Irene Muller on Unsplash
Tunisian-French street artist eL Seed has received praise from around the world for his murals , which incorporate arabic calligraphy and that are found everywhere, from cities like Toronto or Cairo, Rio Janeiro and the Korean Demilitarized Zone. His. his work is also synonymous with Tunisia's post-revolutionary creative scene: traveling around the country painting murals for his project 'Lost Walls' , which has now also been turned into a book.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local" , a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to discover why their own territory should be your next destination.
What does Tunisia mean to you?
serendity . For example, it is now 8 in the morning, it is the month of August and I am facing the Mediterranean Sea. There is a light breeze that moves the branches of an olive tree. I feel that time does not pass. Or what happens differently. I could also mention the diversity of our scenery , the depth of its history and culture, the variety in its cuisine, but I think what makes Tunisia unique is its people . From north to south, from the capital to the small towns, you will always find kind and friendly people. Tunisians are unique.
eL Seed
Can you recommend us your favorite places to eat in Tunisia?
For breakfast, you have to go to Puninkart , in Carthage, with incredible views. To eat, go to give slah , in the Medina or to the measure, in LaMarsa. Le Golfe is perfect for dinner. and you have to eat keftaji , a traditional street dish with fried vegetables and eggs.
And what do we have to see and visit?
Hit up @wildtunis on Instagram. He is originally from the Medina and gives private tours. He is going to tell you great stories about the city from a different perspective.
What stores do we have to visit (and what can we buy in them)?
If you have a car, you can go two hours from Tunis to meet the artisans of Sejnane . They work with clay and using traditional techniques that are more than 3,000 years old. His craft is now part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
You can also support local brands Lyoum or OSAY, the label.
What hotels do you recommend?
The Blue Room , a guest house in the Medina. The owner is wonderful and here you can live the most authentic life in the area. If you go south and get to gabes Send me a message on social networks. If I am there, it will be a pleasure to receive you.
Where can we relax?
If what you want is an immersive experience, go to a hamman (there are several in the Medina). If you want something more sophisticated, the Four Seasons It has a great spa.
What books or songs capture the essence of the country?
Add to your playlist the song Holm by Emel Mathlouthi and sip Tunisian mint tea with pine nuts on the rooftop of Dar El Jeld in the Medina, which has panoramic views of the city.
An interesting neighborhood?
To the north, in the suburbs, you have to go admire the ruins of Cartago and stop at the Cathedral.
Tell us something about Tunisia that we don't know
We are the first producer of organic olive oil in the world.
The best place to have a drink?
Saf Saf in La Marsa.