First Journey Day 9: Moonlit Oasis

Date: September 2, 2023
Location: Tunis, Tunisia

In Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, I wandered off the well-trodden lanes to join a neighborhood storytelling circle inside a small café. Mint-scented steam, sand-warm walls, and a Mediterranean breeze framed an evening where voices carried history as gently as tea carries sugar.

The Atmosphere of Evening in Tunis

Today was a day of unexpected magic. I chose to participate in a local storytelling circle, a gathering that's far from the usual tourist path. Nestled in a quaint café, surrounded by locals, I felt a sense of community that transcended language and culture. The stories ranged from local folklore to personal experiences, each one a window into the soul of this vibrant city.

Quiet Moments at a Café

When it was my turn, I shared a tale of my journey so far, of the colors and scents that have filled my days, and the art that has been born from it. The room listened intently, and I felt my story become a part of the collective narrative of this place.

The Scent of Mint & Orange Blossom

The evening settled into the sweetness of Tunisian tea—honeyed, mint-bright—its warmth catching the edges of laughter. The café seemed to breathe with us, a gentle rhythm of poured glasses and quiet nods.

Choosing Stories Over Sketching

It was a humbling and enriching experience, one that I'll carry with me as I continue to explore the world and translate it into art. Today, I didn't just find inspiration for my next piece; I found a piece of myself.

A City in Sync with Voices

The day ended with a cup of sweet Tunisian tea, shared smiles, and an unspoken promise to keep the stories alive, both in our hearts and on canvas. That is the true essence of travel and art—they feed the soul in ways nothing else can.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Clear and warm, about 82°F; moonlit blue sky, stone walls still holding the day’s heat, a soft sea-breeze slipping through the alleys.
• Scents: Mint tea and a hint of orange blossom; sugar warming in glass; a whisper of smoke from the brazier.
• Sounds: Stories braided in Arabic and French, spoons tapping glass, the distant hum of scooters beyond the café door.
• Reflection: Shared stories became a bridge—reminding me that art begins where listening does.

Continue the Journey

You may enjoy the tide-tuned musings of Day 8 in Oran, or linger with me in a nearby blue-and-white hillside at Day 10 in Sidi Bou Said.