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.