The Island of Djerba is a magic pearl in the Mediterranean Sea . The colorful brochures of travel agencies
attract millions of visitors annually to the island. These holidaymakers fill up the tourist areas built
on a narrow strip that almost encircles the island separating the sea from inland.
Only a few find enough courage to cross the fenced border of “Zone Touristique”, and
enter the colorful world of ordinary people. It is a world that is still trying to withstand the pressure
of modern times; where the traditional ways of life are slowly perishing. Early morning
in the port of Zarzis , the brave tourist will discover fishermen unloading their catch from their boats
and preparing the nets for next sail. The intrepid travel photographer will also be attracted to the village
of Guellala. The amphora that decorate the landscape, and the pied decorated vases, dishes and plates that
create the unique background for open-air market places, have their origin in its ceramic workshops. Varieties
of oriental spice aromas accompany the Arabic souq, the traditional market in Houmt Soukh town, where golden
and silver jewelry, fabrics, carpets or ceramics can be purchased.
Evening comes and darkness veils the landscape. The din of life sneaks away, and the oncoming silence is
disturbed only by the voice of a muezzin, calling everyone together for evening prayer. Peace and quiet spreads
over the Island of Djerba .
About the Author
Michal Vallo is a self taught photographer from Slovakia. He currently lives
in the Czech Republic and works as a freelance consultant (management and
export sales). He loves to shoot landscape, nature and especially travel
photos, which make it possible to combine his passion with business trips.
Michal's work has been published in Photo Life Magazine (Czech edition) and
Paladix photo magazine (CZ), and he also arranged several exhibitions.
More of Michal's work can be found on his homepage
www.volny.cz/michal.sk.
