Hammamet 10k

I've done it again! Two running post back to back. Forgive me. This one is about more than just Running. Promise, promise.

Hammamet is a town about a hour's drive south of Tunis. The word Hammamet comes from the plural of Hammam or baths, and the area was named in reference to the ruins of many Roman Bath artifacts found in the area. Today, the area is still popular with people looking to relax and wallow in the water and it's a tourist hotspot for Europeans with its own airport and nightclub strip, earning it the tagline Ibiza sans visa. My company also have corporate rate agreements with lots of the mega-swank hotels, so it's easy to head down there for a steal of a weekend.

Last Saturday they organised the first ever Half-Marathon. Hungover, and barely able to walk on Saturday morning, my running team and I decided that it would be more prudent to participate in the course pour tous, the 10km Race. It was a point to point race, to the middle of nowhere. The organisers had literally spraypainted a line across the road at 10k. But the local support through the villages was amazing. I did so many high-5s I had to change hands after a while, as my palm was getting raw!

My time was not a personal best - I can't even tell you! it was longer than an hour - I'm getting worse! Well, It was a personal-best, daytime-sun, in-Africa-in-June. I was so hungover, so the fact that I even participated deserves some credit. And the credit came in the form of a medal! Naturally. And a free t-shirt in Peptol Bismol pink.

 

I don't think I have ever mentioned, but every single race I have ever done in Tunisia has been free.  They pay for the refreshments, the prizes, the medals and the goodie bags all through sponsorships. Hats off people. I do appreciate it. I have a nice little collection of t-shirts now. I guess I'll never need to buy pyjamas again.

After the run we went to Le Barberrousse (#2 restaurant in Hammamet according to Mister Trip Advisor). It has a extensive Franco-Italian menu that is filled with all different seafood and pasta and excitement. No one even reads it. Every single table orders the catch of the day cooked in salt. If you don't, then you just don't know. Seriously. It's just that, a massive fish (our was a sea bass) cooked in a mountain of salt which then then, theatrically, break with a hammer at your table. Hammers in Hammamet... (did she really just write that?)

 

Some more good menu translations, I had to share these with you! hehe!

Then she looked at all she had done, and she saw that it was good. And on the Sabbath, she rested...

 And got REALLY BAD SUNBURN... doh!