We planned on sailing to Smir (about 10 miles south of Ceuta) leaving Oomu there, and then heading inland. However, our plans were thwarted when we arrived and found that it would cost 43 Euros a night for the boat in the marina. (It cost a fraction of that in Gibraltar). We spent 3 nights in Smir and decided it would be better to leave the boat in Gibraltar, while we took the fast ferry to Tangiers, then trains to see the interior of Morocco.
The Moroccan Train system was efficient and on time, apart from the sporadic air conditioning. No hassles whatsoever during our visit on trains, ferries and taxis, although having kids with us probably helped in this respect. In fact we never got hassled once whilst in Morocco. Either living in Mauritania has given us the beggar 'dont hassle us' stare, or the locals go soft at the sight of two blond boys..?
The locals made us very welcome. We got to meet lots of people on the train who were truly hospitable and friendly. Silas even made some friends.
We stayed in the ancient city of Fes (Fez), an 8 hour trip from Tangier. The medieval medina was awesome - tiny twisting alleyways, bustling with traders and donkey carts. Wobbly buildings, mosques and the ancient leather tannery.
We tried all sorts of street food. (only joking). These are endangered tiny tortoises.
We found tiny bakeries.
Haggled at the market for spices.
Visited very old Muslim mosques and universities, with incredible carving and mosaic work. (And fountains for two bored boys to splash in)
The local butcher in Fes had a great variety of meat! Seriously however, we bought the best lamb ever and a wonderful whole chicken in Morocco. The quality of food in the markets was fantastic. (and very very cheap)
Everywhere we went in Morocco and Spain the children always seem to be given sweets. I fear for the state of their teeth.
We also got to visit some Roman ruins at Volbilis, near Fes which had wonderfully preserved mosaic work.
After the wonders of so many incredible buildings and so much amazing craftsmanship, the tomb of Moulay Ismail at Meknes rendered us totally speechless.
However, we were always conscious that this weeks school lessons were focused on 'bugs'. The boys were kept busy on the lookout for bugs at every opportunity.
Fes was bonkers - noisy, chaotic and we loved it.
We also visited a town on the Med coast called Tetouan. This was very different to Fes - quieter, less touristy but also with an interesting ancient medina
Yet another Leather tannery in Tetouan. This time we got to walk through the middle of it. I was petrified that Amos would fall into some vat filled with a foul substance. The place stank to high heaven.
In the days of health and safety madness it was refreshing to just be able to wander through.
Unfortunately, we were unable to leave the country without being sold a carpet. I'm still not quite sure how we succumbed...
