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.

Alcaidesa Marina, Gibraltar

Our neighbours at the campsite were a couple from England who'd given up on the country and relocated to Spain. He was a real sun lover. Yesterday morning they set off out to the beach and didn't return until early evening. John thought they might have gone to the nearby nudest beach. Angela can confirm they probably did, as when he dropped his shorts whilst changing in his van with the door open that evening, she was greeted with a bottom resembling a baboon. After two days on the campsite it was time to set off on our drive to Algerciras where we would buy a ferry ticket to Morocco.

Once again it was very warm and as Marge travelled along the coast road she began to feel the strain, but fortunately to no cost. So here we are, now at Gibraltar. Our ferry is booked for eleven thirty in the morning. We have an open ticket which means we are not commited to a return date. Cost, just over £200.

Tonight we will stay at the marina opposite the rock of Gibralter. We walked over late this afternoon, passing through border control before walking across the runway. We visited here just before COVID, and were not impressed, and vowed we wouldn't bother returning.

But all these years later, Gibraltar has improved, with a new shopping area and smart pubs. A cold lager, then a fan purchased to add to the two already in Marge we walked back.

8

Just as we reached the far side of the runway it was closed for an easyJet flight to land. The sun is going down now, the sky alight with magnificent colours of pink, orange and red. It reminds Angela of a certain Englishman's bare bum. Coincidentally, they sell a cream in the town here called 'Brazilian bum bum cream'. We kid you not!

Camping Valle Niza, Benajarafe, Costa del Sol (day 2)

When we arrived on the campsite yesterday we were one of only a handful of English people on the site. But everyone seemed friendly, and by today most of the sceptical Spanish had warmed towards us. Marge of course has been receiving non-stop attention since arriving. One thing we've missed on this trip is taking exercise. So this morning, despite the heat and no shade we walked along the beach to the restaurant. They were setting up for lunch, wood from grapevines, lit and smoking added yet more heat.

We bought coffees and found a seat in the shade. Being a Sunday the beach was busy, whatever shape or size, nobody seemed body conscious, and in some cases shorts and bikinis were put under considerable strain. We sought out a small shady spot opposite the restaurant where we sat a while watching the Hoopoes with their distinctive crown of feathers.

We remember the first time we saw one of these birds, it was in Italy in 2009, the year of our twentieth wedding anniversary. The parakeets that flit between the pine trees here seemed unhappy with the presence of the hoopoes and screeched louder than normal to voice their disapproval. This afternoon we watched a YouTube by a couple who recently took their landrover over to Morocco, and checked which foodstuffs we must make sure we don't take into the country.

By early evening a lot of the vans and caravans had departed from the site, and it is noticeably quieter. Last night we stayed up until midnight, spending too long talking to our neighbours. So tonight we must ensure we retire to bed a little earlier as tomorrow we will be on the move again. Marge should now be fully rested and is hopefully raring to set off again. Hopefully by tomorrow evening we will be at Gibraltar.