Geoff and Anna's Travels: 12th October 2010 – Tangiers, Morocco & Marbella, Spain

Well today was made up of two parts. The best part of the first part of the day was standing on the most northern point of Africa where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic. The second part of the day in Marbella, Spain was lovely.

The alarm and the wakeup call came at 5.30am. After having a bit of dry bagUette for breakfast (we do miss the camper and our fridge full of our food!) we wandered up the road to the pickup point for the tour. We were told to be there at 6.30am and the bus would come at 6.45am however it was after 7am when it finally arrived. We were very glad however to see it as we had had some problems booking it.

It was dark for ages this morning – I think it finally got light about 8.30am. We were dressed for a lovely hot day in Africa however it started to rain on the way to the ferry. It was warm when we left Marbella – about 17 deg however it got colder and colder as the day progressed and as we headed further south.

We caught the fast ferry from Tarifa which only takes 45 mins to get to Tangiers. We did have quite a good tour in the morning through the new, part of Tangiers and through all the different nation’s areas – including Spanish, African, English, Italian, Belgium and French. Tangiers is known as an international zone. We also as mentioned above saw where the Med meets the Atlantic. Oh and an opportunity of a camel ride which we didn’t take up but others on the tour did. (We will wait until Dubai).

Then we headed to the fortress or the medieval part of the city which was a real disappointment. It was very old, run down and dirty. A snake charmer show for entertainment which was very average. We did have a traditional lunch there which consisted of some soup, some chicken couscous, meat kebabs and some pastry sort of things – actually quite nice. The belly dancer however was not at all good! After lunch they did the usual tour things – drag you into a carpet demonstration – very similar Julie and Selwyn to the one in Turkey but perhaps not as much pressure to buy! Then we went to a Moroccan spice and medicine demonstration and then finally allowed to shop in the bazaar. Well once again it was just like in Athens when our guide dropped us and Julie and Selwyn off to shop in this marvelous bazaar and said we could have two hours and after 10 mins we were finished!! Same thing. Lots and lots of hawkers who hassle you!! I did buy one little copper bracelet because my nanna had one to help ward off arthritis and as my little finger sometimes gets it I will wear this bracelet.

First view of Tangiers

We will leave this for Dubai

Beautiful view of Med meeting the Atlantic through this tunnel

the snake charmer

the ferry

arriving Tangiers

a patrol at the border

the "rich" houses of Tangiers

Beaut views from up here

The palace or summer residence of the president

umbrella pines

one of the nicer snack shops!

cute signs

loved the black and white

here is how it really looked!

lunchtime!

the belly dancer

the carpet demonstration

the spice demonstration

To top it all off it rained all day! We then caught the ferry back. Actually customs on the way over spent ages perusing my passport and on the way back Geoff had the same thing happen to him – not sure what they weren’t happy about but I suspect it is because we entered Europe so many months ago as they seemed fixated on that stamp!

When we got back to Marbella we found a lot of shops open even though it is a public holiday in Spain. Great – we could do some proper shopping! I do love to shop! We then wandered down to the beach very close to our hotel – it was just gorgeous here. Hasn’t rained and so warm and balmy, a fabulous promenade to stroll down full of restaurants, palm trees and atmosphere – hope you get the picture. Such a contrast from earlier.

We found a place advertising churros (recommended by Carol!) so we went in and ordered some and Geoff had a great coffee and me a lovely wine. They brought out olives to go with the wine and chocolate biscuit to go with the coffee. The amazing thing was the whole bill came to 6.3 euros. Spain is so cheap to eat out! And great food too – just loved the churros – should have ordered a plate each!

We had intended to eat out but because of this snack we were full so we kept wandering along. We found a lovely chocolate shop so have bought a few just to finish the evening off. Sad to be leaving tomorrow but needs must. Spain has lovely shops, great cheap food – I love it!