Kairouan is among the holiest Islamic cities and its mosque a major pilgrimage centre... just a few notches down from Mecca in importance... it is fascinating to walk around this city with a desert feel to it and its sand-coloured architecture... in the mosque, be respectful even though it is open to tourists... we spotted people in shorts and one person even smoking inside... he was sounded off by the ticket-keeper... talk to the ticket-keeper incidentally... a very interesting man who will tell you lots about the mosque, Kairouan, its history and its people.... elsewhere in the city, don't miss the Bir Ruta or Barruta well, said to be the oldest in Kairouan whose water is believed to be connected to the famous Bir Zem well of Mecca.. the camel which pulls out the water from the well here is an absolutely adorable creature with sentimental melancholic eyes... and its master is an affable man who will also tell you interesting stories... sit down in its adjoining teashop for a mint tea...there is another interesting mosque to visit in the city and the very interesting little museum of Sidi Amor Abada...and walking around the souk area is interesting too...
