Costa Rica

Holidays in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, Central America is famous for its biodiversity across the tropical forests making it a nature lover’s dream destination. The tropical mammals like sloths, tapirs and monkeys, coupled with the insects and many birds astound and delight visitors. 25% of the country is actually made up of national parks and there are many places to visit and enjoy the lush vegetation and copious wildlife.

The country’s seasons are determined by the amount of rainfall. Typically there is simply a wet and dry season. The latter falls between December to April and the cooler, rainy season takes place from May to November. Whichever season you visit Costa Rica, you won’t want to miss out on the gorgeous beaches. Most of the tourist beaches are found on the Pacific side near San Jose. The lesser populated beaches are actually in the tropical rainforest to the south and also on the exotic Caribbean side.

With more rivers than anywhere else on the globe, rafting is a popular past time that allows for amazing views of the country. The most popular trips are offered in the Arenal Volcano area. El General, situated on the Pacific slope is common with travelers for multi-day adventures and is the perfect kayak spot. Cost Rica is the first country to ever practice catch and release fishing and is home to amazing fishing spots. The northern regions are popular for Snook and Tarpon. Turtles have become a popular cuisine.

Surfing is a must in Cost Rica with the best times being November to August. The Central Pacific and Guanacaste have some great spots and in Guanacaste there are a number of surf-friendly beaches. Another way to explore and appreciate the land is on bicycle. There are a number of routes near Turrialba, Irazu and Arenal Volcanoes. For golf enthusiasts, the country has been described as a haven for tropical golfing environments. Any course in the country will deliver a mixture of mountain, jungle, exotic creatures and unbelievably blue ocean backdrops. The 3 best areas for courses are San Jose, Mid Pacific and Guanacaste. The country is favored by extremists who can indulge their adrenalin with wind surfing and canopy tours too.

Although simple, the cuisine is nutritious and delicious. Not as spicy as its Latin American counterparts, the food is typically simmered in large pots, blending an array of fragrant flavors.A typical lunch is known as casado and comprises rice, beans and meat, fish or chicken, served with fried plantain and salad. Fresh, exotic fruit is always available. Bottled water is readily accessible wherever you visit but an absolute must is the refrescos – a fresh fruit drink with sugar and water or milk.

The rich culture stems from the diversity of the country’s inhabitants. Over the centuries, various inhabitants have contributed to the richness. The country proudly boasts over 50 years without a military and a century of democratic tradition. The sheer peace of the country makes it a delight to visit.

The national transport symbol of Costa Rica is the oxcart and it has become an expression of art. This can also be said for the yoke – a wooden type of tool that is placed over the necks of oxen, allowing them to be harnessed together to pull a cart. It is in Costa Rica that visitors will find the world’s largest yoke and oxcart. Ancestors in the South Pacific left their legacy in the form of elaborate stone spheres whose meaning has always been a mystery. To date there are 235 spheres throughout the country, equally perfect and measuring between 2 meters and 20 centimeters. They are said to be more than 1 000 years old.

Costa Rica is rich in culture, adventure, landscape and art and will not disappoint its tourists.

Lying to the west of South America, Peru offers a little bit of something for every visitor. If you’d like to trek the great Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or journey deep into the mystical Amazon or even fly over the infamous Nazca Lines, Peru truly has it all.

Peru borders Brazil in the east, Chile in the South and Ecuador and Colombia to the north.

In contrast to other equatorial countries, Peru does not particularly have a tropical climate but rather the Andes and Humboldt Current influence a rather erratic climate.

One part of the country experiences moderate temperatures with little rain and great humidity whereas the northern regions are wetter and somewhat warmer. The south is subject to harsh, cold winters and seasonal rainfall.

The culture of the colorful country essentially stems from Spain but there are many other influences too. Many Peruvians are still incredibly proud of their roots and you will find them extremely warm and welcoming. The Peruvian arts include incredible pottery, sculpture and jewelry and of course one of their greatest achievements is Machu Picchu. The delectable cuisine is a companionable mix of Spanish and Amerindian with influences from Italy, Africa, China and Arabic fares.

Whether you are an adrenalin addict, beach lounger, nature lover or cultural fundi, Peru has it all. The country promises one of the most exciting and scenic adventure holidays travelers will experience filled with incredible wildlife and a culture steeped in ancient roots and traditions.

Once upon a time home to the Incas, the influx of Spaniards attempted to rid the country of Inca traces but to date intact archaeological sites are still being discovered and Machu Picchu, undoubtedly the jewel of Peru, was only discovered in the last century. A journey to a land of sunshine and history will greatly reward visitors with incredible trekking trails, natural wonders and magical ruins and of course the enigmatic rainforest. Not to be missed are the delightful floating islands.

Adventurists will revel in tackling the Inca Trail. It may be incredibly demanding, but the accomplishment along with the magic of the ruins, beauty of the mountains and pure exoticness of the cloud forests make the trek well worthwhile. You’ll work your way along to the magnificent Machu Picchu. Once you reach the spectacular vista you can completely soak up the joy of a city that was hidden for hundreds of years in the Andean mountains. You really have to feel the scared atmosphere and will be hard-pressed to describe such a majestic place.

A great way to experience Peru is to go island hopping on Lake Titicaca. The clear blue waters, man-made floating islands and indigenous inhabitants greet you with the Peruvian warmth of centuries gone.

If you’re keener on archaeology and history, then fly over the Nazca Lines and try to solve the mystery of the massive paintings of animals, shapes and symbols that have been etched into the desert. The Lines span an amazing 500 sq km and are only visible from the sky and have baffled theorists for centuries. Still, nobody knows what the drawings were made for.

A trip to Peru is incomplete without a visit to Amazon Rainforest and the Andes. The rainforest is engulfed by massive towering trees and dense undergrowth and the incredible flora, mystical animal sounds and unbelievable wildlife make this possibly one of the best visits on the globe.

The Andes cater for numerous adventure treks, like the Moonstone Trek or little known Inca Trail to Choquequirao.

Peru truly offers a holiday to remember, with its cultural heritage, natural wonders and stunning beaches you can be sure to experience the trip of a lifetime.

A vibrant holiday in Argentina waits! Consider Argentina holidays for amazing time of life.

The Argentinian tango, gauchos, the Andes, Patagonia and football have had travelers in awe of the magnificence of the South American region. Arriving in the capital of Buenos Aires is similar to hopping aboard a zooming train.

Argentina Holidays – Culture

The culture and vibrancy hit visitors immediately as they are swept past chaotic architecture along the freeway which blurs as the city center is entered and transforms into a buzz of street cafes, newspaper stands, 20th century stone facades and of course the colorful residents decked in stylish fashion. Each town boasts its own exceptional attractions and characteristics and each worth a visit.

The most popular attraction in Argentina is its natural wonders with the Perito Moreno Glacier to the south and the gigantic Iguazu Falls in the north. Even some of the Ande’s highest points are found in the country near San Juan and Mendoza. In fact, Argentina brags amazing wetlands; cacti infused deserts and enormous ice fields.

But that’s not all; the country further shows off Valdivian forests, Andean salt flats, glacial lakes, mountains that looks as though they’ve been painted in earthly colors and an incredible Lake District.

Another reason for choosing Argentina holidays is it’s wildlife. The wildlife is unique with the likes of caimans, flamingos and capybaras.

The epitome of Argentinian culture is tango. Buenos Aires offers many venues – such as dance salons and dance events – that will teach visitors to perfect their form in a social and enjoyable way. Steak is almost a culture too. The country has certainly perfected the art of grilling and they are not short on flavors either. Parillas, or steak houses, can be found everywhere and will typically offer any kind of beef cut. Another not-to-be-missed experience is catching a live game of football, a sport that the locals are completely devoted to.

Buenos Aires is steeped in history and culture. On Sundays, you can visit the area of San Telmo which dates back to colonial times. They host an antique and crafts fair that attracts thousands of visitors and has almost 300 stalls where you can buy anything from books to tango gear. The entertainment is provided by buskers and mimes and makes for a great day out.

Argentina Holidays – Activities

Corrientes Avenue is great for evening entertainment. The streets are bustling and there is no end to the cafes, pizzerias, theatres and bookstores. On weekends, many are open until after midnight.

The area of Caminito is actually an open-sky museum and on weekends they also offer a craft fair. The city’s oldest cemetery is worth a visit to see remarkable marble mausoleums and the remains of Brazil’s former presidents.

If you need a break from the flurry, then take a stroll or bike ride through the Ecological Reserve, an 865 acre park. The Forests of Palermo are somewhat smaller but feature two artificial lakes and thousands of trees plus its own fragrant rose garden.

The climate of Argentina varies considerably. For Argentina holidays the best time to visit the metropolis is September to November, which is spring and temperatures are cooler. Summer is just too hot and humid to tour.

Fall is a good time to visit the Lake District with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. For Patagonia, summer is the time to go, with mild climes and more services on offer, like public transport. Argentina offers some amazing skiing experiences, and these are best explored from mid-June to mid-October.

Argentina is the essence of slick and fashionable. The shopping is top-notch at the cutting-edge boutiques and of course the cuisine is high end, cultural decadence found in old-world cafes and upmarket restaurants alike. Whatever type of travel you decide to enjoy in the country, you are guaranteed that Argentina holidays will give you a cultural experience like no other.

Our Argentina Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.

A Holiday to the Galapagos Islands is a must-do!

The Galapagos Islands are a small group of islands that belong to Ecuador in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean. The isolated islands consist of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles which altogether stretch along 50 000 sq km of the ocean. Consider Galapagos Islands holidays for unforgettable time of life.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the islands are well known for their exquisite wildlife that range from the world’s only sea iguana to giant tortoises, toucans and a multitude of different bird species.

To protect the natural habitats, strict controls are placed on access to the islands and all travelers must be accompanied by certified tour guides. Just like Ecuador’s mainland, the Islands have a somewhat erratic climate, with mainly two seasons, hot and rainy from December to June and cooler, windy climes from June to November.

Some of the best months for wildlife enthusiasts to visit are December – May and June-August. The first is when the seas are calmer and the weather at its warmest, but the latter sees more active animals. For diving fundis, July to November are optimal months for whale shark spotting.

Although the remoteness of the archipelago makes a visit to the Galapagos pricey, it is well worth the journey. Visitors can access the islands by plane from Quito or Guayaquil airports with departing flights in the mornings. Alternatively, private yachts can be chartered into one of the 5 ports and those who wish to cruise around the islands will need to obtain a special permit from the national park.

The best way to lap up the unique wildlife and stunning sites is by boat. Each island limits the number of visitors it can hold so there is a better chance to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Visitors have to follow their tour guide’s instructions and stick to the marked paths, but the mere fact that the animals are so tame that they will sit on the path or cross it right in front of visitors, makes the rules and regulations worth adhering to.

Diving and snorkeling are extremely popular past times on the islands as the sea life is incredible. Snorkeling is a good way to swim with the likes of sea turtles, sea lions and other amazing creatures whilst diving has been described as one of the best in the world and divers will enjoy the healthiest marine environment.

Dives are conducted daily with local operators but it is the Galapagos liveaboards that bring tourists to the islands as it is only by this means that tourists can reach Wolf and Darwin. These islands are not suitable for beginners owing to strong currents but the marine life is an amazing assortment of Silk sharks, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays and sea lions.

Fishing in the Reserve for tuna and marlin is popular amongst visitors but licenses are required. Many organized tours include hiking as part of their trips and it’s a great way to tour the highlands and learn about the vegetation and formation. Many of the locals enjoy surfing the Galapagos due to the ideal waves. Tourists are able to rent boards on the islands.

There are a couple of popular tourist sites that include Los Gemelos, or the twins, which are two pit craters that were formed when empty magma chambers collapsed. Another site is Alcedo Volcano on Isabela Island which is home to the largest population of tortoises. It is the only volcano that visitors can climb. Finally, the Devil’s Crown is a snorkeling site where visitors will witness a completely submerged volcano.

The Galapagos Islands Holidays provide a trip of wonderment, adventure and learning for all.

A holiday to Brazil is a holiday to festivity and amazement! Consider Brazil holidays for unforgettable time of life.

Brazil is undoubtedly one of the most captivating destinations on the globe. A dynamic country of mystical rain forests, soft, white beaches and pulsating cities it is surrounded by rapid waterfalls and the most dreamlike tropical islands engulfed in ecosystems of plants and species like no other.

Brazil offers something for every type of traveler: escapade, luxury, beaches and trails alike. For the adventurous, activities like kayaking the Amazons’ forests, horseback riding in the Pantanal and climbing the cliffs to indulge in unrivaled views all beckon.

Tourists can even go whale-watching off the Brazilian coast, snorkel the crystal-clear reefs and rivers and catch some amazing breaks on the surfboards off the vibrant beaches.

Carnaval is the most famously celebrated event in the country and has locals and tourists flocking to the towns and cities filled with enticing samba, spectacular costumes and absolute abandonment.

The party takes place for a week in either February or March each year and almost emulates the complete way of life for Brazilians: music, dance and a lust for life. Dance and music are inherent parts of the culture and from Rio to Salvador and Sao Paulo too, dancehalls, clubs and bars pulsate with the rhythm. Every lady in the party looks fabulous while wearing some elegant dresses similar to these burgundy dresses for homecoming 2024. Additionally, they enhance their style with these Greek accessories collections here.

The country boasts a few of the world’s natural wonders. The Amazon Rainforest in the North is home to more than 2.5 million species, 40 000 plants and close to 2200 types of fish, birds and mammals respectively.

The Atlantic Forest is an area of both tropical and subtropical forest and also houses an array of vegetation along with some endangered species like marmosets and woolly spider monkeys.

Just about the whole coastline is adorned with stunning beaches – a lifestyle that plays a major role in the local’s culture. Rio de Janeiro is the epitome of this and tourists can revel in an extremely laidback lifestyle as can they in Copacabana and Ipanema.

One of the world’s largest tropical wetland, Pantanal comprises mostly floodplains that are submerged in the rainy seasons. The country can also brag incredible waterfalls that are found amongst the many hiking trails throughout Brazil. Many cities show reminders of bygone days with beautiful monasteries, churches, barracks and forts still in their original form.

Shopping is a popular past time in this South American destination and the hand-crafted jewelry, Havaiana sandals and even cotton woven hammocks are popular keepsakes for travelers. The souvenirs are relatively inexpensive and are best found at supermarkets. The unique and vibrant dress sense of the locals suggests visitors arrive with empty suitcases and indulge in some serious retail therapy to boast of back home. Local brands are inexpensive and worth looking around for.

Brazil is well-known for its strong coffee and in fact the coffee is so popular that it is often added to the names of meals. Cafezinho is a small cup of strong, sweetened liquid which is typically served after a meal. Mate is a type of tea with a high volume of caffeine and a chilled version is popular throughout the country.

The food and nightlife are another reason Brazil is a must-visit. Rio is popular for the nightlife and festivities and nearby Buzios and Angra are great options for good dining, discos and bars. One exotic dish that has to be tried is feijoada – black beans simmered in an assortment of meats. The dish is served with a bean sauce, white rice, kale, oranges and manioc root. This dish is actually obligatory on Saturday nights.

Brazil has a number of different climate zones but largely it has two seasons: rainy in the summer and dry in the winter. For visitors to the Amazon, Northeast or Rio, the rainy season, December – March, is essentially the best time to visit. The showers only last an hour or two and then the sun is out to embrace the country in all its festive glory.

Our Brazil Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.

Gazing at the eclectic mix of building styles that decorates the Toronto skyline, one cannot help but be mesmerised at how beautifully old meets new. Some of these buildings were gravity defying structures such as the CN Tower which at over 500 metres was once the world’s tallest building. And alongside skyscrapers built in contemporary styles are buildings from another age altogether that are reminders of where the city came from.

Not to say that Canada’s capital is all cement and mortar; there are many green spaces designed to give the city’s residents as well as visitors a place to become one with nature while enjoying a slice of tranquillity. Those on holiday to Toronto will also be treated to a heavy dose of the performing arts. There is also plenty for history buffs to sink into in the museums there and there are humongous malls awaiting shoppers.

Sightseeing and activities

Savvy tourists make a point of coming to this part of the world towards the end of spring and when autumn is just beginning as this is when the weather is nice and cool and when the summer crowds are thinning out. Sightseeing is great to do at this time and the robust public transport options make it all the more easy and fun. There are also clearly marked cycling lanes that make cycling around both safe and quick.

Among the most beautiful buildings worth checking out here is the Toronto City Hall. Its smooth semi-circular design is fascinating and only becomes prettier by night. During winter, a part of its compound becomes a popular skating rink. Another of the architectural wonders that adorn Toronto is the home of the city’s NFL team, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rogers Centre. This incredible facility is more than just a sports venue, it also hosts mega music concerts and monster truck shows among other activities.

Also among Toronto’s best places to visit are its museums. At the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, tourists will find an extensive collection of ceramics from Canada, Europe and other regions. But the building itself is a beauty.

The Royal Ontario Museum which is barely a stone’s throw from the Gardiner Museum is one of North America’s biggest museums. The unique mix of ancient and contemporary architecture that define this building is quite striking.

It contains artefacts and specimens from all over the world. Visiting the Bata Shoe Museum is a once in a lifetime experience as you can be guaranteed no other place in the world has displays of shoes from different cultures around the world. A trip to the Casa Loma castle is also recommended and in a self-guided tour visitors will take a walk through secret passages and tunnels and promenade in lush gardens.

Nature lovers need to visit the Toronto Botanical Gardens where they will be surrounded by numerous plant species in a tranquil environment. Those looking for a beach will have the choice between the more secluded south shore of the Toronto Islands and the more popular northern beaches. When it comes to food, a holiday to Toronto provides quite a mixed experience with Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Afghan and even Caribbean eateries available.

Visiting Vancouver in summer or winter is the best way to pass your holidays as this wonderful metropolis is blessed with attractions that suit both these climatic extremes. Sitting on the eastern edge of the Pacific Ocean, this city boasts a uniquely diverse geography that features mountainous, pine-covered terrain, beautiful green plains and a stunning waterfront.

This city has been hailed the world over as one of the most ‘liveable’ cities. Thanks to its magnificent snow-covered slopes it was selected to host the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. But skiing is just one of a host of activities available to visitors here. There is plenty to see and do and holidaymakers planning a visit here are advised to plan carefully. It would be a shame to travel all the way to this splendid resort and still miss out on its best attractions.

Sightseeing and activities

A winter holiday to Vancouver is every skiers dream because here they will get marvellous pistes without having to brave extremely low temperatures. This locale has mild temperatures and average lows during winter will normally remain above freezing.

Grouse Mountain is usually the site skiers gravitate to in search of challenging descents. Snowboarders will also enjoy weaving down this mountain’s slopes. But even in summer visitors will want to keep the ‘Peak of Vancouver’ in their itinerary as it provides excellent hiking opportunities. And whichever season you plan your ascent, you will be met with spellbinding panoramas which few other locations can match.

For a relaxed day out and about in a town, visitors will want to take a tour of Granville Island. Here they will be able to shop for everything from textiles to fresh farm produce to one-of-a-kind works of art. To refresh themselves they will find many top notch cafes and restaurants serving a wide range of repasts and drinks. However, one of the most attractive things about this part of Vancouver is its rich culture.

If not by browsing through exhibitions in the art galleries, by attending theatrical performances, or by witnessing one of the many street shows, visitors can take a piece of this culture for themselves. Also of interest to those seeking R&R in a metropolitan environment will be Stanley Park and the West End. Here they will find a string of tiny outlets alongside plenteous places in which to grab a bite.

Mt Pleasant South-Main will appeal to the more artsy traveller who will no doubt find its shops intriguing. This area is also home to Queen Elizabeth Park, a beautiful, green space where they can seek quiet repose. The Chinatown in Vancouver (one of the biggest in North America) provides evidence of this city’s cultural diversity. A boat ride along False Creek is a fun experience not to be missed. Getting around the city by bicycle is a good idea as there are well-designed bicycle routes linking the various parts of Vancouver.

Events

Lovers of sports can catch a live game of ice hockey any weekend between October and April at the Rogers Arena. Live musical performances and theatre shows can be caught at South Granville.

The deluxe Azamara Cruises are the perfect way to cruise. With only an occupancy of 694 and a tonnage of 30,277 this intimate cruise ship offers the ultimate in luxury. As the ship is much smaller than some cruise lines it allows the Azamara Quest to visit ports that are often unavailable to other ships. With a 1:2 ratio of guest to staff onboard the service is exceptional, making it a very popular with repeat guests.

One of the benefits of the ship is the open seating dining policy which means you can eat where and when you like at a time to suit you. The quality of the food is what you would expect from a 6* ship – phenomenal! With a choice of 6 dining options including room service you really will be spoilt for choice. From Mediterranean and seafood to steak house and poolside grill.

All of the staterooms are furnished to a high standard to make your cruise as enjoyable as possible. With 70% of all staterooms having a verandah this is the perfect way to enjoy seeing the ocean while sipping a cocktail.

INCLUDED ON EVERY VOYAGE:

AzAmazing EveningsSM event
Select standard spirits, international beers and wines available throughout the voyage
Gratuities
Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
English-trained butlers for suite guests
Self-service laundry
Shuttle service to and from ports, where available
Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations

 Call 0114 3273436 to book Now

Le Touessrock

Well from the moment I entered Le Touessrock I knew this hotel was special. The warm welcome with cooling towels, fresh fruit skewers, calming sea view combined with the sweet smell of Frangipani  was like heaven to me. My room enjoyed views over one of the hotel’s own islands called Ile aux Cerfs and sitting on my balcony I could hear the sea gently lapping below. This beautifully appointed room had a Sea View and fabulous bathroom with the sensuous egg shaped bath that I really love.

Before I visited Le Touessrock I had heard about their other Islands, Ile aux Cerfs and Ilot Mangenie, however, I can only say that you must take the complimentary boat service to visit these Islands and discover a whole new dimension to this hotel.

This is now on my list of hotels that I must take my husband to!!! – call me for more details.

New York City has so much to offer and is an amazing place to visit. A very good friend of mine lives in Williamsburg, just across the bridge from Manhattan, and loves it. There is just so much to do and see that even a week is not enough time to get totally stuck in but, I believe, any time in New York is better than no time in New York. The trip across the Atlantic is only about 7 hours and New York and New Jersey airports host up to 25 flights a day from London alone. The most popular time to go is from September to mid-December for shopping trips but be prepared to pay a higher price for hotels and expect some snow. All in all, this is part of the experience.

Things to do

There are so many things to see and do but if you just want to chill out and watch the world go by then there’s always Central Park. A day could easily be spent here just lazing around in the summer or, in winter, why not have a go at some ice skating. If you’re thinking of a short stroll from end to end, best keep in mind that this park is 2.5 miles long and you’ll quite likely get sidetracked so leave yourself a good few hours to explore.

Shopping, of course, is a huge draw to New York, and it seems that everybody ends up in Macy’s to get some deals but, once again, leave yourself some time. This department store is massive, and even the most rushed of shoppers can spend hours in here. Make sure you take advantage of the tourist discount cards they offer, as well. The other shopping hotspot is 5th Avenue where, due to prices, you’ll find more window shoppers than spenders but it’s a must see.

There are many other must-sees in Manhattan, such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre, Madison Square Garden and Grand Central Station to name just a few. Grand Central is an amazing building, is beautiful, and hosts numerous high-end food shops that are great for a browse. If you need inspiration for things to do, just give me a ring.

Getting away

While Midtown is the hub of everything in New York City, there are loads of wonderful neighbourhoods to explore; Little Italy and Chinatown are fun but getting out to Brooklyn or the Bronx can be a lot of fun as well. Get yourself a good top up for the subway and go exploring but take a good look around the stations as well…there are some interesting sights to see underground.

New York is a fabulous city to visit and explore and has something for all ages. This is not one of those places that you can only enjoy without kids, and I’d venture so far as to say it would be more fun with them.

I found Morocco to be fascinating and wish we would have been able to see more. Fes, Agadir and the Atlas mountains were, unfortunately, missed, but our two weeks was well spent in other locations. I don’t like just to pass through a place without getting the local feel so we started off with 4 nights in Marrakech and, really, could have stayed longer as the heat made it difficult to do anything in the afternoon. Mornings were spent wandering the maze of streets and exploring the souks and Djemaa El-Fna in the evenings were perfect for the spectacle of Africa’s largest square.

I think my favourite part of Marrakech was the food and, in particular, the tajines. These Moroccan wonders seem to pop up everywhere and I had no apprehension concerning eating ‘street food’. The souks are amazing places to stock up on all the spices required to make these tajines at home but be careful of the street hawkers who have a ‘cousin’ or ‘brother’ that will give you a good deal. Afternoon snacks are abundant from the many fruit carts in the square and dinner can be had from any one of the dozens of stalls that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Djemaa El Fna truly has to be experienced to be appreciated.

On the road

We went to Morocco without a firm plan but knowing the basics of where we would like to go. Errachidia and Fes were on the list but we realised that these would need to wait for another trip as the coast was a higher priority. Thus, we opted for a coach instead of a train and set off for Casablanca. This port city was both amazing and disappointing at the same time. The art deco buildings and 1930’s influence is worth seeing and the Hassan II mosque is a must. On the other hand, Casablanca seemed to have a seedy side that may be the reason the very name conjures images of bandits and badly lit streets…worth a visit, though.

On the road again

We decided that our next stop would be Oulidia and we enjoyed two nights in a shabby motel ( the budget was an issue), relaxed on the beach and, once again, enjoyed some foodie delights. There was a tiny coffee and sandwich shop that made tuna paninis with freshly caught fish, and we had an amazing seafood dinner in one of the waterfront restaurants. A Moroccan man approached us on the beach and very politely enquired if we’d like to but some cinnamon coffee. My thoughts don’t usually turn to hot drinks when the temperature is hovering around 40 degrees but we thought we’d have a go…it was amazing. There’s not much to do in Oulidia as it’s mainly a fishing village and seems to be a getaway spot for Moroccans. There are no attractions other than the beach, and the water is cold but if you want to get away and relax, this is the place.

Essaouira

Getting to Essaouira from Oulidia was an issue as the buses only run a couple of times a week and not at great times. We struck a deal with a taxi driver and made our may down a mostly, gravel track through desolate towns and bleak terrain that was very interesting. How people manage to make a living when there is nothing but sand and rock to be seen is something amazing. Essaouira was our favourite of the trip and we found a hotel with self-catering apartments in the middle of town.

A trip to the market was in order and we purchased some fresh lamb and veg and had a go at a tajine (we didn’t have a tajine so we used, and I still do now, an old pot with a lid) and, while I’m better at them now, this one was great. Essaouira has some beautiful beaches and lovely Moroccan architecture but one of the biggest attractions is the fishermen and the fish and I found that I could spend hours there just watching the world go by.