We have left another country behind, with mixed feelings. Morocco was interesting, but not our favourite, due to different things. We would like to maybe go back, when we are a little ‘fresher’ in our travels, and have an empty suitcase!! (as opposed to a full backpack)
However we crossed the border after another two fast grand mercedes taxi rides. Trick though – we were still in North Africa and also in Spain – a Spanish governed city – Ceuta. It was a real melting pot of different cultures.
Instantly it felt quite different. People expressed themselves more and there was a lot more happiness in the air. It seemed to be a real family friendly place. There were Mums Dads kids, and grandparents all enjoying themselves. We were held up at the border in the hot sun due to a computer glitch, but after an hour we were on our way. We found a hostel and then explored the old city – another one, moats, walls, castles – you get the picture!!
We then had the momentous task of deciding what to eat for dinner, and were relieved we didn’t have to choose from tagine and couscous. So we found a tapa bar – and it was good. We had a lovely night and a few beers, tinto and limons. We met a nice couple of young teachers – Jose – special needs and the other a kindy teacher, both men. They were happy to practise their English and help us out with the tapas. It was really good as they shared stories of their work and city. We asked them about where to go next in Spain and they suggested we give Gibraltor a miss – why do you want to see a big boring rock, and apes?? So a collective decision was made to bus to Cadiz.
We took a fast ferry to the ‘real Spain’ Algerciras the following morning. Georgia got quite excited, as she could practise some Spanish that she had learnt but wished she had learned more than just what was in her pencil case!! We took the bus to Cadiz via Tarifa along the coast. We had never seen anything like it a huge amount (probably 300?) kite surfers all along the beach. Their colourful sails blowing in the sea breeze.