We didn't pause for very long after checking into the hotel in Chenini before we got back into the truck to drive to Dr. Ahlem Lahmar's hometown, Ksar Oun. It was very late in the afternoon and the temperature had cooled off so we optimistically thought we could see a few donkeys before night. The drive to Ksar Oun took longer than expected (about an hour) - a winding and windy journey through the mountains. The rock formations turned to sand and the road became quite narrow as the wind blew sand drifts and the edge of the road disappeared. There were places with barriers to stop the sand which was very interesting for Tricia who is used to snow drifts and snow fences in the northeastern United States.
We were greeted warmly by Ahlem and her extended family at their beautiful home. Tricia goofed up and said goodbye instead of hello in Arabic which elicited a few giggles.
An impromptu veterinary seminar was held at the back of the truck as the sun set, and we showed our tools and the donated supplies from Medivet we had brought.
We had a brief viewing of the animals in the family compound, and then all thoughts of work came to an end, because in normal Tunisian style - it was time to eat! A welcoming feast had been prepared for us which we ate outdoors under the stars. It was delicious: tunisian pepper salad, soup and bric (a savory fried pastry dough filled with potatoes and other veggies). We ended up spending the night because it had gotten so late and we needed to start our rounds early in the morning. We were serenaded to sleep by an amazing symphony of animal noises - mostly dogs - but a few other odd noises - including some very confused roosters.
We were greeted warmly by Ahlem and her extended family at their beautiful home. Tricia goofed up and said goodbye instead of hello in Arabic which elicited a few giggles.
An impromptu veterinary seminar was held at the back of the truck as the sun set, and we showed our tools and the donated supplies from Medivet we had brought.
We had a brief viewing of the animals in the family compound, and then all thoughts of work came to an end, because in normal Tunisian style - it was time to eat! A welcoming feast had been prepared for us which we ate outdoors under the stars. It was delicious: tunisian pepper salad, soup and bric (a savory fried pastry dough filled with potatoes and other veggies). We ended up spending the night because it had gotten so late and we needed to start our rounds early in the morning. We were serenaded to sleep by an amazing symphony of animal noises - mostly dogs - but a few other odd noises - including some very confused roosters.
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