places. And don’t get me wrong – pizza is a great thing! But it’s not exactly the healthiest option in town. So here come 3 ways to follow your pizza passion without ruining your health plan:

1. see point 3: Sharing is caring! Pizzas are often pretty big here in Tunisia. So why not share one with a friend and order a side salad with it to get your greens in.
2. Cheeeeese! Just as with their portion sizes, Tunisians are very generous when it comes to completely covering your pizza in cheese. Unfortunately, most of the times it is not even real cheese, but more of a industrial mix of milk protein, vegetable fats and additives. Doesn’t sound too appealing, does it? So, either ask the kitchen to lower the amount of cheese on your pizza or to leave it away completely. Trust me – cheese-free pizzas are just as delicious.
3. Go green – greasy ham, bacon or salami can really add to the calories, fat and sodium levels of your pizza. My tip: go green! Lots of places offer a great vegetarian variation that comes with lots of veggies like courgette, eggplant, mushrooms and tomatoes.

* a bambalouni can best be described as a sort of deep-fried doughnut completely covered in sugar. You can buy it at various takeaway places and it costs around 600 millimes, which equals 0,24€.

moving abroad 101 – part iii

In this part of my moving abroad 101, you learn about how knowledge and information can save you a lot of trouble when moving abroad. Read part i and ii and follow the fun on Facebook.

Gather information
I have met people who unfortunately had to face setbacks because they moved abroad without gathering enough information about their new home. Enchanted by the endless sunshine and exotic vibes, they moved to a place hoping they would find work in a local shop or café and then take it from there. What they didn’t bear in mind were the employment laws concerning foreigners that made it basically impossible for them to follow their plan.

Hard facts about the social, economic and political situation as well as the history and culture of a place will help you avoid such disappointments.

How you can find out about those things? Ask. Luckily, the internet provides amazing opportunities: connect with people who already live in your desired country, read local news online, join the Couchsurfing community or find relevant groups on Facebook, order books and find interesting reads online (don’t forget to follow sandals in winter!) .

You would love to spend a year in Italy? Maybe there even is a community of true Romans living in your city that meets up regularly and can’t wait to tell you everything about their home country!

Learn the language
When I started learning Arabic, I loved it from the first minute – I sure was very lucky and it can take a bit longer to find out whether you like a language/find it easy to learn/etc. or not, but taking some lessons and speaking to locals (e. g. during your first longer stay – as suggested in part i of this series) should give you a good general feeling for whether you will feel comfortable in a place and also help you to get an idea about the culture and traditions of your new home.

– stay tuned for part iv, in which I will speak about building a network and the beauty of having two homes –