It is not just Fun

 "A hunter who returns from the forest with a goat is a thief." "Not all old people are wise, some foolish young people grew old too."                                      Ubuntu African Proverbs                                                                                        Visited the cemetry for Christians near Sousse. Mainly but not only Europeans are buried there. Among them a German lady we have known for a few years. During this heat a lot of watering is required for all those beautiful flowers. The dedicated gardener does a good job. Lately his work has been more demanding, not only because of the very hot season, but also because some shameless thugs had stolen the engines of the three water pumps from the wells that are used to water the plants and for some other works. Now water has to be delivered daily in tanks. The cemetry toilet door has been forced open and the toilet bowl stolen as well. The cemetry's funds are limited, they depend on donations, their charge for maintenance is modest (20 Dinar per year), quite a few relatives/friends only appear once, say they will return, but never do. Out of sight, out of mind. Traudchen Lier, the lady from Khala Shirgha I mentioned above, used to have many folks poping in for coffee and cake or even lunch, strange, nobody apart from us visited her grave, so the gardener informed us. Very sad. Anyhow, should the dedicated management of the cemetry manage to aquire enough funds to replace the stolen items, there remains the risk of these getting stolen again, not easy. Are we heading for an elbow society? I hope not. We need more solidarity. - For a while now the household water supply is stopped from approx. 10.oo p. m. until 5.oo a.m, I guess to reduce the water consumption. Presumably it doesn't apply to hotels. Anyhow, as the pipes get flushed with some additives, the water in the morning looks milky and can not be used for anything but cleaning. Just letting the water run until it is clear again, means wasting water for 10 to 30 minutes. I hate to do this and in the evening I fill some bottles while the water is more or less okay. We avoid drinking it and try to also give mineral water to our cats. I know there are areas in Tunisia, mainly in the south, where folks would be happy to have tapped water. Quite a few cats die of kidney problems and other illnesses, like stones, that can be related to bad water. What is bad for humans is also bad for their little bodies. They come running to me expecting food, good care, pur and want to cuddle, my reward. Looking into their beautiful eyes tells me it is worth it. I shall never understand why some folks treat ferals like vermin. We need more good education, ideally starting in the kindergarten. Talking about Kindergarten (pity it is not free and available for all kids), seeing 4 very young boys riding a motorbike, doing some dangerous driving, makes me wonder whether they got their lisence there? Nobody seems to care. I once tried to speak to the father of the boy that likes to set a bad example, it doesn't worry him. In Europe I did some training how to recognize and avoid possible dangers at work, in the house and outside, which resulted in me usually seeing more than others and having difficulties to ignore. The general believe, though, is nothing happened so far, why worry. "Trust in Allah but fasten your camel well." (Proverb from Libanon (?)). 

Sandy an Obituary

 Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.          Ubuntu African Proverb.                                                                                               The 21st of August 2022 is a sad day for me as my lovely very special darling Sandy passed over the rainbow. Not long ago, in May, we celebrated her and her brother Tiger's 9th birthday. In Tunisia cats are considered old at that age, but not in Europe. The tapped water which they often drink here (if nothing worse) is of a very poor quality and certainly not good for the health of the cat's small body. We mainly gave mineral water to Sandy and her family and their blood and urine test results usually were fairly good. Anyhow, the mother Amira allowed me to be present when her 3 girls and 1 boy were born, a very special experience. One day while my husband was sleeping, Amira decided he might as well babysit for her kittens and brought one after the other all her babies next to him in bed. I noticed and had a good laugh before my husband woke up. Pity I didn't make a video or at least take photos. As Sandy got older she decided to become my special girl, love me more than any cat, tolerate my husband as much as unavoidable. At night she would pur me to sleep, cat's "la-le-by", amazing experience. She liked to crawl underneath my blanket and ly on top of me. It was wonderful having her and I feared the day it would stop. About a year ago my golden/white coloured sweetheart decided to spend more time on the terrace and some nights also. She wasn't happy with us having so many cats and told them to keep a distance. My little treasure had problems with her teeth and gum, she hated vets and medications. After 7 days at a veterinarian's she lost a lot of weight (over the phone we were told she's fine) and didn't recover. A few days back at home, in the beginning drinking a lot, eating special tinned food, at first eating well, then less and less, hardly moving and finally she passed away while I stroked her and told her I want to return at least some of the love she gave me. I shall never forget my great beautiful girl, so very special. I thank heaven for having send me this gorgeous angel. 

Postscript Life ain't Easy

 "You will never reach your destination if you throw stones at every dog that 

barks." Ubuntu African Proverb.    "Animals only look with their eyes, we humans look with madness." Wajdi Monawad.                                                 Those who won't get their cat spayed and neutered (some believe it's Haram, others can't afford the operation or prefer to spend their money on other items, e. g. cigarettes, etc), all too often think they are solving the problem of unwanted kittens by placing them in front of houses of animal friendly folks. There comes the point when we are exhausted, no longer enough money, energy, capacity and in addition not getting younger, which also means health issues, having to spend regularly more money on doctors and medicine for humans. If I neglect my health in order to save money for all those poor cats,(I already live modestly) can that be a solution? I am not the only one and keep hearing from folks engaged to protect animals that people here are so inconsiderate and selfish, they just don't care if we say, please no more, it's not possible. Very depressing, all those poor innocent souls. I better live forever more..... no time and excuse for getting old. My little darlings look at me with eyes full of trust - unless I want to clean their lovely eyes (of pus, dirt), little running noses, cute ears effected with mites (that black staff, can even destroy ears), give them their medication (may be crushed tablet mixed under soft cheese). They are so clever, if I hide a tablet in a piece of salami, they spit it out, even a tiny piece. Gorgeous little Celine, eyes wide open, no teeth yet, thus lives on "mummy milk" only, is one week with us now. Kids found her in a cardboard box among the garbage, they begged me to save her. She has white, orange and black fur, 3 colours, means she's female. Celine enjoys her kitten milk (59 Dinar - her mother had that for her for free!), but she still screams a lot. My husband wondered whether this is perhaps the reason why she was thrown outside, I tell him no, Celine screams because she misses her mother and her brothers and sisters too, normally she would cuddle with them. I try to make up for this, let her suck my fingers, but it is insufficient, poor darling. My other cats and the 3 maybe 2-3 months old kittens show only limited interest. It ain't easy. Ricardo requires a vet dentist, not very cheap as it means anesthesia as well. When all my cats are spayed and neutered there are always new unplanned arrivals, more expenditures in the future. The operation of the male is simpliar, approx. half the price of that for the female, but it all adds up. All my fur family members are fine afterwards (except for a short time on the day of the operation). When I had my first cat operated and told the vet I am not quite happy to do this to him, he replied: It is okay, he is lucky, no problems with the ladies..... (and no need to mark his area with urine, run out to chase females, endanger himself, get his face slapped if he forgets the love bite afterwards). - For unknown reasons kids in North Africa can generally decide when it's time to go to bed, (so it's after midnight) a choice usually European children haven't got, hours are fixed. Scientists say that       9-12 hrs sleep are necessary for 6-12 year old kids. Less sleep effects the brain: memory, intelligence, well being, insufficient sleep leads to less grey matter or smaller volume in certain areas of the brain responsible for attention, memory, inhibition control and causes long term harm. In addition it is important to sleep during the normally dark hrs. In my opinion we have too much of artificial lights. We have to draw the certains so that we can sleep in a dark bedroom. There is quite a potential here to save energy. In view of the heat, more and more hot days, it would be great to have plenty of

trees planted. There is a small town in Germany where authorities decided to act on expert advice, how to cool down a town, they give away various types of suitable trees to interested citizens. Actually, I have done "my bit", I planted a tree a few years ago, it is growing well and provides shadow to pedestrians and animals. 

Life ain't Easy

 "Never worry about who will be offended if you speak the truth. 

Worry about who will be misled, deceived and destroyed if you don't." Dr. Patton. 

Being asked what I like best in Tunisia, I guess my answer came as a real surprise, it is not the lovely beach, the interesting historic buildings, the food, etc. but the cats, they are so absolutely gorgeous, though their life certainly ain't easy. I overheard a mother advising her small child not to touch a cat, "they are dirty." This is not true. They usually have a white bid, white socks and maybe a white tummy, perfectly bright white, even the so-called strays, amazing. The only exception are sick and old cats, not even all of them. Is this so unlike humans, when you are no longer young and fit, do you always manage to remain proper and neat (without support)? In the morning, while having breakfast (and at other times during the day), I wish I were an octopus.... having just 2 arms and hands to cuddle so many cats seems to be too little. At present my sweet black Diamond, 2 months old, sucks my arm. She misses her real mum and tries to relax with her vice mummy, she does this a lot. Luckily I still have a bit of Baby milk for her and the other 3 kittens (all found in front of my door, from different families). With raising prices more and more folks have problems making ends meet., this effects also feeding their pets. Some let their cat out to eat with strays at my Cats' Table, or help themselves to the croquettes I put outside. It is better than throwing out the 4 legged family member in order to save money. The street is not a place that is good for their health, in addition there are other dangers like traffic and disturbed kids and youngers throwing stones, kicking, hitting innocent animals, just for fun.... . The other day I watched a kindergarten- aged boy throwing a small stone at one of "my guests". When I told him off, 2 of his friends declared that he didn't do this and never would! They lied so convincingly , had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would have been tempted to believe them, the mini Donalds..... . Is this really normal behaviour for little boys? I am shocked. - Our sweet ferals decided it's time to modernize my dress, they cut slits with their multi useful claws. That is why I won't wear silk or other more or less expensive clothes in the house. If you love cats and have many around the house you have to live with some plants suffering, our "children" don't have "green thumbs". In their opinion plants should be suitable for climbing, even though they have their tree, designed to do some scratching and claw care. Most of the day our ferals are sleeping, the most lively are of course our babies, they are little mischieves and like to play together, some times a bit rough, supposed to prepare them for cats' life demands. - It may seem surprising, but I miss my beautiful puppy babe, not quite one year old. It wasn't easy having him and 30 cats in the house and on our 2 terraces. I was hoping to find a good family for him, with a big garden, plot of land, maybe a plantation. I have been misinformed, or should I say tricked? Having been advised there is a teacher in City Riad, near Sousse, who wants Djego to protect his house, some animals and big garden, I thought he is offered a better life than I can provide for him. It was agreed that I give Djego 2 days to settle with the new family and then I visit him. Guess I was too naive, what followed was excuses why I can't see him and attempts to make me believe Djego is happy in his new surrounding. As a matter of fact it looks like my poor boy was put out on the street, I can't help crying, in this heat without shelter, water, food, walking on hot stones, streets, pavement, frightened of cars, other dogs, stray cats, disturbed kids and youngsters, bad folks, much noise - can't think of a less suitable animal out on the road. My husband tries to tell me I shouldn't worry so much, he came from the road....  I actually found him on 22.10.2021 then 2,5 months old, very close to death, bite wound on his throat (from a dog), lying on a piece of cardboard, trembling, screaming with pain. We took him to the vet Dr. Saloua Ben Fredj, (who luckily starts work early in the morning), he stayed for 5 days and I must say the veterinarian did an excellent job, Djego fully recovered but remained traumatised. Lately he had become a bit calmer, no longer reacting to all the noises of our loud neighbors. I feel depressed, but still keep a tiny bit of hope that my Djego found good folks helping him and that he will return one day. I would let him stay with me if he wants to. He didn't seem to like the small kittens, but he never injured a cat. 

See my post: "Too little progress" - for a photo of beautiful Djego and "No time to get bored" for more Info

Postscript Living with Changes Everywhere

 "The secret of freedom lies in education people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant." Maximilian Robespierre.                         At present it is very hot, but temperatures are similar to those in Europe, feels different, though, with high humidity in the air. Sugar, rice and cheap oil are difficult to obtain, other items also, not just food, like e. g. some medications and cosmetics etc. No sugar available is quite a problem in a country that loves lots of it, not just with coffee and tea, fruit juices, cereals, etc. are often too sweet for my taste and of course not good for all those who suffer from diabetes. - A man who has been vaccinated 4 times in Germany caught Corona here. Strange, I read Germany doesn't acknowledge the vaccination in Tunisia if it's from China. Folks are slowly starting to wear face masks again, not easy during this hot season. - Of the 5 a few weeks old kittens that a woman brought approx. 4 weeks ago (2 disappeared outside without a trace, 3 I took indoors) there is only 1 survivor. All were very skinny, Chiquita still is, not too well. I hope my sweet little Babe will be okay, on vet's advice I give her 1/8th of Doxy, vitamins and Mamy milk, etc. She seems to be happy to have me as her vice mama. She sleeps a lot, but actually just about all my little treasures are flat on the floor where they find a little shadow. Some manage to have a running nose in spite of the heat. It is bad enough in winter. Fleur, one of my regular visitors to my Cats' Table, allows me to clean her blocked nose, she even speaks to me, seems she wants to say "thank you". She loves cuddling, can't get enough of it. The little darling looks as if she had blond streaks made. In the past she used to arrive with her mother, who looked just like her, but one day disappeared, sadly most probably dead, "passed over the rainbow." - Japan donated 1 Million dollars for 3 historical towns in Tunisia, Kairouan, Kasserine and Siliana. France suffers a shortage of staff, in particular in the hotel and restaurant trade. They offer to Tunisians 4000 jobs for 5 months. The payment is the same as for other citizens in that country, 1472 Euro per months, with a 39 hrs week. It seems a lot, but prices are high, in particular in Paris. Still, it's a chance for many, we have well educated French speaking folks with appropriate experience. Should be a win-win situation. 

Living with Changes Everywhere.

 "Intelligence is not to make no mistakes, but quickly to see how to make them good." Bertholt Brecht.                                                                                    Good news for a change, we took lovely Janina to the vet, who suspected kidney problems (not uncommon among ferals of her age, 4,5 years) and suggested a blood test. It turned out that her kidneys function well for her age, thank heavens for that. Janina's gum problems can be treated with injections and avoidance of the poor quality water from the tap. My little black Diamond, the latest family addition, simply loves his mamma milk (and so does sweet little Moses), I am very grateful to an animal protection organisation that donnated the expensive milk powder. My babies seem to be happy with their vice mum (me) and I hope we make it together. Dainty Shakira doesn't want the milk, even so still quite tiny. Two young men went past our house with a group of 8 young, fit looking sheep. Knowing their destination depresses me. The farmer who picked up Djego on 11th June, to guard his sheep, after some training, will he come to Sousse? One of his stories, several days ago, his car is getting repaired.... We are still looking for a good home for our slowly growing up puppy, since he is a guard and not a lap dog, not easy. Many say keeping a dog is too expensive for them and one needs some experience for an untrained dog. The farmer, by the way, still hasn't returned Djego's personnel items. He, his sons and the neighbor who recommend him as a truthworthy person, suppy us with changing excuses, hoping we will eventually give up and they can keep or sell all items, maybe even his vaccination pass (2 x fully vaccinated). - A friend went with her husband to the Friday market. Afterwards she discovered that her backpack had been slit and her mobile phone stolen. This unfortunately also means losing all photos of the various development stages of the kids, sadly unreplaceable. One woman told me her mobile phone was stolen of her while she was phoning outside, the thief just grabbed it with force and run away. Only a small percentage of those street robberies are reported to the police,  all too often regarded as a waste of time, police won't trace the thieves, they are not much interested..... I don't think these comments are fair. If only a few are reported, how can the police know the extend of the problem? It certainly is not good advertising if tourists must fear they will be robbed or tricked on the street,. though of course Tunisia is not the only country with such problems. Much needs to be done, the police is more active under the new government, changes take time. We need more solidarity and folks with courage that won't look away. Poverty is no excuse for stealing, or greed, one can be poor and keep one's dignity. We continue to have approx. 3 - 5 year old kids playing football on the street until midnight. Don't they need their sleep at night? Scientists say that the human body is designed to sleep during the dark hours, this of course doesn't mean it's okay to stay up as long as there's electricity. Lack of sleep at night effects the brain of kids, it is not different for those living in North Africa. 

Postscript Too little Progress

 "The general population doesn't know what is happening and it doesn't even know it doesn't know." Noam Chomsky.                                                                     A woman tried to persuade my husband to take a maximum 3 weeks old black baby cat as apresent, as she is poor and cannot pay for the food..... Pity I wasn't there, I would have explained to her that at present all the little one needs: mamma milk, love and education is for free, provided by the mother. One can buy substitute milk, it is not as good as the original and it is quite expensive, 54 Dinar. We can't afford that and besides, it doesn't make sense, it means quite a bit extra work, besides having a baby crying for its mother leaving behind a depressed mother whose baby has been stolen from her loving paws. In addition the little one may yet die under the given circumstances. I hope and pray that the new constitution that is presently being drafted will include respect and protection of nature and animals, for a better society. Bad habits die hard and many will only change their actions if forced by law. Pets can teach kids empathy and responsibility. Stroking a cat can lower a too high blood pressure. My personal highlight every morning is seeing my sweet Malek come running downstairs from the roof, when I call him, in order to have breakfast with him on my lap and being surrounded by other beauties as well. But first of all I check whether my "big family" is okay, no sudden sickness, or even worse, death. Life expectancy is unfortunately so much shorter here than in Europe. One man from the neighborhood told me he's got several amazing cats and he trusts them more than humans. A woman arrived with 5 kittens, 2 - 3 weeks old. She wanted me to take them. I told her I can't, I am overwhelmed and besides, they need their mother. She asked whether she can leave them outside and I provide them with food in front of my house. I advised her that they are much too young for that and they would quickly get run over by cars. A little time later I discovered she left the little ones nonetheless, but 2 had disappeared. Couldn't find them anywhere. I felt forced to take 2 black and whites and 1 multi-cloured one inside. Shortly afterwards a young boy knocked on my door. The family had decided to keep the kittens. I went looking for a cardboard box for transport, but the boy thought I am taking too long and left. As the little ones are rather skinny, I would suspect that their mother's diet is rather poor and she's probably still very young. Anyhow, they loved the salami, the croquettes for baby cats and I still had a tiny bit of mamma milk pwder. One of the black and white ones was very lively, my husband named her Lady Gaga. Sadly, she and her sister, Nena, suddenly died over night, "passed over the rainbow". The gorgeous kitten with orange, yellow, white, a bit of black, Chiquita, is the only survivor, still skinny, but hopefully she'll be okay. As a matter of fact I have another cat, a few weeks older, that looks like an older sister and they stick a lot together. Tiny, skinny Moses was looking a bit lost in front of my door, felt sorry for the little darling and took him indoors, I have reached my absolute limit. It is not just a question of food and toilets, it also means getting those old enough spayed and neutered, paying for dental works, blood tests, x-rays, perhaps special food e. g. because of kidney problems (unfortunately quite common among adult cats, due to bad water, weak immune system etc.) and a lot of sadness whenever a member of "my big family" passes away. -