As the Melitatrips/ Astronomy group strolled the ruins of Carthage the legendary aura of Phoenicians busily excavating harbors, paving streets, building a citadel could only be imagined. With little standing above ground, one cannot help but visualize what a masterpiece it must have been along the blue Mediterranean. 
We visited the Byrsa Hill and Carthage Museum where larger than life statues whisper the glory that was before Rome destroyed. Our final stop was at the Antonine Baths which held the frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium. Next to the Baths is the presidential palace where prior to January 14, 2011, cameras were forbidden to be pointed.
The Roman acanthus designed capitals and columns lay helter-skelter in the gardens of nearby plush villas of Sidi Bou Said.
A delicious four-course lunch was served in an elegant restaurant in the heart of the honeycombed, tunnel-like bazaar Medina. 
Afterwards the group drove to the North African American Cemetery and Memorial of 27 acres where 2,841 of our military dead rest from 1942-43.The last day of the tour ended at the City of Science, a spectacular complex of buildings with a large blue ball housing various exhibits and planetarium.
Although much consternation and questions were swirling about prior to the trip to Tunisia, all agreed that it was more than sightseeing. We came away with a new appreciation of freedom and an appreciation for the North African Spring and a hope for a better life with real leaders for these courageous countries in transition.
Carthage might have been destroyed twice but modern Tunisia stands ready for its new day. We congratulate our friends in North Africa for their bravery and courage to be the Ben Franklins and Thomas Jeffersons of their day.
Melita
Melita
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