On to Fes

The call to prayer was our wake-up call on Christmas day.  Down to breakfast for fresh juice (trees are full of  oranges and mandarins and they are so tasty!) Also a pancake type bread with the choice of olive oil, for dipping (also extremely good), olives (you see the trees everywhere), or butter and jam.

The donkey arrived at the door to take our bags down the narrow paths to waiting taxis. We were off to the Unesco world heritage site of Volubules. This site is a perfect example of a roman town which had been destroyed by an earthquake but the ruins were amazing. The site showed remains of huge houses and so much of the mosaics are still there. The morning was beautiful, blue skies and was warming up from 3C!

Anotner taxi ride took us to Meknes where we visited the old walled city. We visited vaulted gra ary stires and saw where 2000 horses were stabled. This too had been partly destroyed by an earthquake and Ididn't feel too comfortable standing under some of the arches!!

We were then taken through the medina. The sights and smells were amazing - spices piled high and the different olives, preserved lemons, dates and other fruits were out done by a  Bulls heads,tongue lolling from it's mouth, sitting on the butcher's bench! We neared some very smoky shops where we had Christmas lunch - a rather delicious camel burger!

The railway station was the next stop and we were praying that we would get a seat without too much difficulty. We wre lucky and end in a compartment with a group of young women who, like all young people, had their music blaring - we could hear a few English words amongst the Arabic.

An hour later we were at our destination and with a bottle shop across from the hotel the group got together for a Christmas drink before heading out to an interesting restaurant. We would never have  found this place without our guide as it was up many little, twisting alleyways. It was in someones home! The interior was beautiful and food delicious.

Day 2
Today started early with an 8am train trip to Rabat,  the capital of Morocco. Plenty of seats and space and an hour after departure we arrived in Rabat. We left our luggage in a local cafe, were handed a map and sent on our way! Others took off quickly and we were following at a distance – checking our map frequently. We came across the Medina  and were soon heading through interesting areas  checking out all of the things on sale. It’s interesting what you can find!
We obviously missed a place as we were wandering the Medina as we totally missed the kasbah but the surrounding  waterways were beautiful.  The sky was so blue and so was the water. The fishing boats were lying in the sun. We finally found our way to  Hassan tower which was Mohammed V Mausoleum.
Our trip back to the cafe was really a lot of guess work and a little use of school girl French but we eventually  made it for lunch before we got another train. This train spelt problem right from the start! I was first in the line for our group and fought my way up to the carriage – it was totally packed. Then spent the next hour standing and when anyone tried to pass i was knocking people in the face with my backpack which was rather embarrassing. It was also very hot and struggling to take off a jacket was a job for houdini!

We finally got a seat and 2 hours later arrived at our destination.  It was then into a taxi for another 45 minutes before reaching the sacred city of  Moulay Idris. It was a long hike up to our accommodation and our bags arrived by donkey. We were then taken on a tour through the place which was natrow streets going all over the place- would be easy to get lost.

The call to prayer rang out as we were watching the sunset - this is the first time weve heard the call since being in Morocco.

No Christmas celebrations here but hope everyone had a good one.

Made it to Morocco

After an uneventful flight caught up with valda in Doha and then it was on to the next flight to Casablanca.. This was a strange flight as we really stood out as western women on a flight mainly consisting of Moroccan men. We were hemmed in onall sides by them! They would hang around the aisles talking loudly with little respect for personal space. When we landed they all jumped up before the plane had stopped which cause shouting from the crew but they didn't care!

A 30 minute drive bought us to our hotel in the centre of Casablanca and after a shower we had a mooch around the local area. Pavement hard to walk on as people were setting out their wares across it.

Managed to sleep through the night with a couple of bouts of reading. Yearning for a cup of tea and some breakfast got us up and organised. We then arranged to have a driver take us to some of the attractions.

We started at the Hassan II mosque which sits jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.

We then went onto to Rick's bar.

Rick's cafe is based on the film Casablanca and has afew original pieces from the movie. Yes they know it was filmed in California! They hsd somd old promotional materials and the film was playing, it was a pleasant ambiance.

Met up with rest of group - total of 15 women, 1 man plus the male guide.

Time in Chicago

 It has been great to be with all the family. Ivy is a joy, always in a good humour and so funny. I will really miss all the conversations - seemingly spoken in Chinese!

We have enjoyed times in the garden which is reminded me very much of England. When evening was sitting in the garden and I spotted a deer but Kerry and Justin thought it was one of my senior moments but they had to eat their words later when a deer appeared! Lauren wasn't very happy the next day when she found that the deer had eaten her strawberry plants.

Kerry and I spent a few days in downtown Chicago. We did all the touristy things such as the Big Red Bus, a trip on the river, visited a couple of  museums and did lots and lots of walking. We enjoyed cocktails on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building.

 Chicago is a really great city lots of open spaces and plenty of park land.

 I leave for Cuba on Saturday hopefully there will be some Wi-Fi there and I can keep you up-to-date on my next adventure.

Into Chicago

Journeys can be interesting or boring - mine are never boring.  I was to travel to the airport by train but no e were running so we went by bus straight past the airport into city. On to a train and a fairly good run into and through the airport. Extra special was a good champagne breakfast in the Qantas  business lounge!

Flight went ok - a a couple of sleeping tablets help but it was when I arrived in Chicago total chaos! It took a long time for my bags to come off and then it meant that I only had about 20 minutes to get my connecting flight. Having to go through Customs again delayed me even more. I then had to get to another terminal and there were no boards to tell you where the gate was. I rushed through and asked some airport staff who got the ipad out and said that i needed to be at gate 19. Great I was already at gate 10. The bundled me into a wheelchair - stop laughing everyone i was already breathless from running through customs. Got to the gate with minutes to spare only to be told that it was going to Philadelphia and I could hear them calling for Chicago somewhere else in the airport. I was told that i wouldn't make the flight but i was off and running back to gate 10. I dont think the people were very happy when I pushed through and said I was on the flight and that was it. It took me some time to get my breathe back and the best part was seeing Justin and Kerry at the baggage claim area even though I found that I could hardly walk!

By the time we got home Ivy was in bed. How good it is to be in the warmth and longer evenings.

It was a joy to see Ivy - she has grown so much. We walked to the park and Ivy was on all the equipment. In the afternoon we all went to one of Chicago's museums. Ivy was just running from one item to another and was very excited when she saw any 'animals'. Back home it was time to relax in the warmth of the garden.

Goodbye Latin America

Sitting in Dallas airport with G & T in hand - only 3 hours until our 17 hour flight!

Latin America has been fabulous but the icing on the cake was yesterday at the Panama Canal - awesome!!

It was so intersting to see the ships passing through the canal plus there was a really interesting museum,

 Panama City looks a little like Dubaii but there were some really interesting areas and it would be good to spend longer there!

With a 7 hour layover in Dallas Valda and I went in to see the JFK museum - so interesting.

Until my next trip - Hasta luego amigo's!

Hell O Panama

The hotel at Golfito is in a really beautiful setting and during breakfast we watched a snapping turtle swimming across the pond and brightly coloured birds hopping betweeen the tropical plants. Unfortunately we had to leave to continue our adventures in Panama!

A drive of half an hour took us to the bank - we’d been told that we were expected to show that we had $500 US with us! The money cuased major delays, firstly we had to get the amount needed in the local currency and then go into the bank to change it to US dollars!

We were allowed in to the bank by the security guards after our guide explained what was happening - tight security here with one person at a time being let in to the bank. You then took a number and waited .... and waited... and waited! When my number came up I sprinted to the window incase anyone tried to jump in! Dollars in hand we set off for the border.

Reaching the border we were stamped out of Costa Rica  and the moved on to passport control in Panama. We had to give $1 for a stamp to be stuck in our passport before we got to the official window. We had our $500 in our purse but at the ready to be shown, our flight details and itinerary to show that we were going to leave Panama and our passport.

The day was stinking hot and humid and we all tried to get into the shade. Finally you got to the window and gave passport and onward paperwork. After a search through everything you had to have your photo taken and the passport was stamped. All went well for the group until Mike from USA gave his passport in.

It appeared that Mike had been to Panama before - about 2 years ago - and hadn’t got a stamp to show that he had left Panama. Lots of discussion and searching was going on by the officials. We went off for a walk whilst this was going on.

To cut a long story short Mike was not allowed to enter Panama because there was nothing (?) on the computers - checks were made for his name on the flight he’d left Panama on!
It was suggested that Mike tried to find paperwork to show that he had left Panama - even stamps in his passport showing that he’d recently flown to Canada didn’t suffice!

We headed on to Boquete without them! once arriving there we were taken on a tour of a coffee plantation and learnt all about the processsing of the bean. I’m not a coffee drinker but the sample we were given was really good - perhaps I could be converted!

Our hotel was out of the town and the final 3.1km up a dirt, winding bumpy road was an experience but the final spot was beautiful! We look out over the mountains and up to the volcano - no activity for 600 years!

Next day the group headed out for a horse riding experience - I’m really going all out this holiday!! Luckily the horses were used to non riders and were very gentle. We headed out on to a back road befor entering the forest. All was well but I felt rather nervous when we went downhill - there were times when I closed my eyes and just hung on! I did keep saying “Good girl” but also “Moy bien amiga” just incase she didn’t understand English! Riding through part of a coffee plantation was very pleasant and the views were pretty spectacular. We were out for about 2 hours and the legs were very shaky when we dismounted!

We were having our drinks Mike and his wife showed up. It was really good to see them and a We arrived back in town and went to a restaurant where they had the best margaritta’s! Just as rousing round of applause was given - he’d paid a fine of $1900 which was $50 per month since he’d last arrived in Panama!

We had a lazy afternoon before heading back to town whjere they were holding a flower festival - there was a funfair and numerous disco’s set up. The people appartantly dance the night away until 4am. We were over it within an hour!

Into the rainforest!

At breakfast in our mountain lodge our guide rushed in to tell us that a Quetzal (a rare bird) had been sighted. “Quick” said the guide, “ You must come to see.” We rushed out down the hill side and went to see the Quetzal. It was a beautiful bird - colourfullwith long tail. Unfortunately most of us hadn’t taken a camera or phone to breakfast! Needless to say we only managed to stroll back to breakfast!

A drive of a few hours down the Pan American Highway (not my idea of a highway!) bought us to a rainforest lodge near Golfito. The heat knocked you out as you left the bus and we were soon a sweaty mess!

We are in the middle of the rainforest. There are tropical plants and flowers. Water holes with caymens! Lizards, frogs and fish. Our room  has windows made from mesh - no glass. All our meals are provided and they are delicious. The bar is an honesty policy.

A few of us went on a guided walk up and down hills through the rainforest trying to spot birds and animals. We set off in high spirits even though in this heat up hill was torturous but never mind! Half way through the walk the heavens opened and we were drenched. I had my good old plastic poncho but most people had nothing! The poncho helped to keep the camera dry but when I got back I was still drenched through including undies!

Our shoes were soaked as there were quite a few places where we were walking through ‘rivers’. Put dry clothes on folks said. Little did they know that Valda and I had quickly washed our only ‘dry’ clothes before we left for the walk! Nothing dries in this humidity and we decided to just sit it out!

You go to sleep listening to the sounds of insects and frogs and during the night I was woken by Valda using expletives about what she was going to do to the frog outside our room!

Today we took a drive to a river where some of the sensible members of the group opted to do the tour on a boat whilst others decided to kayak on the river. We all set off when suddenly we saw a crocodile swimming across the river. On of the kayak’s was a double with a couple in it and as soon as they saw the croc the guy started to paddle closer to it but the girl was nearly hysterical with fear - all of us in the boat said we’d be feeling the same!

The day was very hot with clear blue skies and luckily we were out of the sun for most of the time. We saw numerous birds and a few iguana’s in the trees but the crowning glory(?) was seeing a 2m boa in a tree - luckily it didn’t seem interested in us!!

Have had a swim, watched and tried to take photo’s of toucan’s, listening to the evening chorus - the frogs are loud tonight! - observed a Jesus Christ lizard - named because it can walk on water! That lizard is very impressive on water!

In the middle of nowhere!

We are finding it a little difficult getting our heads around the fact that we have a new group and guide. Obviously at the moment nothing is a good as we have had!

We had a quick tour around San Jose - nothing really exciting! We soon headed out of the city and  arrived at a place called Cartago - I think this was going to be the capital at one stage. We ventured in to the Basilica where morning Mass was being conducted - I even found myself singing the Amen, thank you St Mary’s!

We continued winding our way up the mountain to our lunch stop. A very impressive view greeted us! We decided that a snack - local cheese - and wine needed to be bought so we went next door to the restaurant and many delights were on display - I wish I’d bought chocolate!

About 5 minutes after we left the restaurant we saw some people standing in the road - not something you’d normally do here! Reason they were in the road - a sloth was moving along the telegraph wire! So unexpected as they tend to be very lazy in the day time! We all piled out of the bus and basically stopped traffic so that we could get our best shots. Even our guide, Zender, was excited and our driver was one of the first out! It truly was an awesome experience and we followed the sloth’s journey until she (that’s what we were told!) eventually found a tree and left the wire - the tree then hid her from sight.

The journey continued upward before we took a turning and started down a very narrow,windy road. Passing another vehicle was performed with great caution - luckily we weren’t on the side with the huge drop! After about 7kms of this we looked down on our accommodation and it looked spectacular! We are miles from anywhere, there is a river running by and gardens of different flowers.

You could tell that you were at a high elevation as you huffed and puffed your way to your room!

Valda and I took a walk to a waterfall through the woodland. It was very peaceful with just the sounds of birds and running water.

Dinner was in the hotel restaurant - the nearest place to eat from here is a 3 km trek up hill! No taxis either! The food was very good and the group started to get to know each other.

On returning to our room we found that a heater had been turned on and a hotwater bottle was in our bed! It gets down to about 3C at night! 

Heating Up!

Heading down steep winding roads from the cloud forest we came to Manuel Antonio which was on the pacific coast. We made a stop on the way to see some crocs and to have a smoothy, The smoothy was made with fresh fruit and you had the added choice to add one,two, three, four or five shots of rum! You certainly slept well on the bus after that!!

The temperature and the fact that the sea was on our doorstep were the main differences from our previous stop. It was very hot and humid - thank goodness the hotel has a pool!

We were very close to a National Park and so we were up and out by 7:30am to see what animals we could see. Our guide is very good at spotting the wildlife! We saw a number of sloths - all in a tight ball at the top of a tree! There were lizards and monkeys to keep the mix interesting.

We’d walked to the public beach and boy are we spoilt in Aus! The beach was a dirty colour from the volcanic ash and was really touristy. The view out to sea was lovely and the water was like a bath - so warm and not refreshing!

Back at the hotel a dip was in order and all was serene until a couple of toucans flew in - we were ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ but the staff from the hotel rushed to shoo them away. At the same time a couple of birds (flycatchers) were dive bombing them. We found out that the toucans were actually destroying the flycatchers nest!

It was our last night together as a group and our guide organised 'Who wants to be a millionaire’ - questioning us on some of the facts he’d mentioned. We were divide into two teams and you can imaging there was some competition between us all but it was great fun. We each received either some coffee or rum (products of Costa Rica).

We headed out to dinner to a restuarant which was built around a B52 bomber - Very interesting.

Now back in San Jose and saying goodbye to some of the group - 6 of us are going on to Panama - and meeting 5 new people plus a new guide. Our guide had been so much fun!

Amazing times!

We left La Fortuna during torrential rain so were wet before we got on the bus! A quick stop on our way allowed us to photograph a couple of toucans  and then short drive took us to a lake which we had to cross. There was a minor delay getting on the boat as the  one we should have been on sank!

The heavens opened and we all got rather wet. Finally the group and luggage were on a safe(?) boat and we headed across the lake to the opposite bank. A rather steep and muddy path greeted us but with help from fellow travels people and bags arrived at the top.

A drive of an hour or so took us through the cloud forests to Monteverde (Green mountain). As you can guess it’s very green in the rainforest! I then had an adrenaline high!

Determined to go zip wiring I went off with a group and had a brilliant time. We were harnesssed,hatted and gloved up before the safety session. Did I want to do the superman wire they asked. Sure I stuttered! That meant an extra piece of gear added to the harness! We then looked like flamenco dancers as we were trying to decide which hand was going to be our break hand!

 We soon finished the dance as we were hooked onto the wire - somehow I was nominated as the person to go first! It was rather embarassing at times as you held onto the wire and then had to jump so that the operator could hook you on - it seemed like I was bumping crotches with a number of strangers!

We did a number of lines and when we reached one point the operator said “ You are too slow” and unhooked me! Before I could say anything I was hooked on to a rope and told to sit down. Sit down where? The Spanish/English tranlation was getting hard! Little did I know I was to sit down in the air and was then rappeled down before my ‘lovely’operator shouted down “ TAKE HER SLOWLY!” - how embarassing!

I then walked back up to the same operator and then took off on a wire which when across a valley. “Wooo hoo” I yelled. It was awesome. Arriving at the next platform the indication was for us to walk - I think we walked nearly 2km up hill! I never thought I’d reach the top - you know those never ending walks well that was what we were on. I couldn’t give up as there was nowhere to go but up! Finally we arrived at the platform where we were going to be attached to the wire to do our superman or in my case ‘super gran’ stunt.

Today my fear button was totally absent and I stood on a couple of bricks 3 or 4 storey above the ground. There were 2 hook ons for this one and when the guy hooked the second piece of apparatus to the wire it was like being given a 'wedgie’! “ Lay down” he said. Woa! I thought. Lay down heck I’m over a rather large drop! I finally accomplished the superman position and I was off. This wire was 2 km long and was through trees and over a valley. Wow this was flying and I was sad when the run was over. One more zip line took us back to the start and I could have done the Tarzan swing to finish off but I’d read an article in a UK Sunday paper about the Tarzan swing and there was no way I was doing that!

This was one of the best experiences of my life. Sorry no pictures until I get home as they are on a disc.

We got back to the hotel and were immediately urged onto a bus to go on a night walk. We started the walk with a 20m walk to view a tarantula - boy was she big when enticed out of her hole. Photos taken we were off. Almost immediately we came across a three toed sloth - they might be lazy and slow in the day but at night they can move!

We then saw a viper climbing in a tree. There were a few birds snoozing and they look rather funny perched on the branch. We came across a very large ant colony and learnt all about them. On the way home we suddenly stopped because another sloth had been sighted and this one was eating. Finally we got to dinner at about 9pm!

An early start today to go walking in the rainforest to try to find an endangered species of bird - the Quetzal - and we found one so it was a pretty special moment! We had also seen a White Faced monkey eating a squirrel. Our walk took us to an area with many humming birds. Trying to photograph them is not easy!

A leisurely afternoon beckoned and after a long walk into town it was blogging time 

Valda finally reached Costa Rica after beating the floods in St Louis. We had a quick wander around San Jose but all the museums were closed for a special event - no idea what the special event was.

In the evening we met the rest of the group there are 16 of us. Amazingly a couple who had been on the India tour with us in 2006 had won a trip and there they were - no of us could believe the coincidence!

After a  4 hour drive we arrived at Fortuna. We are surrounded by mountains and a volcano which last erupted in 2010! Hope it stays dormant! The hotel has lush tropical gardens, a pool and 4 hot spas - so relaxing!

Valda and I decided on a massage with chocolate facial - I resisted the temptation to lick the corners of my mouth! The massage area was facing the jungle type area and the music was the sounds of nature! It has to be the best massage ever!

We have just come back from a nature trip on the river. On our way we stopped to see Iguanas basking in tree tops. We saw two sloths - being very sloth like - a couple of caymen, numerous white faced monkeys, many different birds and some lizards.

The weather is tropical - very warm and humid with lots of heavy showers.

Into the warm weather!

The last few days with Justin and co were mainly spent watching Ivy and all her funny ways. Unfortunately she had an ear infection but that really didn’t slow her down! Lauren and I enjoyed a pedicure and left Justin in charge! As usual the goodbyes were very difficult!
 Little Miss Ivy enjoying a blackberry!

At this time I learnt that Valda was stuck in St Louis due to flooding and wouldn’t make it to Miami so I headed off to the heat and a very good hotel. I don’t think my body knows what’s happening as I had to move my watch on an hour in Miami but then back again for Costa Rica.

I was picked up at the airport and driven to the hotel. As we travelled the driver told me not to go ‘down town’ as it was dangerous! The hotel seems off the beaten track and I was daring enough to get directions to a supermarket and have a quick walk to pick up some supplies as I certainly wasn’t venturing out after dark.

We seem to be surrounded by mountains but I think they are volcanoes so let’s hope they remain dormant. I was reading the hotel guide and there was information about what to do in case of an earthquake - get under a table and hang on but the size of the table here would mean a very tight close squeeze for Valda and I if there was one!