23/10-25/10
(you can click on most photos to enlarge them)
We took it easy in the morning and then drove to Civitavecchia. We got our tickets at the port and then went to buy some things for the trip. When we came back to the port we waited for a few hours before we could go to the place where the ferry was. It took a while to get on the ferry because what started as one line became ten and everyone wanted to go through a small gate at the same time. We managed to get on board without any scratches.
Before we went to the ferry we made ”reserved” signs to have on our seats so we didn’t have to sit in our seats for 19-20 hours but when we went to the room where the pullman seats were they were all numbered so we didn’t need them. We made ourselves comfortable and watched some films and series to make the time go.
There was a bit of chaos because there were some problems with the plumbing system so the toilets didn’t work for the whole trip. Part from that it was an ok crossing. Apparently there were some waves in the night but we had taken pills for seasickness so we didn’t notice it.
We arrived roughly on time in Tunis. Going through custom was no problem at all and after a little while we were driving on the roads in Tunisia again and it felt great! First thing we did was to stop at a petrol station and fill up with diesel, it’s a lot cheaper here than in Europe. We wanted to withdraw some money from the ATM but it was turned off. Instead the nice guy at the station helped us and we paid for fuel we didn’t buy and then he gave us cash.
Since we wanted to get to Douz as quick as possible we took the highway which is a toll road so it was good that he helped us. We stopped in Hammamet the first night and went out for dinner.
There were very few cars on the highway and even fewer petrol stations and rest stops. We had to stop just next to the road under a bridge to have a small break. We didn’t want Snigel to get too warm before we knew everything was ok.
We made a stop to top up with LPG in our Alugas bottle not far away from Douz and sent Ahmed a text message to let him know we would be there soon
It was great to drive through the gates to the souk and see his shop again! It was event better to see him and his friends! We had some tea and sat down and talked for a while before we went to park Snigel at Camping Desert Club which will be our home for the coming months.
When we arrived there we saw many familiar faces from last time we were here. Sophie, the owner was expecting us and it was good to see her again. Last time we also met a guy called Anis, now he was there with his family and friends and it was really nice to see them. They live in the north of Tunisia but comes down to Douz to go out in the Sahara desert and drive in the dunes.
We spent the evening with Ahmed and his friends and it was great catching up again!
