Having survived the night in the tent it was on to Tozeur. Before leaving the actual desert a camel ride was offered.....
With a demonstration.......
On the way we had a short stop to check out a small village.....
.....and also we stopped at Chott El Djerid.... the largest salt lake in the Sahara desert. Mounds of salt at the sides of the road.....
Fortunately we didn't need a restroom!
An exploration of the Tozeur oasis was on the agenda...in a horse drawn carriage!
The area we visited had around 800 date trees......
We learnt all about dates!! They actually artificially pollinate the trees ...very few male trees for an excessive number of female trees! I did not quite understand the explanation as to how male trees were identified except that they were stronger!!!! But definitely out numbered! In this area just 2 male trees needed!
We had a demonstration as to how they were pollinated....... by hand!
We wondered why they just didn't pollinate the younger trees! Which they admitted had an excellent crop of dates at 6 years.
They also had fruit trees.....
The tallest date tree in this photo is over 300 years old!
The irrigation distribution system was set up in the 13thC......landowners were given a slot of time once a week. And it remains the same to date!
The document above is the water distribution rights from the 13th century!
Then on to the Medina!
We went to see the bricks being made........amazing! They earn about 30c a brick! A lot of work!
We visited the Sidi Ben Asia Archaeological museum before leaving. the Medina.....I think we were told that it was a home that has been occupied since the 15C!
...with company!
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