Not always what you Expect

 "Competion is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization." Peter Kropotkin  "We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark, the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." Plato   "Every time I have been inside a slaughterhouse, I expected to find monsters. But I found something far more terrifying, I found out how easily humans can be conditioned to do monsterious things." Robert Sud.   It appears to be festival season now. The open air life concerts are right in front of our door, so we neither need to spend time nor money to listen to them. The road gets blocked at 3 p. m. and the celebrations start at 9.30 p. m., this is planning oriental style, thus no hurry and a sure way to keep the area free of unwanted traffic, parked cars or just the rubbish collection van (usually 7 p. m. but one never knows). The hosts (weddings or other parties) in the past used to invite us or/and bring around a plate of food. Times are changing, some folks are nowadays very shy and didn't dare to address, not even inform us, yet in one case surprised us with a "noise protection wall" right along our house, nice try, but didn't work. Anyhow, they generously left our pavement for us to move freely. Lots of fireworks with loud bangs, even bengali fire, all for free until 3 a. m., a happy neighborhood in good spirit. Don't worry, be happy. In view of possible deaf folks being present, even that is usually allowed for, the loud speakers are quite something, the "Getto Blasters" are nothing in comparison. Most motorbikes haven't got a registeration plate, this could be an additional income for the state, but I guess it's not needed. In addition it could help the police to trace thieves and street robbers, perhaps though not much of an issue. Tunisian folks are law obeying and after all stealing is not allowed. -  I have been hoping that our big feral family would be in better health now that the winter is over, no more sneezing and coughing. But no, their immune system appears to be not very strong. The best protection against the various viruses here would be vaccine, but unfortunately I can not afford to pay for so many and the protection only lasts one year. Years ago, when we had only 6 or even 8 cats, we did get them vaccinated, but we don't receive donations and aren't rich. Guess our neighbours would be surprised if they would find out how modest we live, well, our little feral treasures trust and depend on us. A good day is when all are well and relaxed. Lately this wasn't the case though, several cats  seemed to be feeling very tired, weak, had fiever and an infection in the mouth. One of those viruses the poor cats catch here. Luckily nowadays more and more medications don't need to be imported any longer, including several designed for kids, in some cases also suitable for cats or dogs (not automatically the case, vets should be consulted first) and in addition local products are of course cheaper than imports. Which is just as well in view of generally low wages. A few days ago I discovered a little black kitten dragging her back legs along the street. It looked as if one or both legs were broken. The poor darling was crossing the road near my house. Fearing for her safety I picked her up and took her to our veterinarian. It turned out that she was actually paralyzed from her spine, an injury caused by either an accident, perhaps a fall or through an attack with a stone or stick. Even worse the little one was not able to empty her bladder. When the veterinarian used some painful pressure at the lower part of her body, quite a bit urin mixed with blood ejected. He explained that this procedure would be necessary once every day. I was under the impression that I can do this, but it turned out to be more complicated. So I took my sweet Precious back the next day, watched and thought okay, I'll manage. I was mistaken, my brave little kitten screamed, bite me, all in vain. Her big tummy got me worried, I felt so helpless. I planned to take her back to the vet the next day, not sure what would be the right decision, in a way Precious seemed to be so brave, eating and drinking, but I did not want her to suffer. Later on in the evening she refused her medication, biting her teeth together. I forced her to take some nevertheless, but had a bad feeling, she may not survive the night. The veterinarian had already warned me that the little darling hasn't got a  chance to live long. Later on in the evening when I checked how she is, I dicovered Precious had passed over the rainbow. Her suffering and her short life had ended. May she rest in peace. 

"Sound protection wall" 

Precious with Sunny

Jeremy and Schmusi 

Ali ben Habib

Precious, brave little baby

Preparation for live concert

Postscript Summertime and it ain't all easy.

 "What you don't want to be done to you, don't do to others." German Proverb  "The tree that bears good fruits receives more stones and trouble."  "The devil without a horn and tail is more dangerous than the one with a horn and tail."  "You are beautiful, but you can't eat your own beauty, learn to work."  Ubuntu African Proverbs  "How then is perfection to be sought? Wherein lies our hope? In education and nothing else. Rules for happiness: Something to do, someone to love, something to hope for." Emanuel Kant.        Our beautiful feral daughter, Minusa, stopped eating and in general seemed to be not well at all. Bad breath, red gum, brown teeth indicated the need for dental treatment. A blood test revealed more, apart from the already discovered fiever, her blood contains a much too high amount of the white blood corpuscle, thus anemia. The pharmacy advised to not give the medication together with food, while the include instruction leaflet stated the opposite. I noted  repeatedly that pharmacy staff doesn't appear to be as well trained as in the past. In view of many relying on their advise as they cannot pay a doctor's consulting fee (if you are lucky 40 Dinar, but more likely to be 70 Dinar at present) on top of paying for necessary medication, this is bad news. But on the other hand you may be lucky to find a qualified doctor running a Pharmacy. Anyhow, Minusa turned out to be a clever little cheater. She made a big show when I tried to make her swallow half a tablet. Then she walked over to the bowl of croquettes and eat some. To my surprise I afterwards discovered the tablet among the croquettes. I am not very popular with my feral children when I turn up with their medicine, they appear to think I better spend the money on something delicious. Well, such is life. For a short time eggs disappeared from the market. Meat being too expensive for many and then also no eggs available? There are of course alternatives, but not everybody sees it that way. Today eggs were on sale again, you never know for how long. Life is full of surprises. Still no rain and pretty high temperatures. Feel like melting. On top we had that hot wind from the dessert, called "Chili". We are longing for the normal refreshing wind and of course some rain. Within 6 months this year approx. 800 people died in Tunesians waters, trying to reach Europe. Very sad, worse than ever. In 2018 Tunisia was the first Arabic country in the world to crimilise racism, we can be proud of that! While quite a few folks in Europe think that North Africans have a dark colour of skin, this presently applies to only 10 - 15 %  of the Tunisian citizens. With raising temperatures we ought to find in future all over the world more folks of colour, in particular those kids out on the street all day. That will make life difficult for racists. For those who believe the light colour of skin indicates superiority, the British made a clever joke during the dark nazi years in Germany: "What does a member of the Master Race  look like? Well, blond and tall like Hitler, slim like Goering, perfect figure like Goebels." By the way, when you hear the extreme loud sound, see and smell the stinking black cloud of those motorbikes ridden by youngsters and even kids, and wonder why, well they manipulate the filter and don't care for environment protection. They think this is real freedom. In Europe police would confiscate the motorbike and possible also the driving license, if it exists. It won't be easy to achieve a different attitude among the ignorant. One must start with the kids and they hopefully will educate their parents, it may sound strange, but when kids start asking questions, there is a chance they make the adults think what they are doing. A woman who returned with her family from Germany told me their still very young children were shocked to see folks dropping their rubbish just anywhere. They asked why do they do this? In the end they decided not to live in Tunisia, it no longer felt like home. Very sad, Tunisia could be a beautiful country if more citizens would understand the need to protect the environment and be kind to animals. By the way, a plastic bottles collector with a poor young donkey that had to carry a heavy load during very high temperatures, told me his donkey shouldn't drink while working. I asked a veterinarian is that okay? He was shocked that I asked such a stupid question. His reply: "Sadly many don't understand that their " tool" is an animal with feelings and requires looking after, e. g. enough water to drink in order to survive. " - Several elderly neighbors died lately. Keep hearing the Quran from the loudspeaker of that special van used to transport the corpse. Behing the van a group of walking men, women don't attend according to a long tradition. We could do with more trees, there is not much shadow. Quite a few planted by the French during their occupation of Tunisia have been felt unfortunately. The avantage of trees, a group of one kind in particular that is  be like a green roof, protecting against too much sun, one can still experience, in particular near Mosques. There are often also benches, a place to relax. 

Summertime and it ain't all Easy

It is too hot

 My blind boy Lulu

"Try and fail, but don't fail to try." Malawi Proverb  "There is no medicine to cure hatred." Ubuntu Proverb  "A hungry free man is better than a well fed slave." Liberian Proverb     "I think that hate is a feeling, a feeling that can only exist where there is no  understanding."  Tennessee Williams   "A chameleon will not change the dignified walking steps of his forefathers just because the bush is on fire." Ubuntu African Proverb.        -  Still no sugar available, even coffee is sold either quite expensive in supermarkets or in a low quantity (200 grams per customer) in specialist coffee shops. The price for tea has also gone up considerably. Folks in Arabic countries in particular love their coffee, tea and sugar. Never expected this to happen here. In view of many suffering from diabetics perhaps not such a bad thing the lack of sugar, but there are still lots of quite sugary products. An increasing number of imported medicines continue to disappear from the pharmacy shelves. If you are lucky a suitable substitute item is meanwhile produced in Tunisia. Wish folks here would learn from Cuba. For centuries they cooped quite well in spite of many restrictions imposed by various US governments. Cuban citizens are amazingly creative when it comes to finding solutions utilizing what little is available. In addition they in general remained cheerful, not always crumbling (like in other not well off/poor countries.) And they have very beautiful music that puts one in a good mood. - Most nights there is no water coming from the tap, at changing times, I think those in charge of the household water supply (Sonnet) are playing with us or is it to teach folks that they can't rely on water always being available? Anyhow, it doesn't seem to impress those who love to waste water in Sousse, not even at the much higher charge. But anyhow, it is advisable not to drink it but buy Mineral water, if you can afford this. We buy a lot, in particular in summer. Just as well these plastic bottles are collected by folks with little or no income. They smile when we handover our collection, much better than searching for the plastic among the rubbish, the usual procedure, very sad. It is getting really hot, at present 47 degree centigrade. My cats are flat on the floor, poor darlings. At least they don't have to look where they can find food and water in this heat. But they don't appear to be healthier in summer. There are various viruses, in particular the Calcivirus, effecting theeth and gum, causing fiever, loss of weight, hopefully not also bad kidneys, liver and blood values. In general cats immune system is not strong here, in particular concerning those poor darlings that are living on the street (often kicked out for convienence by hard - hearted guys). Eyes, nose and ears are the main problem zones. It keeps me on my toes, guess it is what I led myself into, when I decided to help as many so called "stray cats" as possible, not making beauty a reason to be accepted. Nonetheless really gorgeous ferals are also part of my big cat family. Lulu is the latest new member, he is lovely (beige and white soft fur), but unfortunately blind. I have cats with only one eye, managing perfectly well in my house, but completely blind is a problem, too many obstacles. A flat would be ideal and I may add that Lulu is a clean boy who uses his toilet. I hope I can find a solution for my sweet boy. When I dicovered him in front of my door, he seemed to be doing well, utilizing my offer of food and water for homeless cats. But a closer look at him revealed eyes that appeared to be popping out. I took him to my vet and Lulu is much better now, but it was too late to save his eyes, 1 looks almost okay, the other one may have to be removed as it can effect his brain, poor little treasure. Why do animals have to suffer so much? - An unfortunate and very sad development here is the discrimination and violance against folks from various African countries with darker skin. Some kids, youngsters and adults feeI encouraged to spit at or even attack these persons e. g. in Sfax. Strange in view of kids playing outside getting a lot  darker.  I always considered a brown colour of skin to be typical for hot countries, after all it provides a protection against skin cancer. Besides, is very white or pink really more beautiful? Doesn't gold, silver and other jewelery shine more on brown skin? Anyhow, it is scientifically proven that the craddle of mankind stood in West Africa. Until 8000 years ago all humans had dark skin. Should we be ashamed of our ancestors? I hear that Sub-Saharans are criminals, they steal, rob and abuse, sexually harrasse woman, want to destroy Tunisia.  All evil comes from them, they are to blame for all shortcomings, concerning basic foods, medicine, rising prices, lack of jobs, etc. So those who commit crimes here originate from sub-saharan countries and my handbag was robbed by 2 young men on a motorbike who used a lot of bleech on their skin, just like the burglar who tried to enter our house. Now that many dark coloured people, men, women and children are forced to or volantarily leaving Tunisia, we get a paradise here, no more stealing, save streets, no more rubbish dumping (in front of my house and many other places), no more animal abuse, stone throwing, disrespect, etc...... You wish!  The uneducated are happy to have a scapegoat and started a witch hunt. The murder of a man in Sfax in particular encouraged them, even after those responsible have been arrested (3 men from Kamerun). Don't they know that Tunisian too commit capital crimes in either countries? By the way, in Sfax certain shameless Tunisians charge approx. 3000 Dinar (970 Dollar) for a dangerous trip in a badly constructed tin boat with up to 38 persons, including occasionally watered down petrol and car tyres for lifeboats. This will hopefully be stopped soon. As our president declared: "We are also very proud Africans", I hope that our African brothers and sisters will in future be treated with lots of dignity and empathy and experience more solidarity. Africa is a much bigger continent than Europe, united we could achieve so much. 

Postcript Searching for Paradise

 "It is better to be unhappy and know the worst, than to be happy in a fool's paradise." Fyodor Dostoyesky.  "It is possible to love a human being, if you don't know them too well." Charles Bukowski. "The beauty of a woman may lead her to the palace, but her character will determine how long she will stay in the palace," Obuntu Proverb.               My idea of a paradise : Humans and animals peacefully living together without greed, envey and theft, instead lots of respect (for animals like in Turkey), free education and health service (like in Cuba), solidarity, dedicated teachers, empathy and love, nature protection. - Many, too many folks, from Africa and other parts of the world believe they may find their Paradise in Germany and risk their life to get there, illegally if legally isn't possible. They pay a very high price in more than one way, in various cases their family sell their house or borrow money for a very overpriced dangerous journey on usually overloaded, neither well equipped nor strong boats. The ship that lately sank near the Greek coast carried approx. 750 persons, about 100 children and woman, only 104 Men survived (among them 9 now arrested trafficers) . This could be "a wake up call", but unfortunately following a brief shock, it is unlikely to change much quickly. But is Germany really a paradise? With a good income you can live well (doesn't this apply to many places in the world?). Quite a bit is different from Tunisia in Germany nowadays, e. g. pavements are designed to protect pedestrians, not cars. I am here often under the impression that car parking takes first priority and therefore folks are forced to walk on the street as the pavement is blocked by various cars. Several house owners decided to block access to their pavement for cars, using bricks or perhaps tins filled with cement. Depending on where you live, it may attract kids looking for a seat to have a (often loud) chat with their friends, maybe until after midnight. Where children play football on the street, some of the access blocking bricks  may not last long . In Germany taxi fees and bred prices can knock you off your feet. School children being taken to school by taxi is pretty rare. Using loudspeakers suitable for a football stadium (not exaggerated, they are here quite common for private functions, often on streets blocked for such parties) is unimaginable in Germany and other European countries. - An Iman and a Bishop teasing each other,

talking about their dreams. The Bishop says that in his dream he saw the Moslems' paradise. It was lovely but very crowded and there was a strong smell of garlic. Replied the Iman: "Interesting as I saw in my dream last night your paradise. Lovely white fine sand beach (like in Tunisia), blue sea, beautiful flowers with a gorgeous scent, lovely butterflies and birds and not a soul there...." 

Searching for Paradise

 "Hell is other people" Jean Paul Satre.   "The paradise of the rich is made of the hell of the poor." Aldous Huxley.   "A great man is hard on himself, a small man is hard on others." Confucius.   " There is enough in this world for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed."   Frank Buchmann.   "Each generation must discover its mission, fullfil or betray it, in relative capacity."  Frantz Fanon.                                                                              Imagine you are living where other people are going for a holiday. Sounds like paradise? Well, there is the sea, a beech with very fine sand, lots of sunshine, historic sites, etc. But all is not perfect, those who have problems making ends meet due to unemployment and rising prices or think that the grass is greener at the other side, may be looking for a better life in another country. The world is changing, a perfect world doesn't exist. Those who dream of living in Europe, or more precise, in Germany, are most likely not to have the whole picture. While wages are much higher there, so are the various expenditures, often deductions of one third or even more than half the gross income: taxes, rental charges (not to forget the shortage of flats and houses for tenants), arbitrary social insurances like for health, unemloyment (benefits only if stipulations are fullfilled), old age pension, and then there are much higher prices for food, electricity, heating, water, fuel, transport, car and motorbike insurances (arbitary), clothes, household furniture and equipment - all of this eats up most of the average income. Prices just don't compare. Besides, there are not many jobs for folks with little or no education and in case of redundances those who were employed last lose their job first.  In addition employees have to turn up independent of bad weather and other possible obstacles.  Besides, one needs of course a work permit, without one it is almost impossible to find employment, and it is not helpful if you don't speak the language. Getting asylum granted is very difficult in particular for North Africans, authorities rarely believe the application is justified and in case of doubt consult experts of human rights organisations like Amnesty International. In Germany many more laws and regulations exist than in Tunisia. Quite a bit of what is tolerated here and seems to be normal for the less educated, is not allowed, against the law, e. g. a whole family travelling on a motorbike (perhaps even with a live sheep? ), riding the motorbike topless and or with beech sandals, riding a bicycle without light (also during the day, when light is not needed) , playing football on the road (but there are playgrounds and more football fields than in Tunisia) , very young children roaming the streets, here in some areas even on their own until after midnight, (there authorities would be regarding this as neglecting parental duties) blocking the road to have a celebration, loud repair works in and around a house after 22.oo hrs or on Sundays, making a lot of noise during "silent hours" (13 - 15 hrs), driving with cheap diesel that creates a black stinking very polluting cloud (regular exhaust gas controls are a legal requirement, in Europe folks are actually environmentally aware), speeding in dwelling areas, throwing stones in general and of course at cats and dogs (thank heaven animal protection laws exist), etc. school hours are longer, homework for school is normal, school holidays are less and much shorter, "Bakaloria" (Abitur) is more demanding. Kids and adults that have to get up early don't stay up all night, parents usually send their children to bed at set times so they get sufficient sleep, which is imporant for their mental and physical development. Doesn't sound like a paradise for children? Experts say that kids with too much freedom are not happier, but instead unconsciously feel that their parents don't really care for them. - I guess cats and dogs in Tunisia, in particular the so called "strays" and among them those that have been kicked out for convienence, don't make high demands on a paradise. They are happy if they find a bit of food, water, maybe medical help in case of need, a safe shelter, no abuse, respect and cuddling. - When Spanish invaders arrived in South of America, accompanied by

 Moncks who  tried to convince the exploited native Indians to become Christians and advised them that after death they would be rewarded with Paradise, the natives asked them whether this would mean sharing paradise with these Spanish people. Hearing yes, the Indians replied that they don't want such a hyaenaparadise, they definitely don't want to meet such horrible people again after death. 

 

Postscript It never gets Boring here

J

 "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the result of other people's thinking. Steve Jobs   " Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. Benjamin Frankline.         " A successful man is the one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown  at him. " David Brinkley"  " The greatest glory in life lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."  Nelson Mandela                                                                                  A good start in the morning is when all my numerous adopted feral children and the regular guests to my Cats' Table are okay, just hungry as usual., so they of course come first, take first priority! Outside it is nice and quiet, just a car or 2 and maybe a motorbike passing, had enough of those  in particular the later, racing during the night. While in most countries citizens nowadays think about protecting the environment, energy reduction, avoiding pollution, it doesn't seem to be much of an issue in Tunisia, at least not among those who keep their distance to education. Their kids and youngsters like to ride a motorbike, just for fun. The black stinking cloud, the roaring noice most of all when speeding, they love it. While some  children in the neighborhood try to ride their bike with one wheel up in the air, therefore occasionally fall and make their comrades laugh (not without risks on the road), 4 teens, approx. 14 years old, now want more. The bikes have been exchanged for old motorbikes. I viewed 2 with a passenger on the back seat, doing their "artistic studs." In the beginning on a not quite so busy road, neverthe-  less nearly hitting a parked car and another arriving motorbike on the road, crushing on the street, but surprisingly without much injury and damage to their motorbike. Pity in a way, no lesson learned. Accustomed to no actions from adults, apart from the usual excuse: "they are children", these dare-devils now feel encouraged to try busy roads (no risk no fun). I fear innocent folks on the streets may become victims of these kids and their irresponsible games, further, it is highly unlikely that their parents or they themselves eventually would be able to pay for whatever injuries or damages they may cause.  Passing a school, the public area next to it is littered with rubbish, mainly papers and wrappings. This demonstrates the need to teach pupils basic manners, something they don't seem to learn at home. Instead of extreme long holidays, for the school-free days in my opinion some educated folks without a job  (don't need to have teachers' diploma) should be employed to teach responsible behaviour, respect for nature and animals, environnement protection). The whole nation would profit. ( Elderly folks call these kids the lost generation.) In addition it would be a good idea to  create teams of  school children (I refuse to call them" students") to collect their rubbish around their school (learning by doing). For unknown reasons usually homework is not a task demanded of them, unlike  Europe, so the boys can spend most of the day playing football or roaming the streets like some girls as well. When school is finished, they all rush out as if released "from prison", where they didn't waste much energy, by the look of it, now screaming and stone throwing. Some demonstrate the English they learned, calling me a bitch and advising me to f.... off. Well, "they are children......" and maybe when I first arrived here with several removal cardboard boxes full of presents for kids I didn't even know, they received a gift as well. - SONED, the tapped water suppliers, now turn off the water every evening until morning, at changing hours. It is mend to reduce the water consumption, which is too high in view of the dramatically falling present stock and insufficient rain.  Every day some chemicals are added to rinse the piping. That means when you turn on the tap the water looks milky and can only be used for cleaning. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to receive clean water again. Even this doctors advice not to drink. Anyhow, a high quantity of water gets wasted. In several areas, mainly in the south, citizens haven't received any household water for months. Having to buy water is an extra expence that in particular 

the poor could really do without. Hopefully water treatment plants will soon solve the problem. 

. 

It never gets Boring here

 "Every bird is a king in its nest." "Even if cats rain, black rat will go out in the night." "Examine what is spoken not who is speaking. "  "A person who is always alone is either a devil or a saint."    Ubuntu African Proverbs                                                                                    Our gorgeous cat mummy Fleur is amazing. Not only does she feed her milk to her friend's babies on demand, but also to a lovely little kitten living outside. Today I discovered her doing so and I guess she's been doing this for a while. Until a few weeks ago Fleur was "just a street cat" and regular customer to my Cats' Table, like her friend Rosy and up to 20 others, arriving every morning from all directions, (some stay nearby and receive more food during the day) punctually for their early breakfast. I don't know which cat informed them of the time and place. Anyhow, I am proud of my beautiful guests, they and my indoor big feral family give me a reason to get up every morning, even when I feel exhausted and "too sick" to kick myself out off bed.  Impossible to disappoint all those who look up to me with such a lot of trust and expectations in their lovely eyes. Sadly many kittens pass over the rainbow before even reaching an age of 2 or 3 months, inspite of loving mums doing their best. A poor immune system doesn't give them much of a chance. I decided to take inside the black and white kitten that Fleur decided to adopt. Now the other mothers, Rosy and Jane, are happy to offer their mummy milk also to this orphan. Could we learn from cats, be generous and help those in need? Not so long ago milk was difficult to obtain. Shopkeepers asked their customers not to buy more than 2 packs, some wanted as much as they can carry. Sugar has become an exotic item, a luxury that hasn't been seen on the shelves for long period. For unknown reasons easier to find in Kairouan than in Sousse, interesting, but on the other hand coffee is very expensive now and appears to be sold out in Kairouan. So perhaps folks in Sousse should exchange coffee against sugar? Present flour shortage could lead to couscous becoming the next special item we have to surge for, hopefully this won't happen to the national dish (in the whole of North Africa). Some citizens believe keeping a pet and feeding cats, dogs and strays is a luxury we can do without. Well, experts say that kids growing up with a cat or dog in the house (ideally regarded as a family member) learn responsibility, empathy, the importance of friendship and trust. Several guys think in view of our weak economy it would be better not to import food and other products for these animals. Caring for cats and dogs is a luxury we can do without. Really? They don't realize that a whole industry developed in this field. Not just veterinarians, pet shops, tinned food, croquettes and "salami" (sausages for animals, not suitale for human consumption), toilets, beds, medications, etc. - meanwhile produced also in Tunisia and creating many jobs. Besides, from European (mainly) and other countries a considerable amount of donations are sent to Tunisia. If you open your eyes you can see the most beautiful cats and dogs here, neat and modest, even those forced to live outside. Unfortunately their usually excellent manners makes it easy for wicked people to abuse and kill them. Hopefully we will eventually get good animal protection laws worthy of a modern country. I can live without various products, one can find alternatives or just do without, but I really miss good animal protection and noise restriction laws.