After a month in Australia I was craving some cultural immersion in my beloved second home. I went with a guide today into the Marrakech Medina, deep into the narrowest dim 12th century alleys, along the wider derbs punctuated with ornate doors and through many souks full of all manner of goods. The sky was blue, the sun was shining and I felt the warm embrace of Morocco....that which seems to capture me time after time.
I took the lift...65 meters up....then walked down. If you go to the Sagrada don’t miss it....it’s an unforgettable experience, a lifetime highlight sort of experience !
It was a dog day afternoon in Barcelona ! I must credit Kathi Black for photo of me ! I was hoping I could persuade that puppy to perch on my shoulder !!
The ceramic tile dates back to the oldest of civilisations....I never tire of the variations in design I see not only as I travel but right on my door step in Morocco
This is my second trip to Barcelona and I loved it then and I love it now. Even though it’s midwinter, the days are lovely with no chill in the air till the sun is setting. The hordes of tourists are still here queuing at the crack of dawn outside all the revered Gaudi landmarks but by late afternoon all is quiet and yesterday after lunch I walked calmly and alone over the threshold of Casa Batlo. No one in front of me, no one behind me ! I do believe though that soon someone will create the ticket to skip the skip the line ticket....for a price. I might be the first in that queue !
I was extremely fortunate to find a “pointy end of the plane “ ticket at an affordable price for my return trip from Australia. That means two very nice words ....lounge access ! Well when I came across paper cups in the KL lounge and vile press button coffee, I felt distinctly miffed and the call to Starbucks was mighty strong....it was pre dawn too so my disappointment was even more keenly felt. Muscat on the other hand was a whole different experience....and yes, my affordable ticket meant a sort of milk run and a visit to Oman !! Bejeweled coffee pots held Arabic coffee and dates and petit fours lay appealingly under domes with crystal handles. A cocktail waiter was whizzing up alcoholic concoctions and I felt no concern when our plane was delayed . I even passed on sipping a mojito , loving my rehydrating cucumber detox water !
I have spent an awful lot of time in airports lately...some better than others ! Each one has completely different systems in place for security and immigration and different attitudes from the personnel ! But I have arrived at my three night stopover in one piece but with of course more than my normal amount of mixed up wafty and dizzy head space caused by a blur of time zones....I will have this affliction now for about three weeks ! But small price to pay for seeing my family and friends !
There is a miniscule balcony and a very green clothesline separating me from the Sagrada Familia Basilica !! Wow does not even start to cover this epic view !
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