Photos are at:- https://photos.app.goo.gl/QpU4EVGEhnd4Co5u5
Wednesday 18th Feb
The weather could not have been worse. It was Ok in the morning but by the afternoon the rain had started and as it got dark the temperature fell. Had to go to Sully for the club prizegiving, used the car and then it was bus to Cardiff.
The bus tracker showed it some distance away so I wandered down to the Barry Hotel as there was a shelter there and would have less wind than up on the ridge. The 304 turned up within a minute of my arriving at the stop - so much for the tracker!. McD running down the points and an uncomfortable 40 min wait for the Flixbus which was warm and got me to Gatwick
Thursday 19th
Went to McD for breakfast from South Terminal then had to get to North Terminal for the flight. They checke the scissors again. Flight was closing in 10 mins and it was at a most distant gate - as I arrived at the gate there was just the end of the queue. All going far too smoothly or close to the wire. Plenty more people boarded after me so maybe it wasn't so bad 6.50 closure for a 7.25 flight which was wheels up at 8,20 (I think). I had an exit row so everything in overheads.
Enfidha passport wanted Hotel name - dragged it out of phone, Bus was waiting but I nearly lost my passport, leaving it behind. Hotel was not mentioned by the rep but as I had one sitting next to me it was not a problem. The problem was with the cards to pay the Tourist Tax. Had to use Euros and now I have about 10 Tunisian Dinars to spend - which is what I almost got out of a machine last time I was here so that is OK.
No wifi in the room - The router is out in the hall (had a 7min conversation with Bob) and I suspect I can get it if I sit on the toilet but otherwise too many walls in the way. Nice sea view, and sound of breaking waves, with cockrels crowing. Think I could be sitting in the shade on the balcony reading books for a lot of the time.
Friday 20th
There was hot water , but the shower put a lot of it on the floor. Breakfast was cold but there was hot milk for the coffee, which was good. Lazed in the room all day, reading and listening to Sherlock Holmes podcasts. Eventually went down to the foyer to get internet, which is very slow and itermittent. ot as warm as I would like so not sitting on the balcony, but there is sunshine, and it isn't raining.
Saturday 21st
Breakfast lacked beans, but french bed was nice and coffee continues to please. Decided I should walk so wandered to the left. It was further than I expected but I got to the promenade and got conned, well the guy used the familiar chat up of "remember me . . " This time it was a security guard with a cousin in Cardiff. He actually asked for money and I gave him my coins, much to his dissappointment., and again it was the last day of some celebration. On to the Medina purchased Fridge magnet 2.60 TDM. Visited train station and saw that Tunis might be possible in a day, if I wanted to risk it 9.20 departure would mean being out of the Hotel before 8am and on hour of hiking - we will see. Couldn't find the Metro, although that may have been the bus station which I also passed. Back at Hotel by 13.30 and getting stiff lying on the bed reading and relaxing.
Sunday 22nd
Pretty relaxed, spent the morning trying to finish the silly book. However, had failed by 1300 so went for the walk. Turned right and made it to the next marina - via the beach where there was a Laser 4.7. Also bought another fridge magnet before returning and finishing the book. Dinner was getting crowded, probably due to the time I spent on the internet downstairs. All the chocolate deserts had gone by the time I got to them, had to eat more cake!
Monday 23rd
Well, that was an error! A restless night as I knew I wanted to get up at 6am, which I did, Had breakfast and was out by 07.30. Walk to train station to find no 09.20 train to Tunis. It only runs on Sundays and holidays, but I had not noticed that. Still it saved having to see if I could purchase tickets using a bank card. However, I did find the Metro Station and should let Google know that they are wrong, While there is a railway line to the main station it is not in use, or electrified. It would have been possible to take the 10.10 to Sfax, but the return train was due about 10 mins after arrival so I judged it too risky. Will have to return and do a tour by train with stays in diffferent towns. Was back at the hotel by 10.33 having walked 8 miles, so that is me done for the day and into book reading. Unfortunatly it is just a little too chilly to sit out on the balcony and read.
Tuesday 24th
Failed attempt to sleep in saw me up at 07.45. Sea was flat calm but there was something strange out there which might have been a dolphin. The camera revealed that it was a diver, so I went to breakfast. Had the usual problem of the table being cleared before I was finished. Retrieved my saucer on the first trip and raced the waiter back to my seat the second time. It really is a pain. Now two days with nothing to do. I suppose I could walk inland but that seems pointless, as does visiting the Mall (I couldn't carry anything home). Reading matter might last a day and the weather may have warmed enough to sit outside.
Wednesday 25th
Well, I guess I finished the Baldachi Thriller and donated it to the hotel. Managed to find out the pick up time and check emails. Had to turn down a Match Racing invite for Rory Chetham. didn't get as far with the Bill Bryson book. They continued building the breakwater, which was pretty noisy, much banging in the morning.
Thursday 26th
Up at 7am. Fog has rolled in and I cannot see the sea. Hoping it will burn off and not delay the plane. Skipped a coffee and back in the room trying to sort out what needs to go in pockets and what I should spend my time on while I wait for the bus. Lost my water bottle at check in, which removes the worry about cleaning it. It was only an old plastic bottle.
Now back at Gatwick ansd saw the early flixbus leaving as I walked to McD. It was too close to risk booking it, so I have a 2hr wait for the next one which I hopee will get me into Cardiff in time for the last bus to Barry.
