Count them out and count them in! Day 1- Morocco
What an amazing and busy day. Having survived the Haribo-fuelled day that was yesterday, we were all in need of a good breakfast before setting off to Morocco at 9am. everyone was up and ready, continental breakfasts were enjoyed and Euros distributed. Over breakfast it was lovely to hear that the Jet2 hostesses had commented on what a credit the girls had been on the flight out! Some rather sleepy heads, but everyone surprisingly delightful and in good spirits! Only one pair managed to sleep through 4 wake up calls (Sophie and Luci - bless! Having arrived in the dark it was rather wonderful to watch the sun come up over the bay as we munched on croissants!
Getting ready to leave provided the first 'monkey' encounter of the trip - via Indigo and Luci's balcony as I joined them to take a morning photo of the Rock. Who would have thought they could climb so fast! Big monkey, big teeth, big surprise...but very exciting!
So off to Morocco on time, in a sea of blue tour tops and long trousers...
An hour on the coaches through misty olive groves and incongruous wind turbines and we were at the port. Everyone was more than ready for a quiet sit and a bit of chocolate as we travelled across to Morocco. With the excellent support and experience of our guide Peter (and the coach driver) we then set off on an hour's tour of the many faces of Morocco, from rags to riches! An hour later and we were off on foot together, herded not only by Peter and the staff, but an undercover policeman who was totally fantastic. The result was an incredible experience and one where we felt totally safe, despite the incredible range of sights and characters. We were offered husbands for several of the girls, but declined, of course, and we are all back safe and sound. We sat on camels, held snakes, enjoyeda typical moroccan meal (cinammon and something soup, shish kebab, chicken and couscous, washed down with hot mint tea and honey cakes!), visited the bazaars as well as learning all about rugs and traditional herbal medicines! With the polite cry of 'No thank you' echoing, we navigated the narrow streets and many street sellers - what a buzz!
Back in Gibraltar we were taken to Pizza Express for a much more familiar meal at 8pm. Once again, it was lovely to hear from the tour rep, Steven, how highly the guides had thought of the girls today. As staff, we were impressed by everyone's contribution to our day: the younger girls for 'having a go' and being attentive at all times, and the older girls for the teamwork and willingness to take responsibilty when asked, immediately and without question. Obviously we want them all to have a good time appropriate to their ages, but this was, we felt, group touring as it should be...
And now, with slightly staggered bedtimes, they are all off to bed. I may try and attach some photos, skill, luck and 60 mins of internet time permitting. Visit to the Rock and monkeys in the morning, followed by lunch in town, a bit of relaxing (swimming) back at the hotel then the bus to St Annes School for our first fixtures from 6pm. The girls are ready to play!
Getting ready to leave provided the first 'monkey' encounter of the trip - via Indigo and Luci's balcony as I joined them to take a morning photo of the Rock. Who would have thought they could climb so fast! Big monkey, big teeth, big surprise...but very exciting!
So off to Morocco on time, in a sea of blue tour tops and long trousers...
An hour on the coaches through misty olive groves and incongruous wind turbines and we were at the port. Everyone was more than ready for a quiet sit and a bit of chocolate as we travelled across to Morocco. With the excellent support and experience of our guide Peter (and the coach driver) we then set off on an hour's tour of the many faces of Morocco, from rags to riches! An hour later and we were off on foot together, herded not only by Peter and the staff, but an undercover policeman who was totally fantastic. The result was an incredible experience and one where we felt totally safe, despite the incredible range of sights and characters. We were offered husbands for several of the girls, but declined, of course, and we are all back safe and sound. We sat on camels, held snakes, enjoyeda typical moroccan meal (cinammon and something soup, shish kebab, chicken and couscous, washed down with hot mint tea and honey cakes!), visited the bazaars as well as learning all about rugs and traditional herbal medicines! With the polite cry of 'No thank you' echoing, we navigated the narrow streets and many street sellers - what a buzz!
Back in Gibraltar we were taken to Pizza Express for a much more familiar meal at 8pm. Once again, it was lovely to hear from the tour rep, Steven, how highly the guides had thought of the girls today. As staff, we were impressed by everyone's contribution to our day: the younger girls for 'having a go' and being attentive at all times, and the older girls for the teamwork and willingness to take responsibilty when asked, immediately and without question. Obviously we want them all to have a good time appropriate to their ages, but this was, we felt, group touring as it should be...
And now, with slightly staggered bedtimes, they are all off to bed. I may try and attach some photos, skill, luck and 60 mins of internet time permitting. Visit to the Rock and monkeys in the morning, followed by lunch in town, a bit of relaxing (swimming) back at the hotel then the bus to St Annes School for our first fixtures from 6pm. The girls are ready to play!
posted by SJ Hardy at
12:53 PM
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