Sandstorm

Early risers, we are not, but circumstances dictated that Sunday would be different. Our bus was picking us up for a day's road trip, at 5 a.m. A trip which would end up being one of the most unforgettable experiences I have ever had, and that is saying something.
Our first stop, only an hour or so away was the town of El Djem. Here they have a Roman amphitheater that surely rivals the Coliseum in Rome. More so, I hasten to add, as this one which dates from a similar period, was digitally remastered for the film Gladiator, allows access to all parts of it. The dungeons, the arena and the seats. Sadly though, we only had time for around an hour's sightseeing there.
Onwards and south wards we ventured, for a drive of several hours. The bus was not the most comfortable, especially when trying to grab some shut eye.
After a short toilet break, this gave us the opportunity to purchase some ice cream, as the heat was increasing, we then headed off again down towards the Atlas hills, which re relatively adjacent to the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains. Here we were given the opportunity to visit a traditional Berber house. These people actually build their simple houses into the sandy hillside, and can sometimes be easily missed, except of the placement of a wooden door in the side of the hill, or an archway beside the the embankment. Although still utilising age old was of doing things, they all have electricity, and some have satellite television. The jolly old woman whose we were permitted to see around, looked after her smiling grandson , whilst her daughter and son-in-law worked in the city.. The inhabitants of the area make their living off the land via growing olives, almonds, henna and mint amongst other things.
Our penultimate stop of the day, and by this time it was mid afternoon, was Matmata where caves and underground hotel that featured in Star Wars was located. After a late lunch there, and a very fascinating wander around, we recorded the coach to continue our trip through the hills and desert to our final destination of the night, the town of Douz, where we were taken to our hotel and given an hour to get ourselves organised, before going for a trek on camel, into the Sahara to view the stunningly beautiful sunset. The sunset causes the sand to change colour, and due to the fact that for most of the hour long desert ride, there was a mini sandstorm blowing, most of our party, for a small fee obviously, dressed up in traditional Arab costume of woollen over garment and headscarf tied on. My head wear came loose a couple of times, as did other, and any other time we would have managed without it, the blowing sand made the garb all but crucial. Anyway, it was fun. I have ridden camels a couple of times before, but this was by far the most enjoyable.
Back to the hotel we went, having a short time to sheer the sand away before dinner and a quick beer, before retiring to bed as we are getting picked up even earlier tomorrow. At 5 o'clock. That means getting up at 4, the time I usually am getting I bed.
This, due to circumstances beyond my control, this hotel has no wifi, and I have switched my 3G off, is a severe back blip. So it will be 2 put on at almost the same time.