Text and photos by Muriel Rosenfeld
March, 2010 Vol. 14. No. 6
Camel driver in Chebika
“Hut-hut” Ahmed shouted as he led our camel cavalcade of fifteen intrepid adventurers across the sands of the arid Sahara desert. Wedged against the camel’s single hump, I scanned the stark horizon looking for the shimmering palms of our destination. The tall trees signaled the riparian area of the nearest oasis. As the camel lumbered, I realized that Tunisia was going to be a very special experience.
Located between Northern Africa’s Algeria and Libya, Tunisia is a blend of Berber, Islamic and French cultures. Five daily calls to prayer and numerous mosques and souks, with a population that is almost 100% Muslim, remind the visitor that the country remains part of the Arab world. Although conquered by Arab tribes around 700 AD, France’s 19th century occupation left a lingering Western influence when Tunisia gained its independence in 1956. Today, the country remains a secular republic with an elected Prime Minister. Culturally, locals still dress in caftans, shawls, sandals and red felt hats or chechias, a traditional Ottoman felt hat.
Royal Playa isn’t the same ol’, same ol’ Roatán diving. Located in remote Port Royal, on the island’s southern coast, there is no road accessibility. No access, few divers, one operator = pristine reefs. Swim throughs, overhangs, cracks, caves, sand chutes, all covered with exquisite soft coral. Part of Honduras’ Bonacca mountain chain, the reef spans Porto Cortes on the mainland to Cayo Cochinos, Utila, Roatán and from Guanaja it plunges into the ocean shelf. 
