The eunuchs, also known as the “impotent ones'' or Hijras, are men and boys who have been castrated through a genital reassignment surgery where the penis and testes are removed. This process is usually done through unsophisticated means, without the use of anesthesia or antibiotics. Some of the Hijras go through this process voluntarily while others are forced into it. The “lucky” ones are the intersexual ones, who do not have to go through any surgery to become Hijras.

This tradition has been in India for generations and as of 1990, studies say there were 50,000 Hijras. Their exact number today is unknown but they still live in some parts of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Modernization of the Indian society has, however, reduced their chances of getting decent jobs and some have turned to prostitution as a means of livelihood.

Another similar tradition occurred in China, before the Sui Dynasty, where eunuchs worked with the Imperial Service and gained a lot of power in the society.

The Fulani Sharo Tradition

“Sharo” means flogging. It is a public ceremony that demonstrates to the society that a young man has come of age, and may take a wife. The young participant is continuously whipped by someone else, called a challenger, but he must show no signs of pain. Blood and injuries are usually sustained. Many have died in this ceremony and survivors are deemed courageous.

The tradition is common amongst a group of people known as the Fulanis and they can be found in Mali, Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria and some other parts of Africa.

The Sati Culture in India

Sati is an ancient culture that existed amongst the Hindus in India, where a woman would burn herself on her dead husband's funeral fire. It was considered an honorable act and the widow was believed to enter straight into heaven, as a reward for her sacrifice. She became a goddess and statues were built in her honor.

The act was banned by the British Government, but in the late 1980s, an instance was reported. Another case was also reported in 2002.

The Prevention of Sati Act now makes it illegal to aid, glorify or commit Sati. All offenses are punishable under the law.

Chinese Foot Binding

This was an ancient and extremely painful tradition practiced by the Chinese. An estimated 5 billion Chinese women were subjected to excruciating pain in a bid to make their feet look elegant.

From as little as the age of four, a young girl would have her feet bound tightly with bandages by elderly women. These bandages were kept on, but were changed regularly and increasingly tightened. The general aim of foot binding was to keep the foot at a desired size of 3-4 inches.

After years of agonizing pain, toe deformation and tight bandages, the girl would end up with a pair of tiny, folded feet.

Some of the women, who didn't die in the process from infections like gangrene, lost the convenient use of their toes.

Despite the fact that walking and running were almost impossible for these women, those who didn't take part in the tradition were deemed disrespectful. They were ostracized and it was difficult for them to find husbands. Their toes were considered ugly and unattractive.

Even though the tradition was outlawed, it still continued until the 1930s.

I stayed in Sousse, which turned out to be an excellent base for getting out and about in Tunisia. However, if all you want is to relax on the beach and wander the shops then Sousse is ideal as everything is at hand. The long golden beaches, shaded by palm sunshades, provided by the hotels, are very relaxing. Some hotels provide free sun loungers, others charge; either way, if you want to spend the day on the beach or beside a hotel pool you need, particularly in the high season, to get down early to stakeout your spot. Water sports are offered by most of the hotels and the more intrepid of holidaymakers can paraglide from the beach, jet-ski or even take a camel ride along the sands. There are a few beach touts trying to sell their trinkets, some are quite determined but will disappear eventually if totally ignored!

The majority of the hotels are on the outskirts of the town, but a cheap and efficient taxi and bus service takes you quickly into Sousse itself, or you can take a more relaxed ride into the town on the “Noddy” train. Sousse is centered on the Medina, a walled inner City packed with a maze of narrow streets overflowing with small shops and stalls - a real shoppers dream! Haggling and bartering are the order of the day and everyone has great satisfaction when an agreeable price is struck. If you don't like haggling then there are stores with fixed prices for goods. It's often a good idea to pop into one of these first to check out the prices before entering upon a tough stint of bargaining. Leather handbags and purses were good value. Local ceramic ware was cheap but jewellery needed care as quality was at times questionable. One of the best buys without doubt were local carpets however you need a will of steel to get away from the carpet touts if you dare to hint you might be interested in purchasing. For a fun experience it is worth listening to the sales pitch!

The oldest monument in the Medina is The Ribat, built at the end of the 8th century AD. A flight of stairs leads to the top of the watchtower giving wonderful views over the ancient Medina. The inner courtyard is the only part of the Great Mosque opened to non-Muslims but is worth visiting for that incredible feeling of history. Cafes and restaurants are dotted all over the Medina and city offering everything from burgers to couscous. The local food is excellent and worth trying particularly for quick snacks. Try the "Brik", a triangular envelope of crispy pastry usually stuffed with runny, lightly cooked egg and tuna.

Sousse has a thriving commercial and fishing port and there is a pleasant walk along the front to view the boats but take care, as you have to walk across the main railway line before reaching the harbor side. A small museum, full of Roman Mosaics and artifacts is a fascinating and delightful cooling place to visit on a hot Tunisian afternoon. It is a haven of peace and tranquility after the noisy confines of the Souk!

Not far from Sousse is the modern, purpose built, lively Marina complex of Port El Kantaoui crammed full of expensive yachts. Apartments, shops offering traditional handicrafts, numerous cafes and restaurants vying for your business, surround it. The seafood here was superb - so fresh that it nearly leapt off the plate! As the owner of one restaurant told me, “No fish landed then no menu!” The Port was, I thought, pricey and very crowded but with the sun shining and the clatter of halyards on the chic yachts all could be forgiven. From here boat trips can be taken in a variety of craft galleons, a yellow submarine or a more sober catamaran for the less adventurous. Port El Kantaoui also boasts a fine golf course and a plethora of up market hotels.

When it comes to ancient monuments then Tunisia can rival the glory of Rome. The Coliseum at El Jem is breathtaking and is only slightly smaller than its famous cousin in Rome. I took a train ride from Sousse to visit the ruins and experienced a trouble free one hour trip, stopping within 500 meters of the spectacular ruins. It really is magnificent, built around 230-240 AD with an estimated seating capacity of 30,000. It still stands proud and in a remarkably good state of preservation. As I climbed to the top tier I looked down on the arena below - little imagination was required to envisage the spectacle of the gruesome gladiatorial fights.

Another outing took me to ancient Carthage. I opted for a guided coach tour from the hotel to visit the famous ruins. Carthage was eventually crushed by Rome and became the third largest city in the Roman Empire. En route, the tour visited the renowned Bardo museum with its incomparable collection of giant marble statues and incredible mosaics. From there we meandered up the hilly street of the delightful blue and white village of Sidi Bou Said with its breathtaking views across the Bay of Tunis.

Here I had a chance to catch up on my shopping as I wandered the narrow street packed full of gift shops offering their merchandise. This included camels - no matter where you go or where you look in Tunisia you see stuffed camels, they come in all shapes and sizes - and all prices! I fell in love with the "singing" camels and had the battery confiscated by my friend back home as the incessant high pitch "whine" drove him mad! No holiday is complete without one or two! Look out again for local silver jewellery, pottery, and leatherwork and of course rugs and carpets. Unfortunately most are too heavy and cumbersome to carry home on the plane, but many shops do offer a delivery service.

To sum up, Sousse was an enjoyable holiday destination with nonstop sunshine, clean beaches, a choice of hotels offering facilities for single travelers' right through to large family parties. The nightlife is as hectic or quiet as you want and it is possible to get away from the madding crowds that appear in the high season. There is a large choice of extra activities including diving, golf, local excursions and 4x4 tours to the desert.

The ethnic values and lifestyles are still very much in tact. Fez may be a city where anyone traveling to Morocco loves to go, but, it is not by any means a metropolis of lights and glimmer. If you want to get back to the raw nature of the land this is where you'd want to be.

Fez at a Glance

Fez can only be explored by walking as the tightly woven community does not and can not allow for motorized travel. As you walk down the roads of this town and enjoy the panoramic views of the land all around you the excitement fills the air and your senses. As your eyes take in the vast beauty stretching across the distance and the countless works of art, such as the religious and cultural centers that are renowned all over the world, the sounds and smells liven up your very being. It is definitely one of the most unique places in the entire world that can invigorate your total physical body.

Fez is separated into two major sections known as Fez el-Bali and Fez el-Jedid. These are both historic quarters which are rich in momentous value. The history that this land has seen is eye opening and also quite intriguing. There are many English speaking guides that can help discover the heritage that this territory has to offer.

Fez el-Bali is known by many as a living work of art in every possible meaning of the term. The outstanding and brilliant crafts that are home here are an amazing wonder to see. It is definitely the favorite of tourists.

The large defensive walls are absolutely astounding and marvelous to look at. They were built centuries ago and just by peering at them a sense of historical value tends to rush over you. The ancient structures are both mesmerizing and entrancing. The archeological significance as well as the ethnic importance really makes for a stunning tour.

Where to Stay in Fez

When staying in Fez and enjoying the Moroccan way of life you want to stay in the best and most friendly places in the area. The location is important but the overall atmosphere and the prices involved are more of the distinguishing factors when finding the best place to spend your nights. Depending on your particular desires, this guide should help when finding the place that can make you the happiest during your stay.

The finest lodging for both the elegantly prepared cuisine in the restaurant and the rooms that are culturally decorated in the most distinguished manner is the "Hotel le Meridien Marinides". This enticing hotel sits eloquently on a hilltop that over looks Fez and all its beauty. It is higher priced than most but the service and atmosphere really makes up for it.

'Riad Maison Bleue' and the "La Maison Bleue" are yet a couple more of the higher priced yet gorgeous retreats designed to pamper the tourists with both beauty and service. The "La Maison Bleue" structure is a remodeled home that used to belong to a famous astronomer. The walls are carefully carved displaying a wondrous masterpiece.

A palace fit for royalty offers you a chance to live well during your stay. "Dar el-Ghalia" is an 18th century palace that is run by those that would rather treat you like family than guests.

'Palais Jamai' is quite popular among the tourists. This distinctly elegant building was home to Visir Jamai, an influential man in the 19th century. It was constructed well over 100 years ago but has since had a stunning facelift to invigorate the attractiveness. The view is impeccable as it over looks the gardens which add to the mystique of this land.

If budget lodging is what you are looking for yet you also want to enjoy some of the finer qualities of both service and ambiance, then you may want to check into one of the following options.

'Hotel Menzeh Zalagh' has not only one of the best locations for day walks but also has a wonderful view of the spectacular gardens. This hotel has a pool, balconies that offer exquisite outlooks and a friendly staff willing to serve you. It is very reasonably priced for all you are getting in comfort and service.

One of the absolute cheapest places to stay is the "Hotel Batha". The staff is fluent in English, the building is located nicely for the day exploring and the facility is, over all, quite comfortable.

What to Do in Fez

The shopping is by far the best around. Taking advantage of the culturally rich heritage is one of the best things about Fez. Clothes, art pieces, among other items make for an enjoyable all-day shopping experience. If this spells fun for you then be sure to visit Rue Talaa Kebira. This is a main access road filled with shops of all sorts. Surely you can find what you are looking for at this location. But, the shopping isn't the only thing to do.

Sight seeing is one of the best activities for this area. The olive trees and cacti embrace the ruins of a Merinid palace. What still remains intact to the naked eye are the tombs. Although thieves have ravaged them they are still visible and a marvel to see. This 16th century structure overlooks Fez el-Bali.

Fondouk el-Nejjarine is a spectacular sight to see. It is quite popular and is known all around the globe as a World Heritage Site for everyone to enjoy. It was built in the 18th century, this hotel sheltered traders of fine luxury goods. It was fully restored in 1998 to enhance its visual beauty. The structure itself is refined and brilliantly designed. This is definitely a must see.

Perhaps you are geared more toward seeing the finer things that Morocco has to offer such as the artistic expressions that are used in the making of fine ceramics, engravings, and wood carvings. It is an intriguing process that requires much skill and mastery to accomplish. Fez el-Bali is the very pulse of creativity in all the land. The best part of this is the fact that there are many English speaking guides that are more than happy to explain the details involved.

Souk el Henna is a fascinating little market surrounded by splendor. There are many shops around this unique place that provides spices, pottery and more. A vast sea of aromas flood your senses and fill the air all around as you walk through. This is a very interesting stop to make in Fez.

Destination Conclusion

Fez is not only known for it enchanting attractiveness, and over all charm but also for the food. Many four star restaurants add to the allure of this city serving not only the tastiest and elegantly prepared foods of Morocco but also providing the atmosphere of this culturally rich land as well. Belly dancers grace the floor while you enjoy the unique flavors and sip some of the most savory wines.

If you yearn for nightlife you can also indulge in a rather exuberant night club called Ville Nouvelle. It is the only one in Fez but that's okay because they really know how to party. This wild and energetic gathering can show you a good time if you wish to take part.

Regardless where your itinerary leads you, Fez is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy an adventure like no other. Whether your vacation ideas are to relax, take in the sights or just experience a different way of life, this Moroccan city is sure to please you and fill your senses with a bouquet of new and fresh delights.