That's all Folks!

Well...I am sitting in the Charles De Gaulle airport in France waiting for my flight back home. Time went so quickly this year. I met some great folks when I left Spain and returned to Morocco.

I was walking down the street looking to change my Euros to Dirhams and I overheard an American English accent. The next thing you know I am staying with a couple from Miami in an amazing house in the casbah! The views were outstanding from the rooftop terrace, you could see all of the way to Spain. I will try attaching more photos.

Well Ben and Dara took me under their wings and gave me the royal treatment. I was even invited to have a traditional Moroccan lunch with a friend, Shookri, who apparently is some big wig in Tangier. The meal was an amazing five courses including a giant tagine and home made couscous. And of course, the national drink, mint tea, was served for the finale.

So I feel really blessed to have experienced a true Tangerine lifestyle. I felt protected and coveted. It really changed my initial perspective of Morocco. I was even driven back to Rabat, rather than the typical bus/train ride. From there I left for Paris, where I am now.

I arrived last night at 10pm. Not much time to sightsee, plus everything was closed. Besides the Eiffel Tower. Notice Lefty's reappearance at this structural marvel.

Seville, Portugal and Granada

Sorry that I´ve neglected to keep my posts up to date. Just been to busy exploring these wonderful places and people!

Was able to go to a traditional flamenco show in Seville, check out the video. After a few days there I decided for Portugal for some sun and seafood. I always thought that Portugese and Spanish were similar languages...hah! I could not understand anything. Fortunately it is a hot tourist destination for all Europeans, so many people spoke English as well. Made me realize once again how lazy we Americans are when it comes to learning other languages. I vow to take a conversational Spanish course upon my return.

After Portugal, I bussed it to Granada, my favorite so far. The Alhambra was exquisite and amazing! The Alhambra is not only the most important, but also one of the best conserved Arabian palace. The name Alhambra means "the red one" and refers to the color of the mountain on which it is built. It is interesting to witness the Muslim architecture and the Christian modifications.

Met some nice (bilingual) folks from Argentina that I shared some time with:) Tapas taste better when you have someone to share them with.

Now I am back in the port of Algeciras ready for my return to Morocco. I have only a few days left before my trip is over....then it´s back to school.

More Seville

Seville

Just arrived in Sevilla today. Am impressed with its archaic sense of culture. It´s the 4th largest city in the country and there is a lot to see and do in only a couple of days. So I opted for the tour bus version that carted me around the city and explained everything in English on headphones. Not too exciting, but I gained a sense of 'where' I am. Here are shots of the 13th century cathedral and the Alcazar...

The Rock of Gibralter

I decided to watch the sunset in the British-owned Gibralter...Will have to return to do the proper tour of the rock so I can see the caves and the famous Barbary apes that inhabit it, because all of the buses were closing at that time.

Tortilla de Camerones

The only thing on the menu I recognized...Shrimp tortilla!

More Morocoo

Copy and paste for GPS

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/gogl.jsp?glId=0ojJgYsAKf6tQQ4Wchh8xkPZZVLCB9Zfb

Goats

Morocco´s Funniest Bloopers

I filmed this to show how tiny the walkways are in the medinas, but I got more than I expected! No one was hurt, so I can laugh about it:)

More Pics

Here are some more photos from Marrakech and Fez. Many are from the medinas in each town. That is where all of the action occurs. They are complicated labrynths that are nearly impossible to navigate without getting lost. But I guess that was the whole point of them;)

I am now in the resort area of Andalucia, Malaga Spain. I am staying in a restored mansion a mere three blocks from the Mediterranean. Enjoying tapas and the famous local wines. Last night I had calamaritos, little baby squid. You could still distinguish their beady little eyes, it was as if they were watching me devour them.

Today I toured Picasso´s birth place. Very interesting. It was clear to see the differences in the various periods he went through.