Spain and Morocco

[SandiF]

this is the sticky post -- counting down... 11 more days.

If all goes well

Spain
Malaga
Granada
..and as much of the Andalusian region I can see

Morocco
Fez
Marakkech
..and as much of this moorish country that I can see

But for me the adventure is the escapism into the unknown

[Wahalla]

Re: Spain and Morocco

I love Morocain oomans.... Dem is so sexi....Spanish oomans well dem a lose dem allure as dem become more westernised....

[Ja. Jewel]

Re: Spain and Morocco

Sandi, if you go to any markets on your travels, I would LOVE to see some pics!...Moroccan crafts are fabulous!!

[Marielle]

Re: Spain and Morocco

Oh great! Looking forward to this, will be a trip down memory lane for me!

Wouldn't waste too much time in Malaga, it's nothing special, but definately go to one of the hilltop villages in Andalucia, Ronda(sp?) and Cacares are spectacular, so is Frigiliana (just inland from Nerja).

Can also recommend Tarifa on the south coast past Gibraltar (which is also worth a one day trip, it's English complete with bobbies and Marks and Spencer, the weird thing about Gibraltar is the runway runs across the road which gets closed every time a plane goes past!).

Tarifa is a lovely Moorish whitewashed village on the coast and the kitesurf capital of Europe, lovely laid back atmosphere, much nicer than the commercialism of the Costa del Sol!

Marrakesh is also spectacular! 1000 and 1 nights city with snow-capped Atlas mountains fringing it. You can expect a lot of hassle in Morocco, by the way (makes Negril look like Disneyland! ) not to scare you, just to let you know..

Have a great time! I'm sure you're gonna love it!!

[SandiF]

Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

Two weeks of Andalucía Spain and Morocco (a personal travelogue)

This is no soul-searching or self-discovery trip, neither is this trip about seeking enlightenment. I took this trip for relaxing, finding something new, and with hopes to make it back home to relay this short journey to my readers. Traveling to distant countries, integrating in different cultures, enjoying the savory taste of foreign food, sipping coffee or tea at a side walk café, enjoying the fine taste of wine, strolling down an alley street, listening and watching people and taking in the cultural tapestry of life, people and how connected we are have always been the enduring pleasures of my travels. There is an expanse of places on this beautiful planet and I intend to capture and see as much of it before I leave this world. This like previous trips had no well laid out itinerary or a traveling companion. The only thing I took with me was to keep safety in mind, make new friends and enjoy myself in as many ways possible. From earlier in the year I set my sight on Morocco but later on decided Andalucía Spain would be a worthwhile detour.

[SandiF]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

By late morning Saturday the flight arrived in very hot Malaga Spain. I was expecting temperatures to be in the mid-80s but it was a very hot Saturday morning and the hotel I had booked could not find my reservation. After much shifting through a phalanx of paper folders, voila it was found! Thank goodness, finally, I thought but alas the reservation showed that I checked-in on the morning I was flying and checked out the morning I arrived. Oh my god, what a way to start a trip. Where am I going to stay for the night? The lady at the front desk used her resources and got me a splendacious room at the Hotel California. <span style="font-style: italic"> “Welcome to the Hotel California such a lovely place…”</span>

Hotel California was much nicer than Hotel Zenit from first sight. Beautiful garden and I had a spacious room with a garden view. By now the rigor of the long flight, the pain of locating my luggage and dealing with hotel booking hazard had completely worn me out. I was ready for a shower and nap. It was close to 1PM when I finally woke up, decided to dress comfortably in leggings and a cotton shirt and hit the streets to take in the scenery of Malaga. The hotel was located on a tree lined street and was one block from the Mediterranean. The ocean was a welcoming sight and people were on the beach in droves. Why didn’t I think of bringing my swim suit? For now I was more than cool with walking the beach and people watching.

mi soon come with pics...

[SandiF]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

Malaga Spain

[SandiF]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

Hit the road walking

[SandiF]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

view of the city police center and tourist bus drive (18 euros for a tour bus ride)

[MsExced]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

Yes welcome back Sandi

[SandiF]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

There were so many places to stop and I wanted to get to Centro (city central). After leaving the beach the Castillo de Gibralfaro with its soaring heights and dizzying history drew my attention. This is a ruined castle with an Islamic past and overlooking the city of Malaga. After leaving the Castillo, I headed straight for Centro, making stops for picture taking; walking down cobblestone alley which intertwined in and through each other.

Oktoberfest was occurring in the city and the lively music was appealing but there was an entry fee and since Oktoberfest is all about beer drinking, I settled with sitting on the podium steps overlooking the city street and taking in the music. My treat for the afternoon walk was frozen yogurt at a gelatin Shoppe. Hahaha! You would think by now I would be enjoying the gastronomy of Andalucía food but I was not hungry and wanted to spend more time sightseeing.

Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga Spain

[MsExced]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

Wow beautiful and so clean

[ILP]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

Spain lawd...di memories.....

that was one of the best years of my life

[SandiF]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

I liked the Andalucia region of Spain - the weather was great and daylight stayed 'til late and I was surprised that at 8:15am it was still dark out...

More to come.

[SandiF]

Re: Travelogue Andalucia Spain and Morocco in 2 weeks

Oktoberfest was occurring in the city and the lively music was appealing but there was an entry fee and since Oktoberfest is all about beer drinking, I settled with sitting on the podium steps overlooking the city street and taking in the music. My treat for the afternoon walk was frozen yogurt at a gelatin Shoppe. Hahaha! You would think by now I would be enjoying the gastronomy of Andalucía food but I was not hungry and wanted to spend more time sightseeing.

The evening was still early and I wanted to find the great cathedral Palacio Episcopal and the Museo Picasso, homage to Malaga’s most famous son, the greatest modern artist Pablo Picasso. The cathedral was to say the least grand – I am not finding the right words to describe this magnificent architectural work which took over 200 years to complete. Boasting a ceiling 400m high and filled with the finest art work dating back to the 15th century. The interior view was beyond stunning and my camera would not stop clicking. I almost forgot that I was in a church which had a nun calling out full reading paying homage to their Christian God and all saints abound. I am not a religious person but I decided to make do well and quietly reflect on the scenery of artistry, individuals making their benedictions at an altar, and those confessing their earthly sins to a priest. I had more stops to make and made haste to get to the Museo Picasso. The museum filled with Picasso’s original work was a good way to while the time away, so I took a leisurely stroll, viewing, dissecting each piece of art work and seeing how his work was strongly influenced by the women in his life.

By the time I left the museum, it was close to dark and I slowly made my way back to the hotel, dodging side streets, taking back alleys and reverting to the main street. I was tired and my feet were achy. Next time I wear comfortable shoes. Once back to the hotel it was after 8PM and I was wide awake. Now is the time to start planning for the next day ahead. I wanted to get to Granada but the guide book was offering up other worthy places. I stayed awake for the entire night, reading and writing. I did not sleep and never could in a foreign country.

Strolling and picture taking around Malaga (centro urbano or city central)... doing those fun touristy things.