📝 ARRESTED in Tunisia 📖

My experience in Tunisia included a completely unexpected episode, one of those moments that teaches you never to underestimate the advice you are given before a trip, even when you think you can handle things on your own.

Since my arrival, the recommendation I heard most often was: "Never go out alone in the evening hours, it can be really dangerous here."

Despite this, a few days later, driven by curiosity and the desire to experience something different from the routine, I found myself walking alone in the evening. Then, I decided to call a taxi to be taken to a bar, just to see what the nightlife was like outside the tourist areas.

As soon as I arrived in front of what seemed like a decidedly not recommendable place I was greeted by a suspicious-like bouncer.

The atmosphere of the place was particular: the bar was full of men, many of whom  did not inspire too much confidence. I decided to stay on the sidelines and simply observe. After a while, two men approached me and started chatting, asking me insistently where I came from and why I was there.

Although I told them that I didn't want a drink they insisted on offering me a beer. The longer I stayed, the more surreal the situation began to feel, so I looked for an excuse to leave.

At a certain point the two even offered to drive me back to the hotel. I declined saying that I had to wake up early the next day, and hurried to call a taxi. But before I could go, one of them insisted I at least buy a round of drinks for everyone.

In order not to create further problems, I agreed and then I finally managed to get away from the club.

I thought the worst was behind me, but the return trip had another surprise in store. The local police stopped the taxi for a check and immediately asked for my documents.

Even though I handed them over, the officers began insisting I didn't have proper identification and said they would arrest me.

I suddenly found myself in a surreal argument with the police, who kept pressing the issue. I tried to calmly explain the situation, but the tension grew until, after a pointed glance at my wallet, everything was resolved with a fine of 20 dinars. My documents were returned , and I was free to go, though not before making a forced stop at an ATM since the taxi meter had been running the entire time during the interrogation.

It was an evening that left me with a good dose of adrenaline and an important lesson: next time I will follow the advice I am given without hesitation. After all, some experiences are better avoided  ... or maybe not?

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