Morocco – first impressions

We’ve been in Morocco for a week now and we do feel at home here, it’s such a warm and friendly country. First we were in the port of Nador which was a real culture shock. It’s a very primitive town, poor and very very dirty. Dispite the difficult living conditions the people are friendly and kind and we had some good times there. We went by bus to visit Mar Chica which we had been looking forward to seeing since France, but we found it desperately polluted and decided not to go there with Wanda.
After a few days we got more comfortable with the town but we never got used to living in such dirty conditions, so much work to keep ourselves and the boat reasonably clean. We were dreaming of a pretty anchorage where we could swim and wash and fish (we’re spoilt now, you see). So on Sunday we left the port into nasty big waves, it was a fight to leave the place! Eventually however we found what I think is the most beautiful bay I have ever seen (Caro speaking). Clear water with fat fish in it, white sand, impressive cliffs and dunes to roll down…This paradise is called Cala Tramontana (don’t tell everyone!). There’s no village at the beach, just a few fisherman’s huts, a well and a place to wash clothes. The village is a couple of kilometres away but there are only dwellings there, no shops or anything. We met the villagers who come down with their donkeys to get water and do their laundry, as well as a few goatherds. We couldn’t really communicate very well but they were always so friendly and welcoming. It was just what we needed, but we had to leave after a few days when some wind was forecast from the wrong direction for the anchorage.
We arrived at the port of Al Hoceima on Thursday where they were obviously expecting us for the whole town and all the boats were decorated with flags. In fact the King is here on holiday so we are really seeing the place at its best. Which is actually very nice. We have decided to stay here for two more weeks to do some work on the boat (interminable finishing touches).
We have all fallen in love with Morocco for her people, her landscape and the quality of life affordable here. So again we have no hesitation in changing our plans…now we plan to continue exploring the Mediterranean coast then turn left to explore her Atlantic coast, then perhaps to Senegal, Gambia and the Cape Verde Islands. We’d like to cross the Atlantic for a bit of proper sailing, maybe Brazil for the carnival in February?

P.S. Maroc Telecom kindly gave us a free SIM card so we are on the phone until further notice…00 212 642 820 982 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              00 212 642 820 982      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.