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The First Chapter: Rabat
Well a few weeks ago i went on a trip to Morocco, the trip started with a few days of sailing from my home in Gibraltar. Including some grueling night shifts and for me and some of my peers a diet consisting that of a lucky well behaved prisoner. I had never suffered in particular from Sea sickness in the past, nevertheless these were considerably shorter trips and did not contain the intense weather and large swells i was unaccustomed to. Other than me and the side of the boat getting well acquainted the trip was for the most part uneventful. But one cannot deny the great satisfaction experienced when sitting on deck looking up onto the night sky, with no artificial light to drown out the pure natural beauty of a bright star lit sky. So while dodging unlit fishing boats with nets strung out 25 meters either side, hoping they wouldn't catch on the prop.
But I held strong and within a few days the reward for my suffering was made apparent, as we skimmed across the water in parallel with the sandy desert coast line. Finally the City of Rabat was in sight on the horizon, and as we drew closer the vision became even more intimidating. Where the taking in the entire city in one glance became troublesome. The colossal city with its contrast of modern and ancient structures took up my whole span of vision, and more importantly dazzled my mind.
And with my stomach settled and my imagination running wild, I was eager to eat my next meal on the main land and enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal. So after what must have been 2 hours of hassle with the port authorities, we were finally allowed into their port. Once moored up one must say that the port we were in was no different to one in the more developed western world. Once we were settled in, i got changed and made my way up the wooden peer and literally bent over to kiss the ground (lol). While I waited for the others, I practiced with my Devil Sticks, for those of you who don't know what they are look out for future posts. (nothing special but good to pass the time :) )
Following a decent half hour juggling session along the board walk in the marina, in front of the bars set up there. Receiving all kinds of funny looks and giggles, the rest of my companions were ready and we set into town.
Within seconds of leaving the gates to the marina we witnessed the contrast of our normal lives and the way people live there. Some may find this daunting or worrying, but as a big group of guys we were all for getting caught up in the excitement. Which started with us sharing a taxi with what appeared to be two other locals. And i will never get over the fact that they would, for the most part, 7 to 8 people in a 4 seater car. Sharing the front seat and squeezing in to the point of sitting on each others laps in the back seats. So after a tight and scary drive in a country where road discipline is definitely something to be desired (lol). We arrived at the entrance of the primary Souq in Rabat, and the streets were bustling with life. The sights were something to be marveled, and the feeling of dropping clean out of your own comfort zone is a feeling in which i am becoming more and more fond off. We wondered our way down the intertwining and crowded streets, browsing for hidden treasures and souvenirs for people back home. And if you take anything from this article is, though this is not done on you're local high street bartering is common place here. For instance i don't think in any instance did i not pay half price if not less for an item, so if they don't go to half walk away, they will follow you and bring it down to you're terms or pretty damn close. The term "looking for a Bargain" takes a whole other shape and form in that part of the world, happy hunting.
Following a bit of browsing we found ourselves in what appeared the food area, and we took to getting Chicken Kebabs as form of a snack, as we'd decided to go to a restaurant on route towards the Marina we spotted while in the taxi. Following a lovely bowl of "sopa de ramadan" (forgive my spelling it is incorrect) Which i must say was lovely with some Moroccan bread.
Then as a main course I had a lovely 'Chicken tagine' which after the pre-mentioned bread and water diet on the boat, was heavenly filling. As if this wasn't enough to satisfy this foreigners tastes, 2 small cups of Mint tea were well suited to finish the meal off. We then walked off the meal on the way to the boat across a large bridge. We witnessed just how bad the road situation there is, cars and motorbikes with no lights on is but one example. But to a tolerably and welcomed lighter rocking of the boat, my day in Rabat drew to a close.
( I'll have some pictures up at a later date i still need to find my memory stick which has disappeared since, and you'll also have the pleasure of our time spent in Marrakesh and "Alcilla" Soon) Hope you Enjoyed it my first Blog ^^
