While Engaging Cultures Travel tries to stay apolitical, I have to acknowledge Tunisia’s historic elections this week.  Currently I am sitting in a café listening to people around me discuss the unofficial returns.  Official results will be announced in an hour or so…you can check most any news source to follow the winners.  What intrigues me most is the sense of pride, a collective “we did it!” after a peaceful revolution in January that triggered massive change in the world. 

One blogger posted his observation yesterday on Tunis’ grand avenue: Two men were discussing the preliminary results, which showed one party doing unexpectedly well. One of them, wearing a professional button-down, slacks, and glasses, said he was vehemently against this party, but still, ‘The most important thing is that Tunisians accept the results of these elections, because after all, it is the choice of the people.’ Tunisia is already a democracy. (www.tunisia-live.net)

As one who lives in Tunisia, I am encouraged by what I see happening here.  I truly believe Tunisia will become a country where opportunities and hope replace the veneer of stability and underlying apathy of before.  In that environment, Tunisia’s tourism product will become even better than it already is.

Engaging Cultures Travel salutes the Tunisian people this week. Very well done and congratulations!

(Photo Courtesy USA TODAY).