Once again able to venture out, Karen joined Doug for a trip up the Rock to explore its many hidden gems. Rather than walking after Karen’s illness, we played it safe and took a thrilling van ride up to Gibraltar’s Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Our first stop was St. Michael’s Cave, a stunning natural...
Rock and Awe: Uncovering Gibraltar’s Storied Past
Arriving in Gibraltar feels like stepping into the crossroads of history and natural beauty. The iconic Rock of Gibraltar rises majestically from the sea, a sentinel guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, Karen succumbed to a nasty stomach bug and thus spent the first day and a half resting on the boat. Meanwhile,...
The Gibraltar Straight
Today we were back out on the water, weather conditions not permitting the safe travel across the Gilbraltar Straight. Feeling thankful that the delay in our passage through the Strait of Gibraltar allowed us to experience the warmth and hospitality of Morocco, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Indeed, the beauty of travel...
Journey from Fès to Chefchaouen: History and Blue Hues
Today’s adventures took us on a journey to see the ancient ruins of Volubilis and the enchanting blue alleys of Chefchaouen. Our first stop was the archaeological site of Volubilis, founded in the third century BC as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauretania. Annexed by the Romans in AD 45, Volubilis flourished...
Exploring the Enchanting Labyrinth of Fès
Today’s adventure was a dive into the history and culture of Fès, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 789 AD and the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Known as Morocco’s religious and spiritual capital, Fès is a treasure trove of sights and experiences. We entered the medina through the iconic Blue Gate (Bab...
A Whirlwind Day Through Casablanca and Rabat
Our morning began with a tour of Casablanca led by our awesome host Chahine, where we visited the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque. Casablanca, originally established as a small Amazigh settlement in the 7th century and named Anfa (meaning hill), evolved into a major trade center by the 18th century due to its fertile agricultural...
From Barbate to Casablanca: A Serendipitous Detour
Sometimes, the weather has its own plans. Indeed, on July 2, our forward progression by boat came to a standstill. As we docked in Barbate, preparing to journey eastbound through the Strait of Gibraltar, we found ourselves in a “no go” position. Navigating the Strait of Gibraltar requires a meticulous balance of wind, tides,...
Quick Stop in Cadiz: A Glimpse of History and Beauty
Our visit to Cadiz, Spain, was a delightful whirlwind of mpressive architecture, stunning beaches, and gorgeous gardens. The highlight was undoubtedly the Catedral de la Santa Cruz de Cádiz, built in 1838. Inside, the cathedral we found the Chapel of San Sebastian and were enthralled to read about its rich history. The alter in...