Sunday, September 29, 2019

Day Eight: Marrakech Crazy and Food

Day eight started with a nice breakfast at our hostel. Steve double-fisted...coffee. 





Our next goal was to simply walk the medina, which is the heart of the town. Within minutes, while looking at our map, we were approached by someone wanting to help with directions. He began leading us to an area we were not planning to go. We knew we were played. Steve calls it “Marrakech 101”. But the story itself was well worth getting suckered (we didn’t spend any money). 



The rest of the day we simply looked around. It is hot. And I mean H.O.T. But being in the covered streets made it tolerable. I can’t describe how crazy the streets are. Donkeys pulling carts, motorcycles speeding through the alleys, exhaust burning your nose. It is like sensory overload. 















The shopping isn’t much different than Mexico in that everyone is calling you into their shop and haggling prices. I bought a couple scarves and got some spices for my collection jars, of which I’m pumped about! 

So many men were helpful as we were navigating our way through the crazy streets and figuring out what things were. This guy spent time telling us about all the things they use for medicinal purposes and had us smell so many things (of which several cleared out our sinuses!). 



As we were walking down the street I sarcastically said to Steve “hey, you should get a belt” and some guy started chasing after him with belts. Oops. 



We stopped for a drink in the streets and couscous at Cafe Araba (where they had alcohol). We made our way back to our room so I could rinse off, change my sweaty clothes and have a couple mojitos. 





Next up was our Food Coma...I mean Food Tour. We did it through Marrakech Food Tours and it was fabulous, but I ate so much! I need to learn to pace myself next time. 

First up was lamb tagine and sheep head. Can you see the jaw in the middle? Some guy ate the eyeball. 





Next we got olives. Did you know green and black are the same, just black is ripened longer? 



Next was harissa and lentil soup along with a pancake. Here is where I got full. But wait...



Ever had ground up sardines made into a patty? We did. We also had sheep spleen. 



My favorite...donuts! So yummy. I found room for them. 



Next up we’re snails, of which Steve and I skipped. I just couldn’t. 



Thought I was full before but then we landed on this yummy couscous. Oh my. 



Last stop was smoothies (mine was avocado, almond milk and vanilla) and Moroccan cookies. Yummy but I was so full. 



Food coma, the only way to describe it. But it was fun. 

Our last night in Marrakech and we both agreed it was great but two days was enough. We could have done other things but we got a good flavor of Marrakech. Tomorrow we head to Lisbon. 


Saturday, September 28, 2019

Day Seven: Good-Bye Europe, Hello Africa!

Day seven (I realized I was a day off, as the first post was really two days) included a bit of travel. We had breakfast at our favorite place - Grand Cafe’ 1919 (per Steve “Best coffee of the trip!”). We drove back to Palma, returned our car and flew to Madrid. 

I stopped for a quick soak/massage for my feet at the airport (mini pedicure), had a great salad and we departed for Marrakech. 



It was an uneventful second flight and we landed in Morocco...freaking Africa (my fourth continent, Steve’s third)!!!



We arranged a driver to take us to our hostel (Rodamón Marrakech). It is really nice. 





After checking in we walked to Jamaa El-fna, a square in the Medina. The smell, of what I think is gasoline, is so overwhelming my throat is seriously raw. People are correct when they say Marrakech will stimulate all your senses! Wow! 

There are all these mini-kitchens throughout the square that serve you super cheap food. Steve and I are a bit hesitant. Tomorrow night we are doing a food tour so we may venture to a stand. 





We had dinner at Zeitoun Café where we enjoyed some tagine, which is the vessel it is baked in. Steve wanted a beer but alcohol is pretty rare in Marrakech so he had to settle for carrot juice. 





Around midnight we walked back to our room. The walk back was a bit easier than when we left as all the little alleys are crazy! 






Friday, September 27, 2019

Day Five: Sa Colobra, Soller, and Albercutx

Day five started with a drive to Sa Calobra which included a windy road through the mountains (look closely at the panoramic below to see a view of the road). Steve got to practice his Mario Andretti skills. Our goal was to reach Torrent de Pareis, a beautiful beach. 











Next stop was Soller which is a cute town nestled in a valley with a stinkin’ cute train that runs through it. 







Next up was the watchtower, Albercutx. It was a crazy drive up in the car but it was a beautiful view. 









We ended the night in town with another paella (below, me with the giant spoon that came with it) and an enjoyable evening. I love Spain.  



Tomorrow we leave Mallorca for Marrakech...freaking Africa!! I’m excited. It will be a little different, but I’m excited. 


Thursday, September 26, 2019

Day Four: Alcúdia, Santanyí and Pizza

Day four started with a lovely breakfast near our hostel. We were greeted by the house cat on our way out. 





This was a day of driving around the island. Our first stop was Alcúdia, a town with a medieval wall built in 1362. 



We stopped for a lemonade-ginger-mint drink in Santanyi. Yummy. 



We drove to Cala Llombards for an absolutely beautiful beach! We walked along the coastline a bit. 





We went to a couple other beaches, with the last offering us a cold cervesa. 









We landed back in Port de Pollenca and had dinner at Little Italy which included some great pizza. We were making our way back to the hostel when we landed upon Bony’s, which had happy hour starting at 12:28am. Yes, exactly 12:28. They said the happy hour time changes every evening. Well, all I know is the €2.90 sangria was lovely.