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Iberian Peninsula, Morocco
  • Michelle Maton
juli 2024

Iberian Peninsula, Morocco

Een 16-daags avontuur van Michelle Meer informatie
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  • Het begin van de reis
    9 juli 2024
  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    DinnerNice stroll, everything clean, peaceful and quiet.A little group enjoying their soccerCute buildings everywhere

    Lisbon

    10 juli 2024, Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Picked up our rental car and made it to our first Airbnb. We are absolutely exhausted, because we could not sleep a wink on the plane. The weather is lovely here. Already noticed the ladies dressing much more stylish and it has a nice relaxed atmosphere. We are going to rest a bit and see what the new day brings.Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco

    11 July 2024

    11 juli 2024, Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    After recovering from jet lag, we set off to Cascais. I’m still trying to convince Ashley to do part of the driving, but she’s a little apprehensive. Ha! I don’t blame her. Streets can get quite narrow! The bicyclist on the winding road from Cascais to Sintra is insane! We had a nice hour or so of exercise along the coast and then headed to brunch @moinhodomquixote. Beautiful view and pet friendly. Sintra was extremely touristy and the roads even more winding. The castle of the Moors would have been great, but the lines were so long and it was just enjoyable to see it from a distance and zip by all the tourists and bus tours and be on our way. We stopped by a local grocery store in Lisbon and it’s amazing that I can buy a very nice local wine for $1.99! The packaged snacks and crackers are healthier. I have a photo of my beloved Milton American crackers compared to something similar I found here today. Was a nice day, but I have some serious work to do, because i am the palest person in the whole of Portugal. I’m impressed with the fitness level of the older generation…their biking, their love of soccer is quite admirable.Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Learning to eat the custard pastry the Portugese way 😊Vasco Da GamaSanctuary of Christ

    Friday shenanigans

    12 juli 2024, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Today we did the 7 hills ~ 3 hour electric bike tour in Lisbon. Diogo, was our guide and he did an excellent job in guiding us through the narrow city streets and steep viewpoints. We had a quick stop at the bakery where he showed us the proper way to eat the famous Pasteis de nata. I find the history fascinating, especially seeing it from Portugal’s perspective. Growing up in South Africa we learned how significant Vasco da Gama was, but to see his statue and his ‘roots’ was quite surreal.
    I hope I have enough time to go see the church where he was buried.
    We celebrated the end of the tour with a toast of Portugal’s famous Beiraõ.
    Ashley and I then set off to see the Cristo Rei Christ Statue. Portugal is 81% Roman Catholic, so I am hoping to catch mass sometime soon.
    We wanted to have an early dinner, only to find out most restaurants only start serving dinner at around 7pm. Everyone was still sipping espressos and enjoying pastries. We managed to find an Italian restaurant nearby. If I have to eat another custard pastry I think I’m going to pop!    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Fitness Hut
    Vasco Da Gama is well respectedI love being by the AtlanticSquidAshley driving 😎Tree farmsMade it to Lagos

    Saturday

    13 juli 2024, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Early trip through narrow cobbled streets to a gym in Lisbon called Fitness Hut. Quite impressive. I have noticed that people are in good health. Very tanned and active. Also noticed, while driving through the countryside, I didn’t see any trash or overwhelming billboards. Counted only one semi truck in 200 miles! Everything is tidy and I have not noticed any homeless or druggies roaming the streets. Hmmm, it makes me wonder what is going on in America that homelessness and drugs are such an obvious issue?
    I was convinced that NOT knowing a word of Portuguese would be okay, because surely English is a universal language. Not so! We drove from Lisbon to Lagos through all the small towns and stopped for a late lunch. True Portuguese style. I never thought I would see the day where Ashley eats a plate of sardines. We managed to order our meals using mostly sign language and hoping for the best. The food was fantastic and the wine was great. The lady brought me a jug of the house wine! I think going to the “non touristy” small towns where no one speaks English is one of my favourite things to do. It was challenging and fun!
    Loved seeing all the farms and even lots of tree farms. Found a handsome bull that would be an ideal partner for my jersey cow, Charmin 😉    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Boat trip to caves in Algarve
    1Holding onBenagil Cave2Neptune. The winds and waves joined forces to create a cathedral worthy of God Neptune.Shrine for Saint AnthonySaint AnthonyRunning to the beach

    Outdoorsy Sunday

    14 juli 2024, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    The day started early with a boat ride to the caves of Benagil. We got the “jump” seats, but luckily the ocean was nice and calm so we didn’t have to white knuckle the entire ride. The caves along the Algarve are amazing. We made it back and had to warm up our frozen knuckles and blue lips in the car before heading out for breakfast and then Sagres where we learned more interesting facts about the history of Portugal. Definitely becoming a fan of Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeus Dias.
    After walking around the Fort in Sagres, we headed back to Lagos to see the interior of Igreja de Santo António (the famous Saint Anthony), who I have prayed to many times!
    “St. Anthony, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things”.
    Now, I know the roots of St. Anthony. A military man who became a saint. Will always be special to me, since my son is named Anthony.
    Ashley went for a nice run toward the beach in Lagos, while I sat on a bench keeping the pigeons company and missing my bird Jan 🤣
    We wondered the streets of Lagos and found another amazing restaurant where Ashley’s meal drew quite the attention.    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Leaving AlgecirasGetting closer to AfricaOur miracle manMint teaMore mint tea

    Tangier, Morocco

    16 juli 2024, Spanje ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Managed to find our way out of Seville, Spain. Arrived at Algeciras and really struggled to find a parking garage. I think I drove around one traffic circle three times. By this time my nerves have flown off the radar and I guess coffee doesn’t work for me. I was all panicky! We were running out of time. Finally made it to a parking garage and went through a lot of security and customs…several times actually. Ferry was pretty full and after about 90 minutes made it to Africa! Interesting to see people devoted to their prayer ritual while on the ferry ride.
    We struggled again to find our way out of the port and ferry. More security. Long story short…we realised we were at the wrong port! It was an industrial port in a different Tangier! We were supposed to be in the tourist port of Tangier which was close to the hotel. That’s why we struggled so much. It was not tourist friendly at all.
    We landed in a place on the industrial side of the city which is over an hour away. We scrambled to figure out how we were going to get to the hotel and the real Tangier. We were in Tangier Med.
    We were about to admit total defeat and found ourselves surrounded by several taxi drivers. One very friendly man came walking over and had my name on his phone! It was our tour guide’s driver! We had booked a tour of Tangier with him and sent him our itenary and he was kind enough to show up at the correct port and give us a ride to our hotel! I could have hugged this stranger for sure!
    I’ll keep the rest of the story short and sweet. We arrived at the hotel and had our first mint tea. At first I thought it reminded me of listerine mouthwash, but after a couple of sips I started enjoying it. A nice end to a stressful day. Ps: Ashley is in love with all the stray cats here 🐈‍⬛    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Tangier's "California"
    Kings PalaceTea stop where Atlantic and Mediterranean meetMoroccan pancakeHercules cave...notice the outline of AfricaEquivalent of Parliament buildingOldest mosqueAll textiles made local by womenTextiles made by ladies from MoroccoMarkets in medina

    Exploring Tangier

    17 juli 2024, Marokko ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Tangier is a very busy city. We met our tour guide at 9am after an amazing breakfast at the Palais Zahia. We drove through the modern section with new shopping malls and then the area where all the homes are well over a million dollars. Ironically they call it “California”. Apparently there were a lot of Californians who moved to Tangier, but then sold the homes to wealthy Spanish citizens. The area looks very much like California. We had tea at the viewpoint where the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The area of Tangier has a Mediterranean climate, so a lot of people from southern and eastern Morocco come to Tangier during July for holiday.
    We had a nice camel ride and luckily the camels were both very sweet. Such a memorable experience to ride along the beach. Seems like the camels enjoy the ocean as well.
    We toured the Hercules cave. We drove past the kings palace (he stays in Tangier during the summer months). The rest of the time the king, Mohammed VI is located in Rabat.
    We walked around the kasbah.
    The kasbah has served as Tangier's military and political center since the Roman era. Then, also the medina where the oldest mosque is located. We are staying in the center of the old medina, so it’s very convenient for walking through the tiny streets and see so many vendors. We are a little nervous of getting lost though. We had an interesting dinner with a little free acrobatic show. Really have to pay attention walking these narrow, busy streets because motorbikes are quite aggressive. Most of the restaurants close at 5pm and then re-open at 7pm. The shops stay open till midnight. The first prayer starts at 4:25am, so needless to say…we are running out of steam 😴    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Mediterranean
    Fishing and feeding the kitties with his smaller catches ☺️Water is refreshing.Shopping for my new bathing suitLots of taxis and trafficKids playing and having fun 10pmShopping1Some areas are difficult to walk through.1Last supper in Morocco! Love the lamb stew with couscous.1End of busy night 11:30pm

    Thursday shopping in Tangier

    18 juli 2024, Marokko ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Today we decided to just wander around on our own. We were torn about the decision to go to Chefchaouen, but the thought of another long drive was a bit much. So, we slept late and after breakfast we started walking. Spent a little time at the beach, found a mall and then walked all the way back. We definitely need to learn some of the basics of the Moroccan Arabic. We were in the elevator with two ladies and they were saying hello to us while we just stood there. We didn’t realise they were talking to us, because it’s not custom to make eye contact at all. Luckily the ladies figured out we were just clueless and ended up explaining to us what they said…. “Assalamu-Alikum” or السلام عليكم = Hello , literally means Peace Be Upon You. One of the most common phrases in the Arab World.
    Needless to say we felt a bit silly, but I can guarantee you we won’t make that mistake again! The people are so kind and polite. Very well mannered and quite frankly, I love their conservative dress code, especially on the beach. I’ve seen enough thongs and “cheeks” on beaches to last a lifetime. This was refreshing.
    It was a little humid and windy, but we could feel it getting warmer. Nothing crazy though. We rested in the air conditioning for a while and then headed out at about 8pm. Streets in the medina are all lit up and so crowded. I’m just so amazed that everyone is out and about and having a grand time. I’m even more amazed that there is absolutely no alcohol. I have become so used to being in places where everything is normalised with alcoholic drinks like wine/cocktails/beers etc.
    It’s almost the focal point really. Here, it’s not even missed. No intoxicated people stumbling home after a late night etc.
    Felt safe everywhere we walked and had dinner well after 10pm! Ashley got the hang of bargaining for her leather (school/teaching) backpack for the new school year.
    We never got lost and really enjoying our time here.    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Front door
    Palais Zahia bedroomBathroomSad to leaveStreets are washed early in the morning.Walking to ferry.Saying goodbye to a few kitties.Ferry back to SpainFerry from Tangier to Tarifa.Goodbye Morocco!Greeted with sparkling wine in Gibraltar.Hallway to room on "Sunborn".Balcony.The rock of Gibraltar.Pool with a great view.

    Heading to “British” territory.

    18 juli 2024, Marokko ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Today, we have to say goodbye to our wonderful riad (A riad is a traditional Moroccan house specifically known for its enclosed garden and courtyard. Riads are very common in Morocco, they used to be homes for the wealthy merchants and traders). Palais Zahia is a beautiful riad, right in the centre of the old medina.
    It was a short walk to the ferry and it was a breeze getting back to Tarifa instead of Algeciras, even though we still had to take the bus to Algeciras to get our rental car.
    Short drive to Gibraltar and border crossing. Gibraltar is a fortified British air and naval base that guards the Strait of Gibraltar, which is the only entrance to the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. Since the 18th century, Gibraltar has been a symbol of British naval strength, and it is commonly known in that context as “the Rock.” Although Gibraltar is now largely demilitarised, many of the fortifications are still intact and some, such as the Great Siege Tunnels and the Charles V Wall – where many of Gibraltar's population of Barbary macaques live – have become tourist attractions.
    It is amazing how quickly the scenery changes. Everyone here has a strong British accent and it’s a very popular tourist area. Almost seems like the “vegas” for people from England. It was funny watching everyone leave the pool area with their once pale skin completely turned into red lobsters. Beautiful yachts, boats, hotels and lots of choices of restaurants and bars. We are treating ourselves and actually staying on a cruise ship that is permanently docked called the “Sunborn”. The possibility of Ashley and I ever going on a cruise is very rare, so this is our “cruise” 😉🥂    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Left is Africa..right is Spain 😳1Ashley did not choose this path ☹️"Challenging" 😧Some cave along the way...at this point I was just trying to manage 😬Hmm...Okay, I'm out of shapeThis little guy is catching a rideEven though I don't like heights...I'm grateful to ride down!

    Gibraltar

    20 juli 2024, Gibraltar ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    Gibraltar itself is an amazing little place. So lovely to hear all the English accents and even get a glimpse of all my beloved sweets! We enjoyed our stay at the “Sunborn” and then set out to hike the Gibraltar Rock. It was a last minute decision, since we originally thought it was just a tourist attraction with rides up the route etc.
    We researched how to hike it and off we went. We started walking from the sea level parking lot, but made sure to purchase cable car tickets for the way down. I’m way too familiar with the hike to Table Mountain, so if there’s an option of taking a cable car down….i am taking it!
    After walking up a steep road for 1600m and Ashley turning around impatiently waiting on me, we made it to Hercules Pillars. We purchased tickets for the Mediterranean steps and the nature preserve and went on our merry way. We had a choice of two trails and for some reason Ashley thought the 1.5 km trail that said “challenging” would be more suited for us than the “moderate 500m trail” 🧐
    Here’s my confession…I have only cried on two occasions on hikes and today was one of them. The first time I broke down was when the boys took me on a backcountry hike to find bears and I lost my balance and felt as if I was slipping off the edge of the trail. Today was a day I broke down in the middle of the trail, because I didn’t know if I was going to make it up and it was too late to turn around. I really started panicking and just broke down. Yes, I’m out of shape, it was hot and we had no water left.
    Long story short, I made it! It took quite a bit out of me, because I hardly took photos and couldn’t even do any sightseeing once I made it to the summit!
    Anyway, so fun seeing the monkeys and a cold coke never tasted so good! We made it down by cable car and drove all the way to Portugal! We have our eyes set on a very nice beach in the morning 😎    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco

    Day at the beach

    21 juli 2024, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We woke up to a beautiful morning in Albufeira, Portugal. We pretty much laid on the beach the whole day with our northwest pale skin colour. Water was quite chilly. Albufeira is a hot spot for the young crowd with fantastic beaches and a very lively night life. After doing a lot of driving the day before and managing my way through very narrow streets of Albufeira late at night I was very happy that Ashley did most of the driving back to Lisbon. I’m impressed with the petrol stations/cafe stops along the way. Clean, lots of great snacks and even though it’s very busy, the traffic moves quite swiftly. No slow drivers in the fast lanes either! Amazing!
    Countryside is beautiful consisting of olive trees, corn, cattle, horses and sheep.
    Currently putting cold towels on my badly burnt shins. We shall see what the day holds tomorrow….as of now…I’m pooped! 😴    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Local fish baked the Portuguese way.Beaches are packed.Afternoon break from the heat!Love the streets, but still having PTSD from finding my way out of one of those!

    Cascais Portugal

    22 juli 2024, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We are nearing the end of our trip! Definitely feeling it. We have covered quite a bit of ground, languages, finding our way on more than one continent. It looks easier than it is, but traveling and touring is definitely not always easy. I broke it up into two trains of thought ….touring is work, vacation is sitting with your feet up in some resort. While I have never done the latter I feel like I might need it now! Haha!
    We just walked around Cascais today and did a little souvenir shopping for the boys. Cascais is definitely more of an “uppity” area and I actually heard a lot of English South African accents all around. It really does have a Cape Town vibe.
    Living in Washington and Oregon for the last 15 years, we are just not used to the heat. We are definitely slowing down, but tomorrow is another day and we are actually heading back to Lisbon and the airport area! Which means…we are one step closer to coming home!    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Money money money 💵
    1I think Ashley had her heart set on the street being pink.1Elevador de Santa JustaElevador de Santa JustaOur first and last tuk tuk ride.Very popular drink here.Last ice cream in Lisbon.Driving toward the airport 👀

    Last day in Lisbon

    23 juli 2024, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Started the day with a little laundry and Ashley did a run on the path by the beach. Apparently there’s a heat wave in Portugal and Spain at the moment. No wonder we were struggling walking around midday in Cascais.
    Today actually felt better while heading into Lisbon. We walked around, found the “pink street”, only to discover they are turning it yellow for the week.
    We road a tuck-tuck (a very practical vehicle for getting around the steep and narrow streets of Lisbon).
    Made our way up the stairs to the viewpoint of Elevador de Santa.
    The Elevador de Santa Justa was constructed as part of a city-wide project to help Lisbon’s residents navigate the many steep hills of the city.
    It was conceived by the ingenious Portuguese engineer of French descent, Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard.
    Construction of the lift began in 1900 and was successfully completed in 1902.
    The market was our last stop and we spent quite a bit of time looking at all the different types of food, fresh fruit and flowers.
    We took a scenic drive out of Lisbon, because quite frankly I’m going to miss this place!    Meer informatie

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  • Michelle MatonReizigerIberian Peninsula, Morocco
    Rental car return in Lisbon.
    Breakfast Lisbon airport.Getting out just in time before the heat wave!Customs line.Washington DCPortland OregonI think he wonders why I left him for 2 weeks!

    Home at last!

    24 juli 2024, Verenigde Staten ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Happy to be home! Realised a couple of things.
    ~ First of all, being in great physical shape will help tremendously when traveling and touring. Hopefully it will motivate me to spend more time exercising 😉
    ~ The world “outside of America” is really keeping an eye on American politics. I can’t even begin to tell you what they think….👀
    ~ The world seems to be getting smaller or maybe it’s just a similar feeling when you go to your childhood home and it looks much smaller than you member it to be.
    ~ Cape Town, South Africa is still the most beautiful part in the world to me, but I feel safer everywhere else, even at midnight on the streets of Morocco.
    ~ I’m impressed with the style, manners, morals, values of the countries I have visited.
    ~ America needs to step it up if they want to continue to be a world power.
    ~ I strongly encourage everyone to travel abroad. You’ll learn more from traveling than you would sitting on a school bench.

    “Fluit fluit, my storie is uit”!    Meer informatie

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    Het einde van de reis
    24 juli 2024
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