Morocco Trip - Fes - 10 & 11 Nov

 Today is our long journey to Fes on "National Roads" (poorly maintained B roads!) across country and through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Our first stop after 3 hrs was a nice surprise with immaculate toilets and a rose garden. It was facinating to see the irrigation systems and ploughing with Donkeys alongside the road.

 By this time it had started to rain but this did not deter the villagers buying flowers in this mountain village.

 By the time we got to our last stop it was raining, foggy and cold but this did not deter Jan & Rosemary from posing by the Lion! We finally reached our hotel, the Zalagh Parc Palace at 19.00, 10 very tiring hours for us but amazing calm and skill from our spanish driver Pepe, who well deserved the round of applause

 The following morning our "rest day" (second night in Fes!) started with a tour of Fes (not Fez - that is a hat), here our party pose by the Seven Gates at the Royal Palace with our local guide Mr Haj in the centre.

 Mr Haj, a Berber not an Arab, explains about Fes and the Palace.

 David was shouted at by these soldiers for photographing the King's Palace entrance.  Perhaps HE was actually there!!

 We then visited a open air "Mosque" on a hill above Fes where Mr Haj adopted the role of teacher from the official niche.

 There was a spectacular view over the city, especially of the cloud of pollution!

 A visit to observe the production of hand crafted pottery was very interesting. 

 Then Mr Haj leads us through the Blue Gate into the Medina and the Souk.

 In the maze of narrow alleys comprising the Souk it was a good idea to keep up with Mr Haj because it would be virtually inpossible to find the way out without a guide. No maps available in Morocco!!

 David narrowly avoided a pony bite (note the teeth) as if he was to blame for this excessive load of gas bottles. Wendy & John wisely avoided the savage beast!

 Since David was, by this time, suffering from "deli-belly" he was grateful Rosemary found him a seat in the brass & copper workshop.

Mr Haj and his mates give us a song! (at a price!)

 The worshippers arriving for prayers at this local mosque perform their ritual ablutions .

 This Tannery was like a scene from an imaginary hell, or from the Middle Ages, and the smell was appalling.

 Jan and Rosemary thought that any sacrifice or pong was worthwhile to make handbags! Although they did resist the urge to buy, well done for two handbag-aholics!

Final visit to a hand weaving shop before our returning to the hotel for a well earned rest.  Back to Tangier tomorrow for our ferry trip back to Spain.

Morocco Trip - Marrakech Tour - 9 Nov

 By 16.00 we were off again, the bus took us from our Hotel, the Atlas Asni, to tour a palace in Marrakech. The part we visited had been restored with beautiful tiled floors, decorative plasterwork and a courtyard garden with mirrors.  David could not resisted photographing the photographer!

 We were informed that this area was the Harem for the Vizir's 4 wives and 24 concubines - one for each day of the month! We all seem to find this very amusing. Then off to the Square.

This is the famous "Djemma el Fna" square where the "action" is, snake charmers, falcons, dancers and musicians were you are expected to pay for taking a photo!

 We admired the heaps of fruit, dried fruit and fruit juices. Note the tightly clutched handbag in the "security" grip!

 We did not try the very tempting outdoor restaurants because we were warned of the possible dire (!)consequences.

 Then on into the maze of the Souk and trying to keep up with our guide.

 This maze of alleys was very crowded with people, donkeys and rough carts - a Health & Safety nightmare

 The Square at night was very vibrant but also a bit overwhelming.

 So time for a mint tea (or two) in a balcony cafe before the bus collected us at 19.00 and back to the Hotel for dinner.  The best day so far but leaving at 9.00 tomorrow for the 500kms (313miles) to Fes  



Morocco Trip - Casablanca to Marrakech - 9 Nov

We left the hotel at 8.30 this morning to visit the "Hassan II Mosque".This was built on a platform out into the Atlantic from 1987 to 1993 as a tourist attraction in a country where non-muslims are not normally allowed to enter any other mosque. We were charged €12 each for this privilege (locals only €6!) although some of our party felt this was poor value and declined.

We were told that the Mosque would accomodate 25,000 worshippers inside, 20,000 outside and has a sliding roof and underfloor heating.  The sumptuous interior contrasted with the obvious poverty outside!

 There are 41 marble fountains for the faithful to perform the required ablutions before prayers.

 The gardens and fountains were beautiful in a very spectacular site

.

 At 10.00 a  quick rest on the sea wall with Jan & Paul and we were ready for the bus journey to Marrakech.

 We travelled on the motorway (as we did yesterday) arriving at 15.00 at our Hotel the "Atlas Asni" to check-in and freshen-up. Marrakesh looks like the Morocco we expected, all buildings sand coloured.

Just time for a cup of mint tea before we set off to explore Marrakech.

Morocco Trip - Moraira to Casablanca - 7 & 8 Nov

 This trip to Morocco has been arranged by Bob and Janet for the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers. Our party of 45 left Moraira by coach on Sunday 7th November at 9.40 and travelled all day with 3 rest stops arriving at Torremolinos at 18.00 .  After dinner at  the Royal Costa Hotel we had a walk along the promenade before bedtime. On Monday morning we were off again at 7.30 to Tarifa Puerto (above) to catch the 11.00 Fastjet ferry to Tangier.

 Rosemary and Jan, with matching sandals and handbags, head into the Port terminal .


After a fast and smooth crossing we arrive at Tangier with our passports stamped for entry to the "Kingdom of Morocco".  We then picked up our Moroccan guide "Hassan" and his assistant "Yoosef".  After stopping for lunch at Larache our first sightseeing is at the Capital City - Rabat.

The Mausoleum is built on the site of an ancient Mosque demolished by an earthquake - the only part of the Mosque surviving being an impressive tower. The site was guarded by these ceremonial soldiers who did not mind being photographed - not a common situation in Morocco!

I was unable to discover the function of this impressive object, some sort of BBQ?

Rabat is situated on the coast but this is as close as we got to the sea.

The actual Mausoleum is impressive in white stone but the paved area in front has been "decorated" with  pillars removed from the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, an interesting arrangement! 

The Tomb and its surroundings are very grand.

The "Holy Man" was reading the Koran in a most dignified way, rather spoilt when he had to nip out to answer his mobile phone (just visible under the left of the Koran)!

We were soon on our way again to Casablanca and arrived at the Hotel Ramada Les Almohades at 19.00. Just time for a quick shower, dinner and to sleep after a tiring day. Tomorrow we have a tour of the Hassan II Mosque and then set of for Marrakesh.

CBMW - Bolulla Castle from Bolulla 30Oct

We have not done this walk for over a year due to the closure of the Castells road, now we are heading out towards Bolulla to a new start point below the Castle due to cars being broken into at the usual Km 7 start.

The road is accessed via the Coll de Rates and Tarbena, there are far too many bends but the views are spectacular

The parking is at the top of a 3.7km metalled track, we were surprised to find so many walkers considering the long drive. The start has wonderful views to Benidorm and the sea. Our leader today is Peter Barraclough with Alan Jackson sweeping the 34 walkers. Here Rosemary gets in with the hierachy.

We set off up a very steep track, the wind was cold but the sun was bright.

Soon we are on a narrow path, still climbing but more gently. Time for a water stop and a chat.

Onwards to a banana stop by a ruined Finca.

Suddenly everthing changed! One of the walkers had a fall and damaged her arm, our leader decided to divert to the nearest road at KM7 so that a friend could collect the casualty. It was then decided to complete the return route via the Somo circuit.

This is out lunch stop with views across orchards and plenty of ants!

Steep paths down and rugged spectacular scenery.

Then up again towards Bolulla Castle and the cars. A good 14km walk with 400 mtrs ascent. All good fun and keeps us fit. We must save the proper circuit for another day!

On our return jouney we stop to admire this view of the mountain village of Tarbena.