Tunisia is experiencing an exceptional heatwave, but Russian tourists don't seem to mind. In 40°C weather they're spending their vacations there, reports a Sputnik correspondent.
There are far fewer cars on the streets of Tunisian cities during the day, and passers-by are rare. It's only after sunset that life comes back to life, when Tunisians go for a walk after a hot day spent with air conditioners.
On the other hand, Tunisia's beaches are always full. Many people try to cool off in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, even though they too are heated.
In the seaside resorts of Hammamet and Sousse, almost a thousand Russian tourists are relaxing.
According to Evguenia Repnina, a guide who has lived in Tunisia for 15 years, she can't remember a heatwave of this magnitude either.
Nevertheless, the Russians don't mind the weather, and aren't giving up on trips to the ruins of ancient Carthage, or even tours of the Sahara, which is scorching hot as ever.
"There was a young couple who told me: 'we know it's very hot in the Sahara, but we want to go there on purpose in July to feel it all. What's the point of going to the Sahara at another time if it's not hot,'" said Repnina.
The elderly, as well as pregnant women and children are the only ones who should refrain from excursions in such weather, according to her.