Sep – Oct 2023

Morocco Portugal Spain

First solo trip Read more

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Trip start
September 1, 2023
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Day 1
Friday, September 1, 2023 at 7:18 PM
🌙 10 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Australia Tullamarine Airport -37.668369, 144.8460237°40’6” S 144°50’46” E
Here I go...
September 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 10 °C
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Day 2
Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 5:55 AM
🌙 32 °C
Altitude: 6 m
United Arab Emirates Dubai International Airport 25.254088, 55.3658525°15’15” N 55°21’57” E
Dubai
September 2, 2023 in the United Arab Emirates ⋅ 🌙 32 °C
Just a short stop
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Day 3
Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 7:11 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 49 m
Morocco Bassin du Tourisme 33.597109, -7.61521833°35’50” N 7°36’55” W
32000 + steps
September 3, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Walked a bit...
The beach was a bit different than what I'm used to.
There was a giant fish tank in the middle of the shopping mall!
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Day 4
Monday, September 4, 2023 at 1:34 PM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 32 m
Morocco Casablanca 33.589472, -7.6235233°35’22” N 7°37’25” W
Not as many steps today only 17k
September 4, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Made my way out to the Moroccan Judaism Museum as advised was worth the trek...it's actually NOT! Ride on a tram and ice cream for lunch! Arab park with water feature running through it and a maze. Sat and read for a bit. Really peaceful place. An old cathedral which was closed off and water fountain. On the way back to the hotel a selfie to prove I survived the crazy traffic and crossing the streets. Then the pigeons Mecca apparently that is actually Mohammad Square.Read more
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Day 5
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 6:52 PM
☁️ 24 °C
Altitude: 559 m
Morocco Oued Boufakrane 33.87448, -5.53997333°52’28” N 5°32’24” W
1
Meknes via Rabat
September 5, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C
From the beautiful Hassan II mosque in Casablanca onto Rabat.
Inside the walls of the oldest Casbah in Morocco with some spectacular views.
Onto Meknes. The city under construction. We eat with a traditional family tonight a fantastic home cooked meal, but for now there's wine (yes hotel via bottle shop).
It was lovely to experience the respect shown to the woman of the house. Although she does the majority of the domestic shit she is well respected and sat with us and answered our questions.
The father sat in the background just observing the evening and the youngest son served our food to us. This was an amazing experience.Read more
Traveler That’s spectacular!
9/5/23Reply
So glad that it's going well for you! Looking forward to further updates. [Dad]
9/5/23Reply
Awesome pics x. [Sue Curtis]
9/6/23Reply
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Day 6
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 4:40 PM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 636 m
Morocco Sebaa Kabaïl 35.16831, -5.25602235°10’6” N 5°15’22” W
Chefchaouen
September 6, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Ancient ruins in Volubilis, raw tequila and lunch by the pool then a longer drive to Chefchaouen. The beautiful blue city. Lovely surprise of a pool at the hotel. A walk through this stunning city, then up to the Synagogue for sunset and a lovely evening meal with some Meknes wine and lots of laughs .. 17k steps today.Read more
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Day 7
Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 12:44 PM
⛅ 32 °C
Altitude: 412 m
Morocco Fes 34.041493, -4.99694434°2’29” N 4°59’49” W
Chefchaouen to Fes
September 7, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
After a delicious breakfast with the bee's we walked the streets of Chefchaouen. It was much quieter this morning as the culture lends itself to late nights this late starts in the morning. Got ripped off in the market buying little souvenirs, had some delightful tacky 'insta' pics taken and a cold drink. Self diagnosed and prescribed myself antibiotics (over the counter from the pharmacy if you don't mind).
After a salad lunch headed to Fes. Pomegranate juice and a kid on his donkey. A couple of sneaky GnTs then a fancy pants home cooked dinner in a Palace.Read more
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Day 8
Friday, September 8, 2023 at 6:58 PM
☀️ 32 °C
Altitude: 412 m
Morocco Fes 34.041486, -4.99691734°2’29” N 4°59’49” W
Fes long day tour....14k steps
September 8, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Beautiful tour guide Hakeema. Visit to the palace gates. No plebs inside the palace King didn't get the memo I was coming apparently. Then off to the towers that protected the city for some fantastic views. Caper plant.
Traditional pottery to see the tiles made and some beautiful pottery. Did select a couple of stunning but useful peices. Here they made traditional tajines, water fountains and mosaic tables.
Into the Medina..
It's Friday which is the holy day so not so busy which was good. Storks nests. Lots of market stalls. Agave silk, dye markets, tannery, meat, local vegetables.
Yummy home cooked meal museum, student Qur'an school, loom weaving and shopping scarves and dress ups! Chaccurie board Morroccon holiday style for dinner and drinking the bar dry of gin.... Great day.Read more
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Day 8
Friday, September 8, 2023 at 11:10 PM
🌙 24 °C
Altitude: 412 m
Morocco Fes 34.041522, -4.99702134°2’29” N 4°59’49” W
Earthquake
September 8, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ 🌙 24 °C
Earthquake
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Day 9
Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:53 AM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 1,653 m
Morocco Ifrane 33.528611, -5.10646633°31’43” N 5°6’23” W
The Morrocan Alps!
September 9, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Eron.. Sitting in a French patisserie in the Morocan Alps drinking latte.
Morroco is a country of many faces and places.
Nomads.
Monkeys in the side of the road and a fancy picnic.
A lovely walk through Midelt. This is apple country. Welcomed into a local family's home for tea.
Some amazing country side.
Morroco is a land of many landscapes.Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 6:27 PM
🌬 36 °C
Altitude: 818 m
Morocco Arfoud 31.422064, -4.17684831°25’19” N 4°10’37” W
1 1 1 1
The Sahara
September 10, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ 🌬 36 °C
A drive through some stunning landscape to the Sahara desert camp.
Through the High Atlas mountains lunch by the pool. Drive through to Erfoud. Here we visited fossil factory where fossils were beautified to sell. Date palms throughout the valley and tasted amazeballs.
Sandstorm in the desert, camel ride at sunset. Sarah's birthday. Surprise cake . Several bottles of red wine and an expensive bottle of port. Dancing to the locals playing their tunes. Knock knocks on doors of the single ladies asking if we wanted company 😂. Another brilliant day.Read more
Some great pics [Sharon McGarry]
9/12/23Reply
Magic [Sharon]
9/12/23Reply
Traveler Suits you!
9/12/23Reply
Traveler Head & face coverings would be useful at work
9/12/23Reply
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Day 11
Monday, September 11, 2023 at 7:06 PM
🌩️ 26 °C
Altitude: 1,607 m
Morocco Assif n’Aït Toumert 31.38482, -6.1311431°23’5” N 6°7’52” W
The Rose Valley
September 11, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ 🌩️ 26 °C
Early start for an exceptionally underwhelming sunrise (but we saw one). After the worst coffee in the world a long day of travelling. A quick photo opportunity at the dinosaur park. A visit to the wells 500 rows and 14km of underground springs, as they have dried up you can now walk through, unfortunately due to the earthquake we were unable to do. Stop off for some dates for Mustapha's mum. Lovely lunch and walk through the start of the springs. More driving and a visit to Mustapha's parent home. Felt very privileged as I don't think he does this often.
Arrive at the Rose Valley. Lovely and cool.
Staying at Gite which is a family run guest house. Check out the terrace view.Read more
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Day 12
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 3:27 PM
🌩️ 29 °C
Altitude: 1,607 m
Morocco Assif n’Aït Toumert 31.38482, -6.13114131°23’5” N 6°7’52” W
Rose Valley day 2.
September 12, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ 🌩️ 29 °C
Rose's Valley.
Ighil N'Oumgoun.
After a good night's sleep a yummy breakfast in a cave!
Then 4 1/2 hour 'death march' .... oh no sorry hike. Walk along river through the farm plots.
Probably cked up a dog on the walk who came with us and posed for a pic at tea.
Donkeys squirrels frogs and goats. Tea in the oldest Kasbah in the Valley.
Stunning lunch. 18k steps. Beautiful lunch slow lazy afternoon, henna for the ladies and a toast to Meg (Kate's mum (one of our tribe) who died unexpectedly overnight).
We all wishing we'd said yes to being offered a stop at a bottle shop on the way here as the Valley is alcohol free.
But when the offer was on there were a few red wine/port hang overs happening.Read more
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Day 13
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 6:29 PM
🌬 29 °C
Altitude: 1,296 m
Morocco Ait Benhaddou 31.058502, -7.14296131°3’31” N 7°8’35” W
Ait Benhaddou
September 13, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ 🌬 29 °C
Watching the bread being made in the morning for breakfast. Lots of beautiful scenery on our drive here. Stopping at a private Kasbah Ameridhl. Lots of movies filmed there. Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones.
Watched some women weave their beautiful rugs. Had some tea with them. Made a purchase which will be shipped back. Walk through another filmed Kasbah and saw some of the earthquake damage. Selfie with a random stork sculpture.
Stayed at a guesthouse and shared fin and wine by the pool. Late dins which was meatballs chicken and veg tagine.Read more
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Day 14
Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 1:30 PM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 469 m
Morocco Djemaa el Fna 31.622271, -7.99089231°37’20” N 7°59’27” W
Marrakesh day 1
September 14, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Beautiful scenery on route to Marrakesh this morning. Crossing the High Atlas mountains, surprisingly cold on the top. Also super windy.
Nous nous (coffee) and a stop at the Argan oil information center. We said goodbye to our driver for the past 2 weeks. Said was brilliant fun. Fabulous accomodation in the Riad we were supposed to stay in prior to the quake. Just some minor cracks. A walk through the main square to have some lunch. First time we've had shit service all trip. A walk around the Medina or at least as much as we could. There is significant damage to some parts. The first hot shower in a while and a drink in the central part of the Riad. Brilliant dinner fabulous food and at last a decent drop of wine. Half the group went home and the girls went out with Mustapha... very funny night.Read more
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Day 15
Friday, September 15, 2023 at 5:32 PM
☀️ 31 °C
Altitude: 469 m
Morocco Djemaa el Fna 31.622282, -7.99088831°37’20” N 7°59’27” W
Marrakesh the final day.
September 15, 2023 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Sleep in...yay. Breakfast and a walk around the market, spices and teeth are still me of the things available, this morning followed by a trip to the Marjorelle Gardens. Sadly most of the things we were supposed to be visiting are closed due to damage from the earthquake. So I filled my afternoon with a traditional Hammam - full body scrub for an hour and massage for an hour... then managed to get lost on the way back. 😂
All is well... last dinner tonight which is sad. Off to Portugal in the morning on my next leg. Mustapha's brother, Ridwan drove Sarah and I to the airport.. 🤣Read more
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Day 16
Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 5:30 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 109 m
Portugal Jardim de São Lázaro 41.147401, -8.60088941°8’51” N 8°36’3” W
Portugal day 1 Porto
September 16, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
A day of travel.... just made the flight transfer in Madrid...
Took the train, walked out of the station to the view in the first photo. Stunning Capela das Almas.
Checked in to my cute apartment and went to the supermarket. Street art on the way back. Quiet night in tonight €2 wine some prawns and rice for dins.Read more
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Day 17
Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 4:15 PM
🌧 20 °C
Altitude: 109 m
Portugal Jardim de São Lázaro 41.147366, -8.60087941°8’51” N 8°36’3” W
Porto day 2
September 17, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 20 °C
Feeling a bit sick...another sinus infection... so took as much medication that I could without falling asleep and headed off.
Attempting a self guided walking tour however with all the construction going on just got frustrated so walked over to the cultural center of the town. Walked along the waterfront and had some lunch, fish and veg and a glass of Rose. Found a couple of interesting sculptures along the way. (I'm a bit attracted to the odd stuff) A little bit of rain around not cold though. Walk back over the bridge to attempt the original walk in reverse!
Saw....
Praca da Ribeira
Casa do infante - birth place of ahenry the Navigator
Igreja de sao Francisco.

The architecture is amazing as is the color and that le use on homes.
Also my first Portuguese Tart...
18k + stepsRead more
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Day 18
Monday, September 18, 2023 at 8:00 AM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 109 m
Portugal Jardim de São Lázaro 41.147397, -8.60091641°8’51” N 8°36’3” W
Douro Valley wine tour day
September 18, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Boarded a bus for a trip to the Douro Valley.
Made some new friends... all Americans but I don't hold that against this bunch they were good eggs. I did however to lower the average age by around 20 years 😂.
First a 45 minute drive to a Portery.... Port tastings for morning tea... what could go wrong. Down into the valley for a traditional Portuguese lunch bread olives rice pork ribs in red wine with cabbage, lamb stew and white beans with chorizo and hock.
And if course more port and wine....
Local train station decorated with tiled pictures of wine history. I've spared you all the full set!
Nothing to 'shit selfie's with so you got wine barrels.
Then a river cruise which was beautiful surrounded by raw wine vines.
Next a boutique winery with spectacular views and more tastings. Lovely day.
Off to Coimbra by train in the morning.Read more
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Day 19
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 5:05 PM
☁️ 23 °C
Altitude: 42 m
Portugal Arco Almedina 40.208772, -8.42848440°12’32” N 8°25’43” W
Beautiful Coimbra
September 19, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
Near miss with going to the wrong train station this morning! Pics of the train station just for fun. Anyway made it here. Had a traditional breaky...yummo. Found an app Bounce which provides places to store luggage should you need to and dumped my pack. What a stunning town, albeit fucking hilly. Resembling mountain goat country with cobblestone roads and paths.... walk slowly through to the University which was mind blowing. Facilities of medicine (do you recognize anything in my pics).
The Ceremonial Hall, the Jesus College...I shit you not this place housed the Cabinet of Physics and Natural History Gallery.
Pic of traditional university uniform which is still worn today but only if you choose to do so. There were stones from Australia in there and some very odd displays of nature (I think), the Road Palace and St Michael's Chapel.
Se Velha, yes I went into a church it was stunning.
Then the Old Library. (Joanne), this was mind blowing. Sorry no pics allowed. Super old books and bats live in there to "take care of" the rodents.
Time for a glass of Rose and a bite to eat then a Fado show. Slow walk back to my quirky Air BNB via aldi!
34+k steps.
Lisbon tomorrow.Read more
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Day 20
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 11:30 AM
☁️ 21 °C
Altitude: 42 m
Portugal Palace das Necessidades 38.70633, -9.1690438°42’23” N 9°10’9” W
Lisbon
September 20, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Uneventful train ride. Walked around the newish part of the city. Pics of art made from recycled rubbish bins mostly. Checked into our unit and walked into the local supermarket.... more €2.99 Rose. Then these beautiful people turned up..... so very excited.Read more
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Day 21
Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 12:00 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 42 m
Portugal Palace das Necessidades 38.706331, -9.16903538°42’23” N 9°10’9” W
Lisbon day 2
September 21, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Sleep in..yay. To be fair we didn't get to sleep til very late.
Tickets for the yellow bus, team and boat.
The Praca da Comercio, Castelo Jorge and Number 28 tram. 15+k steps, ice cream, lunch with a Hugo cocktail, decent from the top of the city through a car park, some beautiful architecture and a bits and bob's for dinner with Gin and wine.
A really good day with friends.❣️Read more
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Day 22
Friday, September 22, 2023 at 12:05 AM
☁️ 17 °C
Altitude: 42 m
Portugal Palace das Necessidades 38.706331, -9.16902838°42’23” N 9°10’9” W
Lisbon day 3
September 22, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Girls set off for the Basilica Estrella, the park then the Monument to the Discoveries. Met Tobe for lunch off the boat there was lunch and lunch pudding involved. Back onto the boat to the Tower Belem was sold out so just the external view for us.
Kim and I headed for the Jeronimos Monastery then far a sneaky spritz under the April 25 bridge.Read more
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Day 23
Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 9:38 PM
🌙 20 °C
Altitude: 42 m
Portugal Palace das Necessidades 38.706333, -9.16903738°42’23” N 9°10’9” W
Last day in Lisbon
September 23, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 20 °C
Public bus to the newer area of town. Expo 1998 was here and this area was developed for it. Cable car ride. Then lunch at Mercado over to the giant Jesus statue by ferry. Met the daughter of Tobe's mate who showed us around. Went up to the top of Jesus for a spectacular view. Walk back to the port for a me dinner and ferry/bus back to accom. Off to Faro in the morning.Read more
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Day 24
Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 1:30 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Portugal Museu Marítimo Almirante Ramalho Ortigão 37.015867, -7.9374437°0’57” N 7°56’15” W
Faro
September 24, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
Arrived later than expected due to rail works! Anyway very petty town. A quick walk to discover the ferry to the beach!
Grabbed some snacks for the bus trip tomorrow to Seville and a lovely (not) warm wine by the speed boat hanger!
Not a lot happening in the town today. Maybe it's Sunday and off season. Dinner was an amazing Octopus Lagareiro style. And the best Sangria so far.
Portugal you have been amazing...thank you.
Off to Spain tomorrow.Read more
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