Mauritania Frontier

Yesterday morning we arrived in Dakhla, Morocco (Western Sahara) after a 14 hr bus (with numerous police checks where we held up the bus) ride from Tan Tan. On arrival we quickily meet up with a guy from Senegal and found a bush taxi to drive us through the border crossing to Nouadhibou, Mauritania. The frontier was somewhat tiresome as everything had to be checked multiple times (took about 6 hrs and 20 euros to cross). We hope to cut inland today by train to the dunes. (pictures will come later).

Week One - Lessons Learned

1. Don't believe everything in your guidebook
2. Nothing comes for free...
3. It's cold... bring warmer clothing for this time of year (especially at night)
4. Things are rarely as they seem
5. Account for tipping costs in tourist areas (even when they say they will not ask for one... They will)
6. There is always a catch...
7. Always carry your toilet paper (and change to pay for the use of toilets)
8. Ask for well done meat (The rare hamburger we ate made us nervous)
9. Hand gestures are key
10. Bread is a staple here... to bad we don't eat it

Heading South

Yesterday we made our way from Essaouria south to Tan Tan. We had thought that the journey was only going to be 6 hours according to our guidebook... 14 hours later we arrived. I suppose the frustrating part of that journey was the waiting (in the bus) along the way. About 4 hours in total. The journey was quite beautiful following the coastline for much of the journey. Due the extended travel time we missed the connecting bus and now are hanging out in Tan Tan for the day till the next bus... Not much to do here, however the people are really friendly and we are not being hassled nearly as much as in the North. The plan is to make it to Dakhla by tomorrow morning. Then hopefully catch a ride to Mauritania from there...

Essaouira

After spending the morning getting lost in the markets of Marrekesh to find some moroccan fabric we headed to the coast. We are now in the port town of Essaouira, which is a much quieter area comparied to the cities. Despite the chilly weather there are still a number of other tourists walking about checking out the sights. Soon we will be making the long haul south through the Western Sahara on our way to Mauritania.

Morocco

After visiting the rock of Gibraltar (and enjoying communicating in English for the short while) we took a ferry across the straight separating Europe and Africa to land in Tangier, Morocco. After spending a night in Tangier we bused through the atlas mountains to the imperial city of Fes. Fes in many ways felt like it came straight out of Disney's Aladdin movie, with narrow alleyways, a maze of markets and unforgettable smells (especially the tannery). This afternoon we moved on by train to Marrakesh where we now are. We are staying in the Medina (old city) on a square which is supposedly the heart of the city. It seems quite lively and should be exciting to explore even more in the morning. (Pictures to follow)

Jon & Holly

Spain

It´s not hot.... For some reason I always thought Spain was a fairly warm spot. During the flight I dreamed that it was going to be -1C in Madrid... Which it was! I guess I must of heard the captain and somehow incorporated that fact into my dream. Madrid is a beautiful city that took us both by surprise. Clean streets, historic architecture and spacious parks. Overall a very enjoyable however tiring day of exploring. Holly and I are moving on to Gibraltar tonight then hopefully on to Morocco (Africa) tomorrow sometime.

Jon

London/Paris

After three days of travel Holly and I have now moved through London and Paris. In the morning we head to Madrid then will continue on south. Africa is still a few days away but it is quickly getting closer...

Jon

Africa 2009

In a few hours Holly and I will be heading off for Africa (well Europe then Africa). As with most extended periods of travel the typical excitement of the unknown is starting to set in... I for one am quite curious how things are going to work out over the upcoming months. We will try to post the odd comment along the way as things unfold...
Jon

Iron Ring

Finally after all to many years I have my Iron Ring. For those that are unaware, an Iron Ring is a symbol of someone who has completed their Canadian university education for engineering. This simple ring is worn on the pinky finger of the writing hand. The main reason it is somewhat exciting for me is that I now feel my undergrad degree is basically over (only a few days left). Now that's exciting...

I'm an Uncle (again & again)

It's been a busy last couple weeks, well at least for my siblings. Jamin and Sarah had little Micah last week (Left). Then Bobby and Shira had little Emma this week (Right). So I'm an uncle twice over yet again. Two nieces and two nephews overall good distribution... although the tie will be broken in a few months, I wonder in what favor. Congratulations to both of you guys. I can't wait to see my new niece and nephew in person!