“The Isle Of Forgetfulness”: Tunisia’s Forbidden Fruit Can Now Be Easily Explored

When Ulysses stumbled upon the shores of Djerba in Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, his warriors nearly deserted him following becoming fed the hypnotic lotus flower by the females of the island. Seduced by the intoxicating powers of the forbidden fruit, the men remained hypnotized and unable to depart. 3,000 or so years later, this whimsical paradise still charms all who pay a visit to with its mystifying allure.

Recognized as “The Isle of Forgetfulness,” Djerba’s palm-fringed beaches of sugary white sand and deep-blue waters stupefy even the most seasoned travelers. As soon as a remote location with limited accessibility, The Independent is reporting that Djerba can now be reached via Tunisair on twice-weekly flights from Gatwick .

Located off the southern coast of Tunisia, the Mediterranean island is connected to the mainland by a three-hour drive over a Roman causeway. Touring the lush countryside by bike or moped gives an intimate experience as 1 peddles among thousands of olive trees sprinkled amongst fields of apricot, fig, mandarin, and pomegranate orchards. In Houmt-Souk (market center), traditional clothing, local fish, silver, pottery, spices, and leather goods, sit in a lavish display of  striking color.

An additional draw to this destination is its proximity to the Tunisian Sahara.  Immediately after a three-hour drive from the coast, 1 can trek gracefully by way of the shifting dunes atop a nearby dromedary to The Pansea Ksar Ghilane desert camp and encounter the nomadic way of life suited in luxury.

As a modern day day explorer, I discover myself envious of Ulysses and his men.  A number of months ago, I researched a prospective journey to Tunisia with the hope of sitting among nomadic Berbers as they performed the ritual of bread-generating making use of smoldering sands of the Sahara to solidify a concoction of meats cradled in a crusty flatbread. Visions of bustling souks, glowing white menzels (houses), and calls to prayer from the minaret of the mosque teased my travel addiction. Eventually, I abandoned the search for the reason that I could not discover an accessible way of visiting sea, sand, and city within my time and budget constraints. Thanks to these new flights, I may perhaps now have a chance. What if I don’t make it back, you ask?  Then I’m doomed for paradise.

By Maria Russo

About the Author

Maria Russo is a freelance writer who loves natural wonders, good eats, ethical travel, and boutique hotels. Her work has appeared on the Huffington Post, USA Today.com, Individuals.com and A Luxury Travel Blog, among others.

When Maria is not writing for her all-time favorite site (that would be The Expeditioner), she spends her time blogging about foreign jaunts and delectable food experiences for her internet site: Memoirs of a Travel & Food Addict. She is also up to no fantastic on Twitter (@traveladdictgrl, @expedmaria).