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London, Morocco and Spain
  • ShaunLC
  • Rosanne Lion-Cachet
  • ShaunLC
  • Rosanne Lion-Cachet

London, Morocco and Spain

A week in London followed by a guided 3 week tour of Morocco and southern Spain - looking forward to family, fiends, good food, new sights, and adventure. Read more
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  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Dar El Bacha, previously house of the governor, one of the most powerful Moroccans under French rule
    1Waiting room for guestsBeautiful riadPart of the Museum of Confluences displayExquisite craftsmanshipExploring around the Madarsa Ben YousefInside the restored Foundouk Sendar, antique shops and other exotic treasuresFoundouk SendarBrasswarePottery and carpetsFresh meat for locals alongside curios for touristsLots of pharmaciesThe entrance to Chateau de Souks. Trouble ahead, too many beautiful carpets.Chateau de SouksThe worlds best salesmanRosanne on the tools, being taught to weave a carpetWe eventually bargained an acceptable price for the carpet, just over half the original priceWhile I was paying for the carpet, Rosanne spotted this beauty. More negotiations.

    Market day in Marrakesh

    April 9 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    First stop on our walking tour was the Dar el Bacha house and museum - outstanding craftsmanship in the complex, better than the Bahia Palais from yesterday. Next wanting though the Medina visiting souks, including a wonderful carpet shop with about 3 floors of stacked rugs, each designed and hand woven by expert weavers.
    The moment if the day was negotiating with the carpet salesman, passing the calculator back and forth until we agreed on a number.    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    1Camel riding in the desert
    2The smile hides the apprehensionThe Agafay Desert is also known as the rocky desertSerenityGetting off was trickier than getting onDocile dromedariesOur waiter for the eveningEvening entertainment, the lead guitaristWhen in Morocco...View from our personal dinner tentDinner tentHenna tattooSum going down, almost dinner timeOverlooking the Inara camp, peaceful and serene, despite a mild sandstorm earlier

    Camel riding in Agafay Desert

    April 9 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Bucket list item - tick! We rode camels in the desert. It was a long drive on worsening roads as we got further from the city, but after an hour arrived at the Inara campsite for our camel ride and dinner experience.
    Moment of the day - swaying along in silence stop the ship of the desert, fantastic!    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    The main street leading to our riad, a hive of activity with vendors, tourists, motorbikes, and cats
    We walked this street many times to and from our riadEven at night it was easy to navigate, Hassan still walked with us thoughLook out! Just because we're walking doesn't change the fact that these are streetsIndoor swimming pool outside our bedroom windowPoor donkey cart had to reverse up the street, our porter went throughBread deliveryBaggage porter waiting for Abdul to collect us

    Goodbye Marrakesh

    April 10 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Our stay in Marrakesh has been great. Many good memories of the chaotic, vibrant, energetic, friendly, engaging, and welcoming people. Today we set off on a 6 hour drive to Fez.

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    The usual welcome of mint teaBeautiful original interior now restoredThe indoor poolOur roomRooftop terrace viewWaiting for dinner

    Fez

    April 10 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Fez is very different to Marrakesh, more green, cooler, more hills. After Abdul dropped us off, our bags were wheeled through alleys which were narrower, steeper (with stairs), darker and dirtier. Arriving at our riad was like stepping into paradise, a 4 star converted home dating back to the 1600s.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    The streets were very quiet, Friday prayer day, lots of stalls closed in the Medina
    Bou Inania Madrasa, an old Qoranic school (madrasa) from the 1300sBou Inania MadrasaBou Inania MadrasaBou Inania MadrasaThe Blue Gate, Bab Bou Jeloud, from the inside which is greenBab Bou JeloudBab Bou JeloudJewish cemetery, the small graves are children who died in a plagueMosaic fountain in the Jewish cemeteryAben Danan Synagogue in the Mellah/Jewish Quarter. Jews have lived in Morocco since Roman times.Aben Danan SynagogueThe bronze gates to the Royal Palace of Fez, surrounded by mosaic and carvingsView of the Fez Medina from the Borj Sud. Our riad is in there somewhere.

    Day tripping in Fez

    April 11 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    It was quite on the streets of Fez today, almost exclusively tourists as the locals were involved with Friday prayers. Even Hassan took lunch time off to visit the mosque. First stop was the Bou Inania Madrasa, then to the iconic Blue Gate built within the Medina by the French, a visit to the Jewish Quarter, a photo stop at the impressive gates to the royal palace, and a drive to the top of one of the overlooking hills for sweeping views over Fez.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Art Najji ceramic co-op, a bit expensive for us
    It took only seconds to hand craft a small tagineHand painted ceramicReady for saleHand chipping glazed clay tiles into shaped mosaic piecesAssembling a mosaic table, upside down without any colour, before setting in resin and turning overChaoara Tannery - 2 weeks soaking in salt/lime solution (left), then 2 weeks in coloured dye (right)The resultThe narrowest alley in FezLunch at the Restaurant Ryad Nejjarine, a far cry from the scruffy streets outsideKairouaine mosque, founded 9th C as the worlds first universityMausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fez in the early 800sFoundouk converted to the woodcraft museumBack to our riad through the Medina

    Fez ceramics, tannery, lunch, university

    April 11 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    A busy afternoon where we visited an interesting ceramic co-op before lunch to see the making of the clay through to the final ceramic product, including pots, taglines and crockery, and mosaics (zellij). Fortunately the visit to the famous Chaoara Tannery as before lunch, a bit stinky, but fascinating with the multi coloured leather jackets and bags. A nice lunch (but served a bit cold) then to finish the day looking in to the Kairouaine mosque and Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II.
    Moment of the day was emerging into the beautiful restaurant from the scruffy streets and the absolute difference between the two.    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain

    Goodbye Fez, hello Chefchaouen

    April 12 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    A nice early start and then a bumpy drive through the Rif mountains, with pretty countryside with lush green fields. Many wheat fields, wild flowers and poppies, orange and olive plantations, and lots more agricultural produce. Climate much cooler in the highlands of Chefchaouen.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Dogs and cats everywhereThe weaver's co-opThe Kasbar in the main squat, lots of tourists

    The Blue City

    April 12 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Chefchaouen is known as the Blue City, a charming town nestled in the Rif Mountains with its picturesque indigo and white buildings. Mahommed was our guide and showed us around, we were lucky not to be too crowded with Spanish tourists on the first day of Easter Holy Week, Mahommed took us through some quiet side streets plus to an artisan weaver co-op run by blind weavers.
    Moment of the day - kefta tagine (meatballs in tomato), yum    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    The Caves of Hercules is where he slept on his way to his 11th Labour, stealing the 3 golden applesView out to the MediterraneanIn Tangier, the old wall of the Medina and kasbahView from the wall of the MedinaIn the petit soccoKalinte street food, a chickpea flanThe defender of the cityHassan was the most wonderful guideOur hotel

    Tangier, what a surprise

    April 13 in Morocco ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    The city of Tangier is a large bustling city, more modern than anticipated, but still retaining some Moroccan tradition in the souks. The architecture looks more European now, mostly smart, some seriously upmarket. Still lots of stray cats and more dogs, more beggars looking for money from the tourists. But overall a lovely city.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    One of the entrances to the Tangier Medina
    One of the main streets leading to the Petit SoccoDifferent souks have different specialtiesA NZ fan, he still had his entry ticket to watch Auckland FC play the Morrocan team in Casablanca2Africa is not for the faint hearted! The fresh food had fresh meat on showAperitif before dinner of crepes for Rosanne and banana boat for Shaun

    Tangier souk adventure

    April 13 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We finished the day exploring the mazes in and through the souks within the Medina. Great fun.

  • London, Morocco and Spain

    Morocco highlights

    April 14 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    The people.
    Are Moroccans the friendliest and most welcoming people? It could be. Hassan and Abdul are first class humans, and so was everyone else we met.

    Exploring the souks.
    The vibrancy, energy, chaos, and noise. The cats everywhere. Exploring on our own in Tangiers petit socco was best, the smell of Fez Medina was worst. Marrakesh was fantastic too.

    The rug salesman in Fez.
    What a character he was, like a dog with a bone he kept pushing for the sale, passing the calculator backwards and forwards.

    Merge like velcro.
    The traffic was crazy, everyone moving everywhere all at once, with total patience and tolerance. Motorbikes everywhere. Donkey carts. The traffic lights turn green and the hooting starts. Road markings don’t mean a lot, anything goes.

    The desert.
    Amazingly quiet and peaceful. The camel ride was a bucket list highlight.

    The Muslim architecture.
    The King Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, wow wow wow! Attention to detail in every important building we visited was superb.    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Main St, Gibraltar. Pedestrianised shopping street.A gorgeous day under the rockThe Eliott Hotel obviously doesn't suffer millennials (with rotary dial telephones)

    Rocking in Gibraltar

    April 14 in Gibraltar ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Our ferry trip across the Med from Morocco to Gibraltar included some good fortune. After Hassan and Abdul had dropped us at the terminal and said our goodbyes, we sat waiting for the delayed ferry. No announcements and the tracking app providing the wrong info, it was a fortuitous chat with the check-in advising us to “go now!” which got us onto the ferry on time. At Algeciras a walk to the bus station and then a trip half way to Gibraltar. We then got swizzed by the uber driver who couldn’t take us through customs but still took our money. Walk through customs and catch a city bus to the hotel. Whew what a day. A brief walk around town, quite pretty, very English and orderly.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    What a stunning view from the southern end of top of the rock
    Apparently Hercules ripped Europe and Africa apart here, leaving a Pillar of HerculesSt Michael's CaveStalactites from belowThe angel within lower St Michael's CaveThe amphitheater of the upper St Michael's CavePensive macaqueHungry macaqueLaze macaqueView north from the SkywalkView south from the macaque feeding stationLighthouse at Europa PointView of the rock from Europa

    On the Rock

    April 15 in Gibraltar ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    It was a rainy start so we waited until late morning to leave the hotel. The cable car was closed due to wind so we took a mini bus tour to see the Rock. First stop Pillar of Hercules. Next to St Michael’s Cave, which was good. At the Skywalk we had brilliant views of the Med plus some playful macaque monkeys. After the tour we took a city bus to Europa Point, windy but picturesque.
    The moment of the day - the great views from the top of the Rock    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    1My first senior discount on public transport, thanks Gibraltar bus driverOn the first leg of the train journey to CordobaAfter a long delay in Cordoba we were on the high speed to SevilleOutside our Seville hotel the street was closed for a religious processionOne of the faithful in the processionOur hotel the Casas de la Juderia

    Onward to Seville

    April 16 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    A final look at Gibraltar before our afternoon train trip to Seville. We had a look at the Ocean Village area on the waterfront, then caught the buses to Algeciras train station, then 2 trains to Seville. It was chaos in Seville! Tomorrow is Maudy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, and the road closures and celebrations start tonight. Our taxi had a massive diversion, 35 euro later at our lovely looking hotel, but then through an underground tunnel to our room! What a crazy day.
    Moment of the day - the Gibraltar bus driver giving me a senior discount    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    San Sebastian is the second largest church in Seville
    One of the floats which will be carried through the streets to the cathedralOne of the floats which will be carried through the streets to the cathedralOne of the floats which will be carried through the streets to the cathedralOne of the floats which will be carried through the streets to the cathedralOne of the floats which will be carried through the streets to the cathedral

    Church of San Salvador

    April 17 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    With some time to kill before activities, and based on a tip that buying entrance to San Salvador allowed us to jump the queue at Seville cathedral, we set off. Our strategy failed, entrance was free on Maudy Thursday. What a surprise it turned out to be - the church was spectacular and the ornamentation, including Easter procession float, were jaw dropping!
    Moment of the day - the first few steps into the church and being awestruck at how beautiful it was.    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Setas de Sevilla
    Setas de SevillaSetas de SevillaLa Giralda at the Seville cathedralViews over the Seville cathedralViews over the Seville cathedralSeville cathedralSeville cathedral from behindStreet artSeville bull ringMagellan's replica shipTorre del OroPlaza Patio de Banderas next to the Real AlcazarLadies celebrating EasterGetting ready for the processionThese guys were everywhere

    Maudy Thursday in Seville

    Apr 17–26 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    A morning walk around Seville before our organised tour. We visited the Setas de Sevilla, the world’s largest wooden structure, representing a massive mushroom. We passed by the very crowded Seville cathedral, no chance of getting in over Easter, but we enjoyed the sights and sounds, and the huge La Giralda clock tower (previously a minaret). Strolled past the Plaza de Toros de Sevilla bull ring, and the Torre del Oro tower used to collect taxes from ships, and even saw a replica ofMagellan’s ship which circumnavigated the world, it is so small!Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Central fountain with buildings around the perimeter of the moat
    The most is popular with touristsTiled alcovesFour bridges for four ancient kingdomsAdjacent the plaza is the Maria Luisa Park

    Plaza de España

    April 17 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    The Plaza de España is a beautiful square dating back to the 1929 exposition, a huge semicircular building complex with moat and bridges. It apparently represents the ancient kingdoms of Spain as well as the new provinces, one for each tiled alcove. It was also the set location for a Star Wars movie.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain

    Casa de Pilatos

    April 17 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    A real surprise today, the Seville cathedral was all booked up because of Easter, so guide Kate arranged a trip to Pilatos house instead. Dating back to the 15th C rich trading families developed a private palace mixing Spanish Christian and Moor influences with Roman and Greek. The layout was an internal courtyard surrounded by lavish rooms.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Entrance gate to the Royal Alcazar
    Virgin Mary surrounding and comforting her Spanish coloniesPatio de DoncellasAmazing workmanship and attention to detailEntrance to the Salon de EmbajadoresSalon de EmbajadoresSalon de EmbajadoresSalon de EmbajadoresRoyal Alcazar gardensRoyal Alcazar gardensRoyal Alcazar gardensRoyal Alcazar gardensRoyal Alcazar gardens

    Real Alcázar

    April 17 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Our lovely guide Kate took us to the Royal Alcázar, a living palace still used by the Spanish royal family. We explored the courtyards, lush gardens (some Game of Thrones film locations), and intricately designed rooms of archways and tile work. There was a fascinating mix of Christian and Moorish influences that shaped the site.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Walking past the Seville cathedral and giraldra
    For sale at the train stationPiazza Bib-Rambla outside our hotelTapas and local beer - Gilda, patatas bravas, smoked sardine, croquetas, bacalau - yum!

    Seville to Granada

    April 17 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Our train to Granada was late afternoon so we had a lot of extra time to kill in Seville. Took an interesting bus tour around town and saw some new areas like Triana on the opposite side of the river. Also had a bit more walking. Easter festivities are ramping up more than yesterday with many more people on the streets and areas barricaded off. We’ve loved Seville, a mix between Paris chic and Spanish enthusiasm. The train trip a was pleasant through pretty green countryside with hills, mountains, and olives. Arrived in Granada to mass festivities and crowds, had to muscle our way through to our hotel right on the edge of the busy square.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Granada cathedral, with chairs set up for the Easter celebrationsGranada cathedralGranada cathedralGranada cathedralOn sale the the Granada cathedral gift shopMonastery of San JeronimoMonastery of San Jeronimo with orange gardenChurch in Monastery of San JeronimoChurch in Monastery of San JeronimoChurch in Monastery of San JeronimoTocatejaPork loin wrapped in ham and bread crumbs, with Sangria, finished off with orange wine - yum!!Our local Plaza de Bib Rambla after the rainPlaza de Bib Rambla

    Granada

    April 19 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    It was a cold day beneath the snowy Sierra Navada mountains outside the city, the wind especially was cold, with rain in the morning. Granada has a very nice feel - a little laid back but still. We visited the massive Granada cathedral, very light and open with a good deal of gold ornamentation. We also strolled through the shopping streets, visiting the Monastery of San Jeronemo, with its smaller church but lavishly painted and decorated. We then tried out tapas on our own - Tocateja was on our list and we weren’t disappointed. Finished off at another cafe with yummy waffles.Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    The fortress, the Alcazaba
    The remnants of the homes within the AlcazabaFrom the fortress walls overlooking GranadaIslamic calligraphyPatio de Los ArrayanesPatio de Los Leones, Moorish palace & courtyard of the lionsPatio de Los LeonesPatio de Los LeonesPatio de Los LeonesPatio de Los LeonesParto Alto de la Alhambra palace and gardensView over the Nasrid Palace complex from the Generalife GardensGeneralife GardensGeneralife PalaceGeneralife PalaceGeneralife PalaceGeneralife PalaceView from Generalife Palace overlooking the Nasrid Palace complex

    Alhambra palace

    April 19 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    The Al Hambra Palace is a fantastic example of Moorish architecture, with intricately carved courtyards, grand halls, and vibrant gardens. 
Our guide Fatima spoke about the history and its role as a royal residence during the Nasrid Dynasty. The gardens were full of spring colour, with many distinct gardens, fountains, and spectacular views of the Alhambra and the city. 
Unfortunately the rain meant we could see the snowy covering on the Sierra Nevada mountains but we could feel their temperature.
    The moment of the visit - the intricacy of the palace and patio de Los Leones.    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    Saturday night at Tocateja, what a great little tapas bar
    Sangria and a free tapa - chicken and potato.The main tapa, Flamenquin - pork loin rolled in ham, breaded and fried. Outrageously good!!Getting ready for tapa at Rosario Varela on Sunday nightRosario VarelaPulpo (octopus) is famous in SpainNext stop on Sunday at La Pujuana, mince tortilla as a free tapa with our Tinto de VeranoThe main tapa at La Pujuana, pork cheek

    Granada tapas

    April 19 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    When in Spain, tapas is on the menu! Typically small plates of tasty morsels, often with some local delicacy or ingredients. Granada prides itself on a FREE tapa with every drink. Typically you would have one tapa at one bar then move to another bar for the next tapa.
    The tapas moment to savour - the flamenquin, one of the tastiest dishes ever!    Read more

  • London, Morocco and Spain
    The square below Al Hambra and Sacremonte with a Flamenco dancer statue, a hint of what's to come
    Rainy walk up to Sacremonte, very narrow roads for cars, people, busesFlamencoCave houses and Flamenco barsOverlooking the cave houses, each carved into the clay hillsideOverlooking the cave houses, each carved into the clay hillsideA cave house museumFirst room was generally for the animals, which helped with heatingThe family roomKitchenA side room, which could have been excavated once the family grew in sizeAnother side roomBedroomRosanne and Trinidad. On the left, communal water cistern. On the right, a web of power cablesView over Al Hambra in the rainA gap in the rainChurros and hot chocolate for lunch on a rainy day - yum!Rain rain rain

    Albaicin and Sacramonte

    April 19 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    A guided tour through Albaicin and Sacramonte in Granada by Trinidad. It was a rainy day and first was a walk up the hill to Sacremonte, where we visited a house-cave, almost all of which are still lived in or are bars for Flamenco dancing. It has always been the home of the gypsies. Very interesting. Next onto the adjoining area of Albaicin, a neighborhood with a Moorish influence, great views over the Al Hambra, and the rich houses or “Carmen”.Read more

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