Post-Revolution Notes

I am so happy that I made the decision to come to Tunisia this summer, though my stay is so short and has gone by so fast. But no Tunisian could understand the real state of Tunisia unless he or she actually hopped on that plane and came here to see with his/her own eyes. I so needed to get a feel of what this revolution was about and to hear people's opinions. One friend told me that the peace that we see on the streets of Tunis, has simply to do with the good and peaceful nature of the people, who feel that it is too hot to cause chaos and that the beaches are too beautiful not to be laying on. Of course, there is no true order, because a state of political chaos remains, in the sense that there is no real future vision. These past few days, as the weather and the Egyptian people's temperatures went up in Tahrir Square, we have watched Egyptian TV at night, to follow current events, although dad is sick of watching the news, so we end up watching an Egyptian movie. But to go back to Tunisia, despite my mother's isolated optimism, as she peacefully waters her plants and crafts mosaics on a beautiful orchard16Km from Tunis, Tunisians are depressed and disappointed, because they probably expected their world to change after January 14th, when not much did. It felt good after January 14th to finally TALK freely, but even talking becomes boring after awhile.
My first choc was the Bouazizi myth... So, it turns out that the woman who slapped him across the face was the reason why we had a revolution according to some. He was rude to her and I don't want to relate what he said to her, because I wasn't present and he is dead and not around to defend himself.
In any case, Bouazizi turned out not to really be the 'martyr' we all thought he was. Fine... But then comes the disappointment... the post-revolution disappointment of the 11million Tunisians. There was a line today when I went to the bank and no one cut in front of me although the man behind me was a little too close, but still, there was a line. I did have to push myself onto the bus the other day. Actually, to be accurate, I didn't push anyone, I found myself pushed onto a bus. Nothing unusual about that. Maybe we will see change, within a few years. It may also take a few generations, one or two. I did notice that cops are very nice these days. The military officers smile as they have become super-stars after January 14th.
I maintain, Tunisia is beautiful! And life here, is so much more relaxing. People still take the time to have coffee or tea together. It is true that people are aggressive especially on the road,and driving here is from hell. But I find that sticking my hand way out of the car and asking other drivers nicely to please let me through even when MY light is green, with a big smile, gets me by.
It is true that trash is pretty much everywhere. I used to get upset seeing beer cans all over the road, now it makes me smile. I tell myself, I guess Tunisians still enjoy their beer and a good laugh with their buddies!
Summer 2011, first summer after the Tunisian revolution, and the beaches are crowded as ever. A lot of women are veiled and men are enjoying growing out long beards which I suggest they braid, but they still go to the beach and take their children in the sea for a refreshing swim. Have things changed? Not that much, but it feels good to be able to say WHATEVER one wants... Finally! No more whispers, no more turning off cell phones when having a private conversation because the secret service is listening in.
I'm personally impressed, that despite all the burnt buildings, they have already been painted and restored. The police station, the local pharmacy, and the bank are back in business. Good as new. I would have never known they were burnt down had I not been told so.
It simply feels good to be here. The food is amazingly fresh and tasty. The trick to a close-to-perfect life here, is to KNOW someone everywhere. I get my produce from a specific vendor at the local market, whom I've known ever since I was 6 years old. In fact, he went to school with me. He became a farmer, I became a professor. He makes more $$ than I do, but my hands are softer than his. I buy my butter and my milk from the same guy my dad goes to. I also take all my empty water bottles to recycle (he pours all his milk products into the plastic bottles) and I feel great about it. He also thanks me and tells me 'yarham weldik' and that makes me so happy! I buy my sunflower seeds from the same guy I have known for years, who went to school with my brother. I cut and dye my hair at my friend's salon. I've known her ever since I was 12!
On the beach, boys still scream 'Ben Ali gatta3' (Ben Ali ran away) and I smile, because it still feels good to hear.