sad day

I find that travelling makes the world seem a lot smaller. Major world events - especially the tragic ones -   seem much more real when you've visited a country or are about to visit.

This morning James called to say - have you heard about Tunis? I hadn't. I Googled it. Hostages taken and tourists killed at the Bardo museum. A popular stop on many tours in Tunis. A site we were contemplating just last night.  A BBC report/ video here and Wallstreet Journal report

There were two cruise ships docked in Tunis today and tour buses full of cruise passengers. People on vacation, exploring a new place, boarding a bus and going to a museum to see ancient Roman mosaics. Tourist stuff.

I'm not sure what this means for our stop in Tunis, Tunisia - a city and country that was trying to re-build democracy and improve its economy and image through tourism. I can only assume at this point that our itinerary will be changed. Regardless, my blissful travel bubble has burst...or at least deflated a bit.

My thoughts and prayers go to all the families and loved ones of the victims of the Bardo museum incident. A sad day.