December 30, 2018
Saylor
Pit: Not having gloves
Peak: Thermal Pools
Points: bring gloves!
Hudson
Pit: cold
Peak: Hot Springs
Points: viking tattoos and lava tubes are cool - go visit them.
Andy
Pit: 4 hours of daylight
Peak: Hot Springs
Points: viking tattoos, unpronounceable language, OMG, everything is so freakin' expensive, famous Iceland hotdogs are so overrated-will stick with Costco, unbelievable off road rigs, vague smell of sulfur, every type of weather imaginable except warm, rental car guy had some interesting warnings: hold onto the doors when opening so they don't get ripped off by the wind and insurance is a good idea because horses and cows may bite your car and cause damage.
Stars: 4
Cindy
Pit: Not seeing the Northern Lights
Peak: Secret Hot Springs - middle of nowhere and yet it is everything
Points: $8.00 a gallon for gas, crazy that it is the same time zone as Canary Islands yet a totally different world, no customs when coming from another European country - a true bonus after as many customs as we have been through!
That's a Wrap!
December 30, 2018
Off to the Blue Lagoon this morning! 10:00 am entry time and an hours drive. It is much colder feeling today with a harsh wind blowing. I'm feeling very Icelandic as I bundle up ready for the final adventure to our trip. Blue Lagoon!
We checked in, put conditioner on our hair to help protect it from the mineral in the water and out we went into the cold. A quick slip into the water and into the cave as you exit out. It is still dark out and it is early enough that there aren't a lot of people. A nice marriage of peaceful and healing. Super fun how some spots are hotter than others. I'm feeling a little bit like Goldie Locks and get to pick what is just right for me. We took advantage of the face mask scrub and looked full on silly.
Enjoyed a beer and some smoothies. Just the right ending to an amazing trip!
Time for a bite in a nearby town before we head to the airport. Kids have had pizza in every country and needed to check off Iceland. The review was positive. A nice crust with pepperoni.. a bonus because pepperoni was not available in all the countries. Off to the airport.
Well that's a wrap to an AMAZING trip around the world!
Off to the Blue Lagoon this morning! 10:00 am entry time and an hours drive. It is much colder feeling today with a harsh wind blowing. I'm feeling very Icelandic as I bundle up ready for the final adventure to our trip. Blue Lagoon!We checked in, put conditioner on our hair to help protect it from the mineral in the water and out we went into the cold. A quick slip into the water and into the cave as you exit out. It is still dark out and it is early enough that there aren't a lot of people. A nice marriage of peaceful and healing. Super fun how some spots are hotter than others. I'm feeling a little bit like Goldie Locks and get to pick what is just right for me. We took advantage of the face mask scrub and looked full on silly.
Time for a bite in a nearby town before we head to the airport. Kids have had pizza in every country and needed to check off Iceland. The review was positive. A nice crust with pepperoni.. a bonus because pepperoni was not available in all the countries. Off to the airport.
Well that's a wrap to an AMAZING trip around the world!
Our Golden Circle Day
December 29, 2018
Golden Circle today! Love being able to cook breakfast in and out we went. The weather is nice but on the cold side with a few clouds and spots of sun. First stop was to see the geyser in Geysir. It blows every 3-4 minutes.
Then hit the Gullfoss Falls. They are so breathtaking and powerful!
Next on the tour was the Secret Hot Springs which really aren't so secret but definitely fantastic! These are not free ($50 for the entire family) but so worth it. At this point we had been in the car for a number of hours and in & out of the cold. It was the perfect stop at the perfect time.
Our bodies warmed up and felt renewed. Rushed off for the hour drive to the Lava Tubes for the final tour of the day. Put on our hard hats and under the ground we went about 40 feet and headed in about 1,000 feet. The tube formed 5,000 years ago. It was interesting, but a little creepy when they decided to turn off all the lights so we could get a sense of the complete darkness the cave offered.
We were all starving and time for our first official meal in Iceland. Went to a cute town, with more Christmas lights, called Selfoss. The restaurant, Tryggvaskali offered us the meal that we deserved at this point. Wonderful lamb, cod, steak, pasta and lobster soup served straight from a tea kettle. Sooooo wonderful and flavorful!
After dinner we grabbed a couple of snacks for the plane ride tomorrow. I was looking at chocolate. After three days in Iceland we must be fitting in because a couple asked me to help them to pick out the best local chocolate. I really wish I was quicker and played along for a bit but explained I wouldn't be of any help. Turns out they are from the area I grew up in.
Bodies are feed and spirits are high. Time to hunt for those lights again. We drove into the deep darkness away from any town lights. What I was reminded of very quickly was this family has NO PATIENCE! Not more than 30 minutes went by and everyone was ready to head back.
Golden Circle today! Love being able to cook breakfast in and out we went. The weather is nice but on the cold side with a few clouds and spots of sun. First stop was to see the geyser in Geysir. It blows every 3-4 minutes.
We were all starving and time for our first official meal in Iceland. Went to a cute town, with more Christmas lights, called Selfoss. The restaurant, Tryggvaskali offered us the meal that we deserved at this point. Wonderful lamb, cod, steak, pasta and lobster soup served straight from a tea kettle. Sooooo wonderful and flavorful!
Bodies are feed and spirits are high. Time to hunt for those lights again. We drove into the deep darkness away from any town lights. What I was reminded of very quickly was this family has NO PATIENCE! Not more than 30 minutes went by and everyone was ready to head back.
64.1466 N, 21.9426 W
December 28, 2018
First day in Reykavik! It isn't raining or snowing and the temperature is reasonable at 33 degrees, but it does feel about 22 degrees per the weather app and I would agree. It was a bit of a late start today since we got in late last night and why run out when it is dark outside. The light started to show around 10:30 and official sunrise at 11:25 am. Sunset is 3:30 pm so a bit short on light this time of year.
We went into the heart of Reykavik. It is very quaint and super cute! I love all of the Christmas lights.
First stop was Braud & Co. We had a ginger pastry which was pretty darn yummy. As we were leaving some people told us that we should stick around for the pretzels that were just about to come out of the oven. Couldn't pass that up so we did. :-) Then off to Reykavik Chips - yep...french fries!
Lots of great dipping sauces and holes in the tables for you to put your cone of chips. Large fries were about $15. Back to the bakery for cinnamon rolls that were just coming out of the oven and we needed just a few more carbs for maximum carb overload!
Walked to Halgrimskrkja Church. It is a beautiful church in the icelandic style.
The wind was whipping through the street and we quickly realized we all forgot our scarfs...oops! Strolled Laugavegur Street. Everything is done up for Christmas and is very festive. I of course love it!
Time for protein as we are all crashing. Found Seabaron along the waterfront. It is a super low key, casual restaurant where you walk up and order then help yourself to water. A definite must! We ordered a skewer of halibut and a bowl of lobster bisque to share, a mere $28 for a lunch for one.
So good that we had to order another round of the same thing! Popped into a convenience store. $16 for a slice of pizza! Pass!
Everyone raved about the famous hot dogs of Iceland. I have been told they have lamb and/or horse meat. Not sure which but we waited in the long line. They must be good I thought if everyone is waiting here. Um, not the case for us. We never leave food and not one of the three hot dogs was fully eaten.
After a cold day and a late night we headed back to the place. Relaxed a bit and went to the grocery store to get some food for dinner. Everyone was too tired to go out for a real dinner. Ended up with the complete opposite of a real dinner. A cup of noodles, coco puffs and some fruit rounded it out.
None of us were really in the mood, but we all agreed that if we didn't go hunt for the Northern Lights we would regret it. Off we went and back we came. It was pretty cloudy and just didn't feel it.
We went into the heart of Reykavik. It is very quaint and super cute! I love all of the Christmas lights.
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| Look at those cute faces in that window! |
Time for protein as we are all crashing. Found Seabaron along the waterfront. It is a super low key, casual restaurant where you walk up and order then help yourself to water. A definite must! We ordered a skewer of halibut and a bowl of lobster bisque to share, a mere $28 for a lunch for one.
Everyone raved about the famous hot dogs of Iceland. I have been told they have lamb and/or horse meat. Not sure which but we waited in the long line. They must be good I thought if everyone is waiting here. Um, not the case for us. We never leave food and not one of the three hot dogs was fully eaten.
None of us were really in the mood, but we all agreed that if we didn't go hunt for the Northern Lights we would regret it. Off we went and back we came. It was pretty cloudy and just didn't feel it.
Now That's a Change!
December 27, 2018
Saylor and Andy ran down to the mercado and bakery this morning for our breakfast items and fresh crossiants! The last pastries before we head out today.
Trying to soak up every bit of sun and beauty before we head to dark, cold Iceland, so we enjoyed breakfast on the terrace.
The hotel was white with blue accents. I imagine this is what Greece would feel like. I would totally recommend this place to friends with families. They have lots activities for everyone. Enjoyed a nice fashion show poolside and live saxophone music. We decided on lunch at a cute little cafe along the pool's edge and then headed to the airport.
Sitting on the plane now. It is an hour delay and then almost six hours of flying ahead of us to our final country, Iceland!! I can't believe how fast this trip has gone by. We will be home in 3 1/2 short days.
We got our rental car and made it to our nice little Airbnb in Reykjavik. It is a cute one bedroom place and perfect for us. We were all starving. So we stopped at a little market and grabbed some food. No joke on how expensive everything is here. It was about midnight when we got in, had a quick bite and to bed about 1:00 am.
Saylor and Andy ran down to the mercado and bakery this morning for our breakfast items and fresh crossiants! The last pastries before we head out today.
The hotel was white with blue accents. I imagine this is what Greece would feel like. I would totally recommend this place to friends with families. They have lots activities for everyone. Enjoyed a nice fashion show poolside and live saxophone music. We decided on lunch at a cute little cafe along the pool's edge and then headed to the airport.
Sitting on the plane now. It is an hour delay and then almost six hours of flying ahead of us to our final country, Iceland!! I can't believe how fast this trip has gone by. We will be home in 3 1/2 short days.
We got our rental car and made it to our nice little Airbnb in Reykjavik. It is a cute one bedroom place and perfect for us. We were all starving. So we stopped at a little market and grabbed some food. No joke on how expensive everything is here. It was about midnight when we got in, had a quick bite and to bed about 1:00 am.
Canary Islands: Pits, Peaks & Points
December 27th, 2018
Saylor
Pit: Her and Hudson getting locked out of our room on Gran Canaria.
Peak: Siam Water Park
Points: If you go to the water park be sure and get the fast pass ($15)
Hudson
Pit: Not being able to do airsoft (It was closed)
Peak: Siam Water Park
Points: Really enjoyed Santa Barbara Beach Club and would like more time there.
Andy
Pit: Not enough time
Peak: Swimming in the natural pools
Points: Great wines, landing at a German ex-pat community, Elvis music at Christmas
Stars: 4 1/2
Cindy
Pit: Not nearly enough time
Peak: Swimming in the natural pools on Christmas
Points: Loved our seaside lunch on Christmas day, Elvis Christmas music playing everywhere (on Christmas) made me so happy. Made me feel like mom was with us and celebrating. Could spend at least six months a year here, a great vibe to the islands, so wonderful to be able to wear shorts, drink alcohol, enjoy food (without medical concerns) and soak up the sun! It was the first shower in a long time where I felt the water was clean. Never ending gelato everywhere!
Saylor
Pit: Her and Hudson getting locked out of our room on Gran Canaria.
Peak: Siam Water Park
Points: If you go to the water park be sure and get the fast pass ($15)
Hudson
Pit: Not being able to do airsoft (It was closed)
Peak: Siam Water Park
Points: Really enjoyed Santa Barbara Beach Club and would like more time there.
Andy
Pit: Not enough time
Peak: Swimming in the natural pools
Points: Great wines, landing at a German ex-pat community, Elvis music at Christmas
Stars: 4 1/2
Cindy
Pit: Not nearly enough time
Peak: Swimming in the natural pools on Christmas
Points: Loved our seaside lunch on Christmas day, Elvis Christmas music playing everywhere (on Christmas) made me so happy. Made me feel like mom was with us and celebrating. Could spend at least six months a year here, a great vibe to the islands, so wonderful to be able to wear shorts, drink alcohol, enjoy food (without medical concerns) and soak up the sun! It was the first shower in a long time where I felt the water was clean. Never ending gelato everywhere!
Tenerife, Spain
December 26, 2018
9:00 am flight and 30 minutes later we are on Tenerife. It was beautiful to fly over, lots of greenery, steep mountains and a volcano!
Landed and straight to Siam Water Park. It is voted #1 water park in the world by Trip Advisor. I was very happy on the lazy river. It took me almost an hour and had rapids, tropical plants, a conveyor belt and a cruise through an underwater aquarium that had sharks! Andy, Saylor and Hudson were all in with the crazy, fast rides. Many people had very little on and I'm surprised anything was on after some of the rides. Not only did we see black swans and seals, we saw lots of fake body parts and extra long false eyelashes.
Checked into Santa Barbara Golf and Beach Club. We were upgraded and given an apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a terrace that wrapped around the front with an amazing ocean view! We sat on the terrace and enjoyed some bocatillos (baguette sandwich) and wine while the sun set.
9:00 am flight and 30 minutes later we are on Tenerife. It was beautiful to fly over, lots of greenery, steep mountains and a volcano!
Landed and straight to Siam Water Park. It is voted #1 water park in the world by Trip Advisor. I was very happy on the lazy river. It took me almost an hour and had rapids, tropical plants, a conveyor belt and a cruise through an underwater aquarium that had sharks! Andy, Saylor and Hudson were all in with the crazy, fast rides. Many people had very little on and I'm surprised anything was on after some of the rides. Not only did we see black swans and seals, we saw lots of fake body parts and extra long false eyelashes.
Checked into Santa Barbara Golf and Beach Club. We were upgraded and given an apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a terrace that wrapped around the front with an amazing ocean view! We sat on the terrace and enjoyed some bocatillos (baguette sandwich) and wine while the sun set.
Feliz Navidad
December 25, 2018
Christmas in Gran Canaria! Andy and Saylor went down and got us fresh chocolate croissants from this sweet, oma like baker. She wears a Mrs. Claus outfit. Best chocolate croissants ever! There is a very generous portion of chocolate throughout and a light fluffy pastry. We have a nice breakfast on the patio over looking the water. A great start. The
Headed north on the island to Agaet Piscina natural swimming pools. Just over an hours drive. There are amazing natural pools created by lava formations with some magical little openings in a few spots where you can swim from one pool to the next. They are filled by the crashing sea and surrounded by the cliffs of this beautiful island. It is very refreshing and I love everything about it.
Drove five minutes down the road to a seaside town, Puerto de las Nieves. This is also where the ferry leaves from to Tenerife. A beautiful black sand beach, people swimming and lots of cute waterfront restaurants. We had a fantastic lunch and some wonderful sangria!
Along the boardwalk there are different stairs that lead you into the sea for a swim.
Not sure how to describe the scene. It feels very mediterranean and also very european. Hudson caught an eye full at a topless beach. However, when we drove by a nudist beach and offered to make a stop and he quickly declined.
On the way back we had a fun stop at a go-kart place. Such a radom thing to do on Christmas, but it was fun.
Enjoyed a nice seafood dinner at a tiny little restaurant along the water. I'm really not sure how they get their food because it is an old, small dirt road to get there with barely enough room for us to turn around. Christmas dinner, watching the sun set along the water's edge is pretty amazing.
Finished off the night with Andy and I grabbing a quick mug of Christmas cheer at the Cave Bar, listening to Elvis!
Along part of the coast there are oil rigs drilling and lots of wind turbines. There are two kinds of roads here. The older twisty roads that go right along the edge of the mountain - that take away years of my life because it stresses me out. Or there are new highways. Big valleys, no problem, they build giant bridges. Lots of mountains, no problem, blast a hole and build a tunnel. There are these old, quaint villages connected by modern roads. Also embracing the, "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service, No Smoking....No problem" attitude here.
Christmas in Gran Canaria! Andy and Saylor went down and got us fresh chocolate croissants from this sweet, oma like baker. She wears a Mrs. Claus outfit. Best chocolate croissants ever! There is a very generous portion of chocolate throughout and a light fluffy pastry. We have a nice breakfast on the patio over looking the water. A great start. The
Drove five minutes down the road to a seaside town, Puerto de las Nieves. This is also where the ferry leaves from to Tenerife. A beautiful black sand beach, people swimming and lots of cute waterfront restaurants. We had a fantastic lunch and some wonderful sangria!
On the way back we had a fun stop at a go-kart place. Such a radom thing to do on Christmas, but it was fun.
Enjoyed a nice seafood dinner at a tiny little restaurant along the water. I'm really not sure how they get their food because it is an old, small dirt road to get there with barely enough room for us to turn around. Christmas dinner, watching the sun set along the water's edge is pretty amazing.
Finished off the night with Andy and I grabbing a quick mug of Christmas cheer at the Cave Bar, listening to Elvis!
Along part of the coast there are oil rigs drilling and lots of wind turbines. There are two kinds of roads here. The older twisty roads that go right along the edge of the mountain - that take away years of my life because it stresses me out. Or there are new highways. Big valleys, no problem, they build giant bridges. Lots of mountains, no problem, blast a hole and build a tunnel. There are these old, quaint villages connected by modern roads. Also embracing the, "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service, No Smoking....No problem" attitude here.
Gran Canarias, A Little Exploring
December 24, 2018
It's Christmas Eve! Doesn't feel like it since we aren't home, but it is!
It is on the colder side for the area but it isn't raining at least. Went to Puerto Mogan today. It is an adorable little town on the water with a marina.
They have fun shops, cute restaurants and lots of flowers everywhere! I love how they hang over the walkways.
Kids and Andy had paella for lunch and I had calamari.
Finished it all off with gelato. Drove to another beach and the kids had time to be kids. They played on a floating obstacle course. Lots of fun and the sun came out! Next beach was a black sand beach. Each beach seems to offer a little something different from the other.
We spent a little time exploring our condo complex. They have a tennis court built into the side of the mountain/rock and a pool. They both have the most amazing views! A view of the water and our complex from them.
I think I could spend a lifetime in this area!
It's Christmas Eve! Doesn't feel like it since we aren't home, but it is!
It is on the colder side for the area but it isn't raining at least. Went to Puerto Mogan today. It is an adorable little town on the water with a marina.
Kids and Andy had paella for lunch and I had calamari.
We spent a little time exploring our condo complex. They have a tennis court built into the side of the mountain/rock and a pool. They both have the most amazing views! A view of the water and our complex from them.
I think I could spend a lifetime in this area!
28.5'59.03'N, 15.24'48.35'W Gran Canaria
December 23, 2018
Off this morning to drive back to Marrakech airport (3 hours). Then a 2 hour flight to Gran Canarias. Kids got to ride in their first prop plane.
The plane taxied at about 40 mph. They weren't wasting any time. It was an interesting flight. We flew over a number of crators. After two weeks of Saylor and I not being able to wear shorts we finally get to!!!!
Grabbed our car and headed to Monsenor located in Playa del Cura. It is this great complex built into the side of a rock. You go up 4 floors in an elevator, then walk to the second elevator and go up a couple more levels. Typically you would then walk to the third elevator but it is broken. So we had to walk and then carry our luggage up 4 floors of stairs to get to our appartment. My knight in shinning armor carried mine up for me. The view was worth it though. This is from our place.
We went to a grocery store where we recognized things for the first time in weeks. The kids and I just stared at the cheese section, drulling. And there was salami, prosciutto and ham! We were so excited!
Dinner and then enjoyed the full moon our patio overlooking the ocean.
Andy and I went for a few more floors of stairs and went to explore the Cave Bar. It is a bar built into a cave on the side of a mountain. There was a group of very drunk Europeans. They wanted us to have a drink. It would have been so much fun, but we were tired. Super chill and a great vibe.
Off this morning to drive back to Marrakech airport (3 hours). Then a 2 hour flight to Gran Canarias. Kids got to ride in their first prop plane.
Grabbed our car and headed to Monsenor located in Playa del Cura. It is this great complex built into the side of a rock. You go up 4 floors in an elevator, then walk to the second elevator and go up a couple more levels. Typically you would then walk to the third elevator but it is broken. So we had to walk and then carry our luggage up 4 floors of stairs to get to our appartment. My knight in shinning armor carried mine up for me. The view was worth it though. This is from our place.
Dinner and then enjoyed the full moon our patio overlooking the ocean.
Morocco: Pits, Peaks & Points
December 23, 2018
Saylor
Pit: Seeing the homeless people
Peak: Fun on the ATVs
Points: Be prepared to drink lots of bottled water
Hudson
Pit: Seeing all the plastics on the streets
Peak: ATVs
Points: Enjoyed chillin' at the beach and shopping the souks
Andy
Pit: Low ceilings and too many stairs
Peak: Meandering through the souk in Marrakech
Points: Not getting sick through all the sketchy countries. Enjoyed Karim. Had a great time with Hudson and the hammam. Really good close shave at the local barber.
Stars: 4 1/2
Cindy
Pit: Constantly being stared at
Peak: Having fun on the ATVs with the family
Points: Women should be prepared to dress very conservative. Lots of affordable shopping and some absolutely beautiful restaurants and residences behind closed doors.
Saylor
Pit: Seeing the homeless people
Peak: Fun on the ATVs
Points: Be prepared to drink lots of bottled water
Hudson
Pit: Seeing all the plastics on the streets
Peak: ATVs
Points: Enjoyed chillin' at the beach and shopping the souks
Andy
Pit: Low ceilings and too many stairs
Peak: Meandering through the souk in Marrakech
Points: Not getting sick through all the sketchy countries. Enjoyed Karim. Had a great time with Hudson and the hammam. Really good close shave at the local barber.
Stars: 4 1/2
Cindy
Pit: Constantly being stared at
Peak: Having fun on the ATVs with the family
Points: Women should be prepared to dress very conservative. Lots of affordable shopping and some absolutely beautiful restaurants and residences behind closed doors.
Final Day in Morocco
December 22, 2018
It was a low key morning. Breakfast at the riad and then wondering the streets. Headed to the ocean for some beach time. Warm and sunny today, but the water is still very much like Seattle's water temp. Not that that has ever stopped the kids.
On the way back to the apartment Andy and Hudson got five pounds of oranges for $ .60 and made fresh squeezed OJ - that was the best ever according to Hudson. We enjoyed our last Morocco sunset and headed for dinner. Restaurants open for dinner at 7:00. We needed to go get inline before it opens for the restaurant tonight. Randomly on the way some guy offered Andy some hash.
It was very cute with tapered candles on the table which I love. Our last dinner here and it was very good with couscous, Moroccan soup, lemons/chicken/rice in a tangine and a grilled fish dish.
Morocco was mysterious and magical and often intimidating. I'm not sure if it is Morocco or just the fact that this is week two of feeling like I can't get someone to smile back, they stare even more than the other countries or just the uniqueness to it. With the exception of our host in the riad, Karim, we have not made a connection with any locals. I love when you ask how the vegetables and fruit are cleaned they say, "Don't worry. It is safe. We wash it with water out of the faucet." Wrong answer for this traveling girl. I enjoyed the vast difference between Marrakech and Essaouri. Essaouri's souks are way more laid back, no real negotiating and prices were much better. To have our own apartment in Essaouri was a treat to have a little extra space for the family to spread out. I really enjoyed the musicians that played in the square. It was a gorgeous, sunny, 80 degree day at the beach to end on.
It was a low key morning. Breakfast at the riad and then wondering the streets. Headed to the ocean for some beach time. Warm and sunny today, but the water is still very much like Seattle's water temp. Not that that has ever stopped the kids.
On the way back to the apartment Andy and Hudson got five pounds of oranges for $ .60 and made fresh squeezed OJ - that was the best ever according to Hudson. We enjoyed our last Morocco sunset and headed for dinner. Restaurants open for dinner at 7:00. We needed to go get inline before it opens for the restaurant tonight. Randomly on the way some guy offered Andy some hash.
Morocco was mysterious and magical and often intimidating. I'm not sure if it is Morocco or just the fact that this is week two of feeling like I can't get someone to smile back, they stare even more than the other countries or just the uniqueness to it. With the exception of our host in the riad, Karim, we have not made a connection with any locals. I love when you ask how the vegetables and fruit are cleaned they say, "Don't worry. It is safe. We wash it with water out of the faucet." Wrong answer for this traveling girl. I enjoyed the vast difference between Marrakech and Essaouri. Essaouri's souks are way more laid back, no real negotiating and prices were much better. To have our own apartment in Essaouri was a treat to have a little extra space for the family to spread out. I really enjoyed the musicians that played in the square. It was a gorgeous, sunny, 80 degree day at the beach to end on.
Beach Day in Essaouira
December 21, 2018
The more flights of the stairs we walk the better the view. Walked up four floors for breakfast this morning overlooking the medina and the beach. We got eggs!!!!! Our first breakfast in awhile that wasn't straight carbs!
Did a little homework and caught up on some emails.
Check out my little photo bomber! 
It is perfect weather about 72 degrees and sunny. Hard to believe this is their winter. Drove down the beach a mile and had a wonderful lunch at Vagabond. Loved the feel of it. They had couch tables, lounge chairs and day beds.
Fantastic lunch with Andy having a beer which was his first since Sri Lanka (a little more than a week ago). Not because he didn't want one but because both Oman and Sri Lanka are dry countries. Enjoyed watching the camels and horses on the beach.
We forgot our money so Andy and Saylor ran back to get it. While Hudson and I were waiting on a day bed a group of trapeze artist came and did a performance on the beach. Shortly after that a girl came by offering a head rub (10 minutes, $5 USD) or neck massage (20 minutes, $10USD). Also a guy came in trying to sell almonds from table to table. Always an experience on this trip.
We ended up renting two quads, no helmets of course. Living on the edge on this trip. We had a guide that showed us the way. It was a beautiful empty beach.
Went by a ship wreck and over dunes. In the middle of it all the guide suddenly stopped, got off his quad and saved a turtle that was on the trail. Offered to give it to the kids as a gift. Of course they were all in, but a quick no from Andy and I. Super fun afternoon!
Weird to have to look at the phone to figure out what day of the week it is. A little gelato, shopping in the souk, a bit more where we saw lots of fish, beautiful olives, many different animal body parts (inside and out) and random things like cactus for cooking.
Sitting here on our patio enjoying the view and sea breeze watching the sun set. Boys are enjoying some sweet local grapefruits and oranges. Yep, pinch me again!
It's Friday and that means couscous night! I guess they only cook it here once a week, Fridays, per Karim. So he suggest you only eat it on Fridays so it is fresh.
31.5085 N, 9.7595 W
December 20, 2018
Last minute shopping this morning before leaving Marrakech. Andy also went and got a local shave with an open razor. Scary! Close shave though.
We rented a car and drove to Essaouira. It was a three hour drive. Roads are very flat and very good road conditions. It is interesting to me how there are so many varied forms of transportation: mules, horses, donkeys, bikes, scooters, roller blades, buses, taxis. They all play together nicely and give each other the room they need. It is busy but not nearly as crazy as Vietnam. I feel like after Hanoi we can cross a street in any country.
Pulled into Essaouira. You park outside the walled city and walk in with luggage in tow.
It was a quick 5 minute walk through the medina to our riad - Chem Bleu. We actually aren't in the official riad. It is an apartment they have. It is super cute, two story place with three bathrooms and two bedrooms. We have a small little ocean view.
Essaouira is a seaside little surf town. It has a really cool vibe. It is nice to walk the corridors and not have nearly as many motorcycles everywhere...just the occasional. One of the sides to the town has a rugged coastline. The other has a beautiful beach. The town is mostly painted white with lots of sea blue accents.
Time to explore. We walked around the medina. Made our way to the docks of course.
You would think it was the fish market but it wasn't even though there were little stalls set up to sell.
All the traditional stuff but there were also eel! They must have been at least 3 1/2 feet long. Lots of them.
Went to a cafe to enjoy the sunset and listen to some musicians playing in the square. Easy going tunes with a guitar and djembe drummer that fit the scene perfectly.
Finished the day with dinner at the Loft. It was a nice meal, relaxing. Time to relax for the evening.
Hudson's quote of the day:
I think I'm standing in a pile of fish guts! - and he was
Last minute shopping this morning before leaving Marrakech. Andy also went and got a local shave with an open razor. Scary! Close shave though.
Pulled into Essaouira. You park outside the walled city and walk in with luggage in tow.
Essaouira is a seaside little surf town. It has a really cool vibe. It is nice to walk the corridors and not have nearly as many motorcycles everywhere...just the occasional. One of the sides to the town has a rugged coastline. The other has a beautiful beach. The town is mostly painted white with lots of sea blue accents.
Time to explore. We walked around the medina. Made our way to the docks of course.
Went to a cafe to enjoy the sunset and listen to some musicians playing in the square. Easy going tunes with a guitar and djembe drummer that fit the scene perfectly.
Hudson's quote of the day:
I think I'm standing in a pile of fish guts! - and he was
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