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Just a few miles
from the ancient ruins of Carthage
is Sidi Bou Said,
an enchanting town
looking out over the Mediterranean.
The cafés here
feature brightly coloured portals:
cobalt blue, emerald green and lemon yellow.
Without a doubt,
these are Northern Africa’s
most fascinating public places.
Enjoying a coffee on the terrace
of the Café des Nattes
with its view over the bay of Carthage
is a unique experience.
Just as in Istanbul,
coffee became Tunisia’s official beverage
in the 18th century.
The sultans’ guests were welcomed
in luxurious lounges
and treated to Turkish coffee
and Eastern desserts.
The aristocratic castes
lived to the rhythm of coffee.
They would have a cup
before their morning prayers,
another one after their afternoon prayers
and another one on every major occasion.
The habit of smelling of jasmine
between sips of coffee
comes from here.
In the city streets
the pedlars offer passers-by
little hand-made souvenirs
with jasmine gems.