Asilah, Morocco (day 2)

At last, a peaceful night's sleep! Why couldn't every night be like this? Feeling relaxed, not having the stress of driving today, we did the washing, tidied Marge, and walked along the seafront to the town to buy fruit, stopping at a seafront cafe for refreshments. We felt chilled. 

Asilah is a very nice town. Fifteenth century ramparts, built by the Portuguese which have stood the test of time house the whitewashed walls of the Medina which was being given a coat of paint in readiness for the holiday season which begins here on July 1st.

During the summer artists come from all over the world to paint street art on these walls. Since our last visit here almost four weeks ago the town has undergone a transformation. Painting, rubbish removal, shrub and tree trimming, and watering is happening everywhere in readiness for the visitors.

There's no health and safety here. Wooden ladders and platforms do the same job as secure steel scaffolding back at home. We really like Asilah. It has a relaxed vibe and feels very safe. However, they do like a 'bit of bling' here. The land train looked very Christmassy, but obviously not, as this is a Muslim country. Food trucks adorned by rope lighting that lit the pavement showcased the fun side of Morocco. 

And on the subject of health and safety, doesn't everybody have a light switch at waist level in their shower? Common practice here. Please don't try this at home!

Asilah, Morocco

We did not travel on to Fez today. We have come to the realization that being here in Morocco in the low season, albeit the temperatures have been in the high thirties, that we are just bumbling around. The experience we were hoping for really is more accessible during the winter months, high season here, when temperatures are lower and there are many more visitors. At this time it will be safer to wild camp. On this trip we have had to ensure every night we have security watching us. In the season, in the country and desert areas there will be safety in numbers. Therefore we will return here later in the year, or early next year. So for now we've decided to move back to the coast. At first we thought about stopping again at the homestay we enjoyed at Moulay-Bousselham, but in reflection although we'd enjoyed it there, the area was, well to be honest not the best. Lots of rubbish and once away from the homestay we felt vulnerable. So it was decided we'd drive for a few hours longer and return to Asilah. The campsite at Asilah was where we stayed the first two nights in Morocco, and we liked it. The town was interesting and we found it relaxing. On the way across from Meknes we were surprised to find ourselves in a thriving agricultural area.

It felt unreal to still be in Morocco, we could have been in France or Spain. All the towns we passed through were full of life. Stalls of colourful fruit and vegetables, alongside others selling household items. Here, if you want to buy something, you visit a market or the Souk. And in amongst all the bustle, we stumbled upon a very smart cafe.

Tea and coffee just £1.76. We are going to find the European countries we drive through on our way home very expensive after being here. After changing our travel plans, we left the potholed national highway, with some holes so large we could have lost Marge in them, and headed to the toll road. Now here we are back in Asilah where we will stay for two nights. Angela hasn't slept well whilst in Morocco.

Her best nights sleep was here at Asilah, so she's looking forward to some much needed rest. This evening a meal in town, expensive for what it was by Moroccan standards. As the sun went down this evening, a sunset of black and red smeared across the sky. The temperature a comfortable 26c. Our time in Morocco isn't over yet, but now we feel we can slow down and relax a little more.

Asilah, Morocco (day 2)

Angela felt really unwell this morning. She went to bed last night absolutely exhausted. We were up at silly o' clock yesterday, and late to bed last night. There is a time difference here of an hour, and we are now on British time, which made yesterday an even longer day. She hasn't felt right for days, suffering with an upset stomach. We are very careful to keep everything clean when travelling to the point of over using hand Sanitiser at every opportunity. After a cup of herbal tea, a cereal bar and some fresh air she perked up and we walked out, stopping at a nearby bakery to buy bread and sweet treats. Angela definitely needed more carbs to perk her up. We decided to sit at the adjacent cafe for mint tea and coffee before walking into town to take photographs, Asilah is renowned for art. 

The town seemed a lot different during the day. Quieter, with fewer people, so we were able to take in the sights with ease. A very late lunch culminated in a lazy afternoon of reading and for Angela dozing. By this evening she felt much better. Our time on our first ever Moroccan campsite is almost over.

After yet another walk out this evening to witness another stunning sunset of tangerine orange, we began to prepare Marge for hopefully  a fairly early departure in the morning. The site is much busier tonight, most of the newcomers French. There are also two small tents belonging to people who obviously live here. Whenever we stay on European campsites we often see this. The chap nearest to us stepped behind a tree to change his trousers. Angela of course spotted him. She's pleased to report he is in no need of the Brazilian bum bum cream. She however wishes she'd invested in some!

Asilah, Morocco

We were up with the sun this morning, keen to breakfast and be away in good time to drive back to the port at Algeciras.

We paid at the barrier for the overnight parking, and then, the barrier didn't rise. John edged forward, Marge touched the barrier and a woman passing by became enraged at Angela. Why? She wasn't driving. After a tense conversation she instructed us to drive to the marina office. The problem, the camera for the registration plate recognition was too low to pick Marge up. Fortunately, we still left in good time. The port at Algeciras was a nightmare. It seemed totally disorganized. We'd arrived in good time, but were a little concerned if we were being lined up for the correct ferry.

At the due time we boarded one of the many. The crossing should have been a hour and a half, it was three. The vessel sat for over an hour just off from the port of Tanger Med.

Then a tug boat was tied to us and the ferry berthed. Obviously an operational problem. Then, up to the vehicle scanner. Yet more delay. Passports and Marge's documents were checked twice, before we were allowed to move on to buy our vehicle insurance at a cost of 200 euros.

 Then a pretty drive along the coast to Tangier where us and Marge were flung into chaos. Traffic, people, scooters, police. John drove, Angela did her best to navigate and halt traffic from the passenger seat, so we could change lanes and move around roundabouts. At the supermarket we bought a sim card and withdraw cash. Time was getting on and we still had nearly an hours drive to tonight's stop. Plus, there were a few dodgy characters lurking and we weren't happy to leave Marge. So here we are. Our first night in Morocco, staying in the pretty coastal town of Asilah. The campsite is a little down at heal, but has a certain charm. The man who owns it is very friendly. Tired, but wanting to enjoy our first night here, we walked along the extensive promenade and into the busy town alive with local people and tourists. We braved a fruit stall, buying ten apricots, eight oranges and a huge melon all for £2.50. Today has been a long stressful day. Hopefully after a good night's rest we will begin to fully enjoy this country. Everybody is very friendly, and call out Welcome to Morocco to us. We should say. Welcome to Morocco Marge! We weren't sure we'd ever see this day.