Spain and Morocco

Ha! I bet you thought I forgot all about this site...
Well you may be right, but I remembered again. So much has happened since the last post, wow... Umm where do I start?

Well me and Josie spent one week in the beautiful country of spain. Only got to visit most of the east coast and the very southern parts though. So much more to do and see there, would need a good month! Flew into Barcelona, an amazing city which is so vibrant its practically alive. Paella, Tapas and Sangria where the order of the day - and boy oh boy there are some beautiful places to visit. A must-see for anyone travelling. Old cathederals, new cathederals - one that is still being built, initially by the architect Gaudi. WOW! Parks, Gondalas, Night-life, Ice-cream. Yum.

Next stop Taragona, where the most beautiful market with hawks and falcons for sale, blacksmiths making things for the crowd, sweet deserts that I have never seen, cheap food. So beautiful for this beach-side small city.

Down to Valencia, which was a beautiful looking city, but perhaps lacked a lot of spark - or something that I couldn't quite place my finger on. Good photos, but not a must-see. Cool hostel with funky beds, artwork and cheap kebabs!

Night train to Algeciras, and then a short bus to the very bottom point of Spain... Tarifa. Here lies an incredibly beautiful township. Closest thing to a surfie culture I have seen since travelling ,and it's beach is world reknown for windsurfing. With the giant continent of Africa in sight (seriously it looks like I could swim it), it was only a 35 min ferry crossing to the other side. Smaller than the distance from the Nth to Sth island in NZ.

Morocco
Wow, total confusion upon arrival into a very unsual culture. Definately the highlight of the trip though. Arabic signs mixed with French signs, and too few of both! Often didn't know where we were, or where we were going, or how far it was! But what an experience. A muslim country in the end of ramadam - a holy time for them where they cannot let anything pass their lips from sunrise to sunset (no food, water, smoke etc.). We felt incredably guilty for eating after realising this, but you know me... a man's gotta eat! Many many times we got ripped off and over-charged by taxi's or guides, or food... but being ripped off was only the matter of a few euro - so the taxi ride would cost €5 instead of €2. Still very very cheap. A meal for two consisting of 2 chickens, rice and chips, bread, water came to a grand total of €5... thats €2.50 each. Very very cheap. Heres a photo of Olivia, Josie and Francesca.

Weather was great, not a cloud in the sky often, but just aswell Josie could speak French, as the main languages there are Arabic and French. Everyone wasnts to do everything for you, but they will always ask for a tip.

Visited Tanger, Casablanca, Marrakech and then a short two-day tour to the Casbar and further south. Unbelievable scenery... and we had a camel trek into the Sahara desert staying the night in tents with the nomadic berber people, where they cooked for us, danced with us, and sang for us. Waking up to a sunrise over the Sahara is a once in a life-time experience... Rode the camel side-saddle back to civilisation (which I must say to all the guys - is much easier on the bladder and definately more comfortable for your wedding tackle).

Marrakech is definately a must-see, and you could get lost in the huge markets all day. Sweet Moroccan tea and some nice pastries saw us through each day. Two English girls, an American guy, and a Canadian guy were our company for most of Morocco... very fun times - as they came on the camel trek with us.

Well, next trip is already booked. Next stop - London to visit Rick for the weekend, then off to France for two weeks over Xmas and New Years staying at Grenoble, Annecy and Lyon. Super Stuff.

Ireland is still going strong but weather is predictably wet. No worries with all my layers...

Miss you all!

-Marty