16 April - last day at sea!

Lisbon tomorrow, as our cruise comes to an end :(

. . . and onto new adventures!

15 April - Casablanca

Following a day at sea we arrived in the port at Casablanca. Now, I know the very name conjures up all kinds of thought associated with the movie, but the reality is so very different. For starters, the port is a modern container terminal, noisy, dusty, and all rather blah.

It’s also a very modern city, with traffic, high rise buildings and a busy commercial downtown.

But, beyond that, some of the magic can be recaptured by wandering the souk, the oldest part of the city, which probably hasn’t changed that much in a couple of centuries.

Bustling enough indeed to enjoy a return to the yacht for some lunch, and ponder the voyage to date.

Then, late in the day, waving farewell to the crowd at the end of the pier, we set sail for Lisbon, 350 nautical miles to the north, and 33 hours away. To round out the day, a celebratory bar-b-q on deck prepared by the crew, an excellent bunch, and top marks to them for taking such good care of us all.

13 April . . Agadir/Taroudant

Perhaps preferring the leisurely lifestyle of a cruise guest, we’ve not indulged in any of the package tours offered to date. However, today we took the plunge – so to speak.

Arriving in Agadir in the early hours, we embarked on a two hour bus ride to Taroudant, to explore the Medina and other local delights. Our tour guide was a fount on information, and we arrived at the city gate much wiser to the ways of life in Morocco than when we started out. Although restored and rebuilt, the city walls date back to the 15th Century.

Driving through the gates and into the maze of streets that lead to the souk, we enjoyed the experience of being a typical group of gawking tourists, whilst being gawked back at by the locals. And I mean, honestly, who can resist the abundance of bargains on sale . . . .

Sigh!

Finally, liberated from the clutches of eager merchants, and out into the sunlight.
Very, very different from downtown Kingston.

Next stop, Roudana, to sample the delights of the fruit of the Argon tree.

An oil, extracted by traditional methods, good for cooking, and anything that ails you . . .

Hmmmm.

People aren’t the only creatures addicted to the tree. Local goats like the leaves so much, they’ve developed the ability to climb the trees to eat the foliage.
Billy up a Tree.
Good name for a pub perhaps?

Back on the bus, and instead of home to the yacht, it’s beach party time, with traditional dinner, Berber bands, and belly dancing. Look who can’t resist!

All amenities . . . the local washrooms . . .

Finally, sundown, time to fold the tents and head back to our home for the night.

12 April 2016

The last couple of days have been a little ‘odd’, adjusting to the ocean swell and recovering from a bug, probably picked up on the airplane journey down. But, never give in, never surrender 
Arrived in Lanzarote, the port being rather sad, run-down sort of place. But, weather was good, and an opportunity to stretch our legs, exploring the seafront. First stop – coffee! Indeed, more than coffee. A sandwich need to satisfy returning appetite, and what better than deep fried fish filet on a baguette! I know, sounds strange – but – have to say, one of the most unusual and tasty snack we’ve ever experienced. A true local, street side delicacy.

The town boasts a lagoon, and at the water’s edge, it very own castle, 16th century according to the guide, and in all probability built to fend off those dastardly English pirates.

Good thing we’re not driving there . . .

Rather, a leisurely pace along the front, before heading back to the Star Legend.

Soon underway and something you wouldn’t normally see, dropping off the Pilot at the harbour mouth before heading out to sea, on our way to Morocco.

Finally tonight,and a special evening at the dinner table, to wish Di a long-distance ‘happy birthday’!