2 planes, 5 buses, 2 boat rides later..... I have arrived in Europe. I have made it a point to try and blog everyday my incredible journey.
I am a little behind, since I am totally jet lagged.
We had a 5 hour flight delay leaving Dallas, which made for an interesting trip once landing in Spain. We had to catch a connecting flight in Madrid to Malaga and had about an hour once we landed.
We traveled by bus to our hotel in Costal Del Sol. By far one of the prettiest places I have seen. It was so amazing walking down to the beach and to stand in the Meditteranean Sea.
You know I only put my feet in :) this area is totally somewhere you want to vacation at. Europeans are incredibly family oriented and tote their kids everywhere. We eat super late, like 10 or 11 at night. (reminds me of our friends in Michocan, Mexico)
Our first afternoon we lounged at the beach and did boardwalk shopping! I snagged a total Spain dress and wore it to dinner that night.
Day 3, Morocco
We had to wake up at 6 am to get on the bus to drive to the port of Spain. From there we had to get on a giant catamaran to take us across the Meditterean. It was pretty foggy crossing over, so there was not a great window to take a picture of the Rock of Gilbralter. 30 minutes later we arrived in Africa.
The coast Port of Spain is largely Arab. The demographics changed very quickly. As soon as we crossed into Africa we actually were in part of Africa still owned by Spain. I know so confusing, but so cool.
We were quickly greeted by our Arab tour guides for the day after stepping off the ship. Our guide's name was Mohammad. I can honestly say I was sure what expectations I had for the day. I didn't
really think about speaking a whole other language while in Morocco. We started hearing arabic and french spoken on the bus. Needless to say, i don't speak either of those. Arabic is the predominate language spoken. French , then Spanish. We traveled by bus through customs into Morocco, the moment we went thought the border everything changed. Everything became white and blue. This culture is fascinating to me. The Muslim people are going through Ramadan. This is the time when the fast from sun up to sun down. We learned a lot about the Muslim history on the bus ride.
We headed for Tetuan, but first made a quick stop to ride a camel! Yes, camels! It was really a cool experience. Once arriving in the city we headed for the city market. We were taken to the "old city" where the are old walls and huge sculptured entrances. The old city has more than 3,000 streets inside. When you walk into the front doorway you have no idea how big or intricate it is. We are quickly supported with 2 secutiry detail. I never once felt unsafe, though I could not have found my way through the giant maze of the old city. Behind doors were homes, mosques, resturaunts. From the outside walking the steets, which are narrow and have very high walls you don't know all that lies behind the doors. We see many people in the traditional Muslim clothing. Women wearing the caftans, men wearing Gilaba. Everyone stares at us as we pass through the streets. The streets are filled with all different food. Breads, dates, olives, fruit. Through other halls there is pottery, shoes, pipes, clothing. Cats are everywere in the city. They say they keep away the rats. The smells are a bit overwhelming at firtst, but you get past it.
I was conflicted in spirit, thinking about the people sitting on the market floors, wishing I could communicate with them. I also knew I couldn't be open about my love for Jesus. I started asking our guide how to converse in Arabic! I only learned a bit to start a conversation, mind you we didn't
stop and chat with people due to safety. However, at every pass I started saying to the people Kivintina, which means how are you? Or Salam Alalkum....which means hello. (I am writing these in the form of how to say them, the spelling I am sure is not correct). The moment they heard Arabic come out, they light up and start flooding you with conversation. It was so awesome! For the rest of the day we talked and at lunch were able to converse a bit more with people. The people were warm and totally loved when we spoke Arabic to them!
We sat at a spice market and learned remedies and were able to buy spices.
To finish the long day we were taken to one of the rug makers of Morocco. They make all the rugs by hand. We had a great time seeing so many different rugs and seeing how they craft them together.
We then went downstairs in their building to shop then market. This wasn't what I expected. This was an indoor market, rather than us being able to shop the streets. I learned after it was for safety, and I think that our guides trust and know the men in this shop. Anything you want to buy, you haggle for the price. Man these guys talk fast! I was playing around in the beautiful caftans for the women, when this tiny man comes over to me and pulls out this black and gold fabric. ( I know...my colors) he proceeds to wrap this crazy garment on me, which looks like a jumper and a dress got together and made a baby! It is called a Sandiban! Um, yes I bought it! I am going to try and wear it to dinner tonight so I can post pics later.
It was such an incredible day. I loved the people and the culture. I think I want to learn Arabic! Crazy I know!
After tons of walking we headed back by bus to customs ,said goodbye to our tour guides, boarded the boat back to Spain, then got on the bus to head to dinner. We got to the resturant to eat around 10:15pm. It was a long day, but worth every moment.
I know this is like a short story, but I really didn't want to forget any part of my journey. (I kind of have a terrible memory)
I may have gotten a henna tattoo on my neck;)
When in Morocoo.......
Headed to Seville.
Xoxo
Kristine
