20 Day Round up.......Here are the totals....

10 flights - (2 Missed )
5 Different Airlines
9 Airports
6 Trains - (2 missed)
5 Buses
3 Cabs
6 Countries
6 cities
3 towns
2 continents
6 Different Languages
800 pictures
3 Nike Stores

I estimate I drank at least 11 liters of wine and about 12 liters of beer, I had great food like I've never even imagined. I met fantastic people and rediscovered one.
I've made people smile and they in turn did the same to me. Everytime I travel , I love life even more. But this trip...showed me how passion and life are much the same, what you put into it is what you get out of it. My friends, I thank you all for sharing this journey with me and I hope you will join me on the next one. So until then ....
Live, Love and eat well like everyday is your last..

peace.

Welcome to Madrid

I found out later my voice bounced off all the walls , like one giant wake up call for everyone sleeping. Oops.As The Brits informed me. After a delightful breakfast (these doughnut like pastries and Jam) I had my last drink of Moroccan mint tea and freshly squeezed OJ.It was bitter sweet, not the drinks but the aura.
On one note I was looking forward to almost being home, on the other. I did not want to leave Marrakesh. As Alejandro, Kate, Sarah and myself walked our final walk out through the Souks and Djemaa El Fna, a few locals waved goodbye. The plan was to split a cab to the airport. I had a better idea. “How cool would it be to take a horse drawn carriage to the airport?”We attempted, but the travel time significantly increased ant the idea of missing another flight was not appealing to me, so Grand Taxi it was. I’m happy to say that we reached our destination without any issues (although I thought Kate was going to puke) and safely boarded the plane.
After we landed Kate and Sarah went to check on alternate flights, back to London so they could hang with Alejandro and myself.
They were unable to stay in Madrid and hang with us that night, so we said our goodbyes right then and there. it was a sad goodbye, I thought to myself I'm gonna miss those girls...and I do still.

So it was the Canadian-Colombian connection for one night in Madrid. Alejandro was moving back home to Colombia, after being away for 9 years, so it was a going away weekend for him too.

We ended up at this club called AKBAR. They played nothing but hiphop from 5 years ago and Reaggeton for some reason. But it had a good vibe. Place was bumpin. But in true fashion I got a bit to drunk that night. I had to leave early in the morning and next thing I knew it was 5 am. But you couldn't tell it by looking around in the club. I think they said the club closes at 7am!

Alejandro put me in a cab and gave the driver instructions where to drop me off.
After I got dropped off I wandered around looking for food. I saw a place that looked nice so I entered it. Place was really busy, I sat down at a table. I noticed that the menu didn't have any food on it. I looked around and wondered why no one else was eating. Then it dawned on me, this is a strip club. Not a restaurant.

That was all the indication I needed, to tell me my night, was over. when you can't tell the difference from strip club from a restaurant....call it a night. I said to myself Tomorrow morning...I'm headed home.

Good Morning Marrakesh.

Good Morning indeed. Though it was hot,like it was in the middle of the afternoon.
Another day of Africa Hot. The perfect day for a hike in the mountains of "La Vallée d'Ourika", to see the famous waterfalls... I was ready like a kid waiting for Christmas.My arranged ride was for 9am (No relevance to this story at all). The hired driver\guide drove right inside the square to pick me up , as cars were only permitted there in the morning.

And we're off..the drive was a long, mostly uneventful ride for the most part, but the scenery was beautiful most action I saw was a fight between to old men at the side of the road, which was pretty funny if you can imagine 2 old men getting into a wrestling match. It reminded me of "Blue" from the movie Old School.

We were getting close, we were here. Arrived in "Setti Fatma" a berber village in Vallée d'Ourika. You can see the Ourika River running through the town. The residents have set up bridges to restaurants and other structures along the banks. Pretty cool. It was there I was handed off to the next guide who looked like he was 15yrs old, but very excited to meet me for some reason.
This kid was as sure footed as a mountain goat. He hopped from rock to rock with the greatest of ease, and scaled the steep climbs like he was Spider man. Anyway I did my best to keep up with him as I couldn't be shown up by a little kid. But I was. He was a mountain goat on these slippery when wet rocks that the river was flowing through, and I was like a 3 year old on ice skates.
I was slipping and sliding, and then it happened. Right into the river, now it was shallow so not tonnes of danger there but some rocks were pretty jagged, only my pride was hurt.

It seemed as though someone turned up the heat outside. It was really F'n hot! The water..was ice cold, and really refreshing. So I also took an intentional dip at the base of the waterfall.
Words cant describe amazing this sight was. After hanging around the falls for a bit we headed back through the Berber village. (Lots of Asses there. They used them to carry the heavy loads in the the hills and mountains, I almost got knocked off a Cliff because some Ass, wouldn't move out of the way.) I was promised a Camel ride, but my guide informed me that it was another three hours hike, which we had no time for. I was a bit pissed. I was promised the ride...Secretly inside I pouted. Anyway...

I had the Standard Tangine lunch when I arrived back in town and was accompanied by some Older ladies from Madrid. They gave me the skinny on what to eat in Madrid. The key item was a Jambon Iberico Pato Negro. Which is Ham (Like Proccutio) from black pig, fed only acorns, and exercised daily. I must try this dish. We all rode back in the same vehicle. My driver sensing I was a bit upset about the Camel ride, delivered. He pulled over at the side of the road and got me a ride on a Camel. Yes the hang out at the side of the road. I took it for a short distance walking through town, but it was super cool and mission accomplished all in one.

After that he tool me to a pottery maker to pick up Tangine, Which is a clay dish with a cover used for cooking food, this was the coolest thing I bought out there, in fact this whole trip.

By the time we were on our way, the heat stroke had set in. I was had some intense nausea and had a headache the size of Australia (is that even possible?). I was dropped off at the edge of the square this time, because it was late in the day and car access to the square had been cut off at this point. I stumbled through the streets with my Tangine in hand and backpack on...I mean stumbled. it was like I was drunk. NO energy at all. But I needed a another bag to carry my goods home. Not to much fun haggling when you feel like your going to puke.

But I got an overpriced bag and I headed back for some rest. I passed out for about 2 hours,
After taking a shower I did feel better but needed food. I headed to the lobby\meeting area, and met a great Bunch of individuals, Another Canadian, a Jamaican , A Colombian , A German and of course my home girls from the UK, The Kate and Sarah show.

The crew headed out on the town together, it had to be somewhat of an early night. We all had to get up early tomorrow. Oh yeah...we were all on the same flight to Madrid leaving in the morning. Kinda funny how things work out.

Anyway I'm kind of a big deal in Marrakesh. Pretty funny how all the food vendors knew me, a few of them gave some good cheers as I walked through...same guys who cheered for me after the Barcelona win. It was a good night we all just took it easy, had some drinks at the only hotel serving booze in the area and I also enjoyed a cup of snails with Sarah. Kate tried too, it was cute seeing her trying to stomach these things...I think she actually got sick off them for real. Cause she wasn't doing so good after that..Hang in there Kate! Come to think of it I think someone warned me about eating those,....bah! if it don't kill you...

FC Barcelona vs Manchester united

We needed some booze. And in a hurry, it was not easy to find in old Marrakesh, but it was available in one hotel. Morocco although 98% Islamic, in not an Islamic state, therefore Alcohol in not prohibited, just frowned upon.
The Cinema was packed with mostly FC Barcelona fans. Man U had a following to. Donning a FC Barca jersey was a good thing. Barca scored (Samuel E`to) 10mins into the match and the cinema went mad. It was insane people were lighting flares in the cinema! The Moroccans were just crazy.
After a great first half, Barca (Lionel Messi) scored in the 70th minute to seal the deal. The cinema went berserk!! A great time was had by all, not as much for the two British chaps that I watched the game with but , they enjoyed the experience.
Celebrations are absolutely necessary in times like these. But food was first! When I walked into the food area of the square wearing a Barca Jersey, one vendor yelled BARCA,BARCA! Samuel E`to! And the place erupted everyone was cheering and clapping for me, as if I played in the game. But hey I took it....After eats, We headed strait back to the Hostel to freshen up for the imminently long night ahead of us. By the time we were ready to step out I was down one Brit, Mike had to be up early so we said our goodbyes.

I found some more Brits! Sarah and Kate joined us as we headed into Guilez (new Marrakesh),
and hit up a few places like African Chic (Had some Terrible Moroccan wine)which was overly tacky but some how fit, and Diamond Noir with was a nice spot but like the previous place had a lot of prostitutes. The stroll back was good for all of us, Seeing Djemaa El Fna at late night was nice. Although we took the rubbish entrance back as directed by Sarah, the smell was rancid.
but it was peaceful in the square as a few locals gathered for some foolery....

This was a perfect day In Marrakesh...time to put it to rest.

Just another day in Marrakech....

After a long first day you need two things....A good nights rest and a good breakfast...
Starting this day off right was crucial. I awoke to Bob Marley. The song Three little birds was playing in my head. I knew it was gonna be a good day. I had met an British chap over breakfast and was quickly joined by another to start of this adventure. Djemaa Ek Fna or "The Square" as most locals call it, was regular in its insanity. Its hot. Africa Hot. The sun just beats down on you. Africa hot is like turning on the heat in your house when it is 35 degrees Celsius outside, then lighting yourself on fire. It felt like it was at least 38 degrees Africa (This should be a new heat measurement.
After being attacked by a combo of street performers and monkeys. We decided to eat yet again at a restaurant for some Tagine, a local delicacy made with meats and or vegetables..(Google it),
and sauce pronounced "ha-ree-sah", which tastes like a lemon sauce.
Once David figured out how to pour his "Berber Whiskey" or mint tea (More bubbles means better fortune. They wish you all types of fortune here always), we all parted ways before deciding to meet to watch the Champions league final between Manchester United and FC Barcelona, at the cinema for 6pm.

I headed towards the "Palais Badhi" to see what this was all about..
On my way I walked into a spice shop and chatted with some locals. By the time we finished having tea, the palace was closed and set to reopen in a few hours. Then an Idea hit me.
I must go for a "Hammam". Mohammad took me through winding alleyway till we arrived at our location. He negotiated a fair price and I was all set.

I was lead into a room, given a robe and told to undress. From there you are taken into another room like a sauna, but only bigger, with a tiled table in the center and told to lose the robe.
First splashed with 4 buckets of HOT water. Then 2 of COLD and 2 more of HOT.
lying face down the table, you get scrubbed vigorously like an animal (Yes I went to this intentionally) with abrasive gloves and black soap, when it is time to turn over your ass is slapped. Next I was Splashed by HOT water again and again. I should mention that it was difficult to contain my laughter at this point cause the whole thing just seemed strange.After washing my hair the woman doused me this warm water and lead me back to the robe room as I called it. A next woman took me into another room for a back and calf massage. After that I got changed and had some tea on the terrace. VERY relaxing at this point. If you ever come to Morocco you must try this. it is quite the experience...

The palace was the next stop after leaving the Hammam,

While heading back, I was greeted by Mohammad again and invited to his shop for some King tea. King Tea is like Mint tea but also contains: Rose, cardamom, Aniseed, cloves, Nutmeg and the flowers from the nutmeg tree...The best tea I ever had without exaggeration. I then had to be on my way, but was humbled when my host and his brother gave me some free herbs and spices, (which doesn´t happen to often in Marrakesh) and bid me good fortune and safe travels.. It was a really good feeling.

Djemaa el Fna

Marrakech the Red city...all the buildings are red here, well...brick color. it sounds wierd but its fun. The first noticable difference, as far as socity goes is that it is not uncommon for men to hold hands here, or give each other slow embraceful hugs...not that ther is anything wrong with that...

Pwople are friendly, more english than I expected but still not very much..Arabic, then French...
Im still rusty on my french and even rustier on my Arabicm but I am learnig some..and using it.
That actually goes a long way wuth the locals here . They love that you cant sreak with a twisted tounge..and recive great pleasere when you cant pronounce words...but it it very funy. They are very friendly over here as well.

The one must see here is Djemaa el fna, located in old Marrakech. Which means assembly of the dead..google it
it is a huge square with merchants, plays, poets, the best fresh orange juice, countless food items, spices, monkeys and cobras. And it is packed with people.its got everything. But everything has a cost, most pictures of people will cost you something. Still there are about 70 percent locals
No cars are allowed but bikes and motor bikes are. They go wizzing theough the streets with out touching a soul...watch out for pick pockets...some of which are trained monkeys.

The square gets really busy later in the afternoon till late at night.
The ginger tea is pungant, but oh so good.

The Souks are kocated just off of the square. This is where most of the spices, crafts, leather, colthes are sold. Also a great selection for fresh figs, nuts and dates....

Nightlife in Old Marrakech is pretty much Djemaa el fna, which is still a spectacle at night.
but the new area boasts the more modern forms os entertaiment. As soon as you step out of the square it feels as though you have travelled through time..into the present. its fairly clean, with tonnes of people walking around..VERY safe. The night spots were kind of dry except for the abundance of hookers in the clubs. But some clubs are georgeous...just no body a in them on a tuesday...


Things are not super cheap here but cheap enough for most stuff, but with the global economic crunch prices are rapidly increasing, all depends on who you see..
As for the exchange rate 100 Dirams is equal to about 13 canadian dollars.
So when I exchanged my 250 eruos for 2700 Dirams........strait balln yall...my pockets just got fatter.

and thats just the first day....

Barca!

What can I say.....FC Barcelona EVERYWHWRE, kids playing football in the streets....and the smell of Paella amd Tapas everywhere!

So I had tix to the FC Barca game on the 24th, but it got switched to the 23rd due to the champions league game on May 27th. The compromise was a tour of Camp Nou.. the biggest football stadium in Europe...football fans...you would die...one of the highlights of this whole adventure...went a but overboard with Barca gear...
Las Ramblas is the trendy area which this adventure is based in...my first street hustling experince....got hustled in a street game for 20 euros! Booo..but it made me laugh.
This area is filled with shops, restaraunts and street performers like you have never seen.
very cool.
The street vendors were no match for my barganing skills...Thanks to my Mom...

I was like a man posessed at times !

The intoxication of Sangria and Tapas was too much for me...Sorry Italy...Spain you are the champions of my tastebuds.... too many to name but my favorites were Calamari, baby sqiuds, grilled clams with white kindey beans, Sqiud ink Paella and of course..mussels....

Nightlife was nice, clubs were much the same..but I did try some black Vodka which was dope...

Good news I made my flight to Marrakech, Morroco..the flight attendants on the flight were like strait out of latin music videos...I kept on expecting them to start dancing slowly and Enrique Iglacias to walk out with a guitar....anyway..the streets of Marrakech await me.....