As we drove to Sidi Bou Said, also affectionately called by tourist as the “blue and white village”, our resident tour guide Moaz asked us what we thought the color represented to the people of Tunis. I thought that the color scheme of the city reflected the inhabitant’s attention to detail and organization endeavors. Moaz shared that the blue represented the beautiful rich blue sky that is an extended metaphor for Allah. And the white represents the purity. Jack and I began to meander throughout the Sidi Bou Said in hopes of getting closer to the sea. Within Sidi Bou Said, I could feel the calm repose as the merchants began to set up their shops for the morning.
On my plane ride to Tunisia, I was asked by a young Tunisian man who left his native country to attend college and obtain a job in Canada. He was shocked that I was interested in going to Tunisia. He was even more shocked to discover that I had been reading a book about Tunisia entitled “Tunisia: An Arab Anomaly” by Safwan Kasri. In many ways, I resonate with the themes of this book, in that I feel that my travel experiences as a Kraft Global Fellow is a true anomaly. I did not see too many black male faces on the airplane ride to Tunisia. In many ways, I recognize that my travels abroad represent this sense of anomaly. Therefore, I feel the responsibility to bask in my existence in every single space. I vow to be present in every single waking moment. As we toured the Bardo National Museum, I felt this immense connection the artifacts, mosaics, and sculptures. I am reminded that my engagement with these mosaics, these intricate pieces of architecture, and these beautiful artifacts are important because of the voice that I am lending to my experiences in Tunisia. Therefore, as we were led throughout the museum, I had a deep sense of urgency to interact with each art piece in a more connected way.
Gateway to Africa. Tunis is considered to be the gateway to Africa due to its placement at the northern tip of the entire African continent. This is my first time being in Africa. It certainly will not be my last. With all of the beautiful doorways that I have seen thus far, they provide me with a strong sense of home. I feel welcomed in Tunis. These ornate doorways remind to never be afraid to knock on the doors. Never be afraid of opening up myself to the world. Never be afraid of asking the hard questions. Never be afraid of traveling into the unknown. These beautiful doors remind that there are opportunities that await me on the other side that I must fearlessly and tenaciously pursue.
