Memorial Day in Tangier, Morocco- AFRICA

Today was full of many firsts!! 

 For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to visit Africa and today it happened.  Living in Spain has enabled us to travel to so many different places that we would never have had the opportunity to do living in the states. 

I went with two very amazing women- Heather Nelson and Millie Price.  They are two people I would love to travel anywhere with because they were so much fun!  We left base housing just before 7:45am and headed to Tarifa, Spain.  From Tarifa, we took a ferry to Tangier where we met our tour guide Aziz.  
Aziz is from Tangier, went to college in Spain, met his wife there and currently lives in Tangier with his wife and two boys.  He was the best tour guide anyone could ask for!!  

We started our day with a drive around the outside of town.  We drove by the goveners' mansion, the Kings mothers palace, the Kings palace, the king of Kuwait's palace, and the king of Saudi Arabia's palace.  

We then stopped at the coast where the Mediterranean Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

(Millies picture)

One of the only reasons I really wanted to go to Morocco was to ride a camel... and that we did!!  

After our ride, we went to Hercules' cave where he stayed after breaking Gibraltar and Morocco apart.

Inside the cave:  

By this time, we were starving... so we stopped at this local restaurant and ate some of the best food we have had in a long time!!  (Thanks Aziz for the hook up).

We then made our way into the town.  We parked at the top and began our way down, around, and back to the top.

While walking around- we stopped in the local oven/baker spot.  He bakes all daily bread for all the town... you bring you dough, seeds, nuts, meals... and he will bake it and have it ready for pick up when you need it.  

This man was making a fountain when we walked by...  Aziz was so wonderful, he walked us in the room where he was working.  This man stopped everything he was doing to show us how he made everything- I now have a deeper appreciation for all things mosaic!!  

A cart of bread on the side of the alley way... 

We stopped and heard all about rugs... they were so beautiful!

These little boys followed us for a few blocks... probably because I emptied my pockets with euros (all of 3+ euros... I wish I had more)

Some of the items sold... 

When we were walking back to the car before heading to the ferry, we stopped in this little room to listen to amazing talent.  These men were fabulous!!

Once we got to the car, we realized we wanted to eat ONE more time... I am not sure HOW we had any more room for anything else.  I am sure Aziz thought we were gluttonous women and was curious as to how we were eating SO much.  The food was TOO good to not eat!!  

 Today could not have been any better!  I was able to spend time with great friends, have the best tour guide, be in Africa, ride a camel, eat delicious food, and partake in the their wonderful culture.

Jerez de la Frontera Feria

Friday after the kids got home from school, we drove up to Jerez for the feria.  What a beautiful place to be.  This country is so rich in culture and traditions and it is so fun to be able to be exposed to it and participate in it. 

While there, we met up with Felipe and Veronica.  

After we stopped for a snack and drinks, the kids were ready to make their way to the rides...

We left Joe and Debbie with Felipe and Veronica and headed to the carnival part of feria.

He had this face the whole time!!  It was so cute... and funny.

Once we finished with the rides, we met back up with the adults.  Veronica taught Liam and Morgan how to dance...

While they rested, the other women in the restaurant danced.  It was so fun sitting there and watching them dance.  

Joe and Debbie's Spanish experience

I cannot believe how much family we have had over these past few months and how lucky we are to spend time with each one of them as well as show them as much of this beautiful country we live in as we can and they want.

This last week- Steve's uncle Joe and aunt Debbie came to visit from California.  They could not have chosen a better time to be here.  They arrived late Friday afternoon and were ready to relax after their long trip out here.
 
Saturday we walked around Chipiona, ate lunch at Chamai and hung out in the pool.

Sunday morning while I was at church, Steve, Debbie and Joe went to the beach for lunch and drinks.

 Sunday afternoon we were all invited to attend a communion party for one of Aydin's friends from school, Vito.  First communion out here is a big deal and the family will spare no expense to let their child know how proud they are of them and how much they love them.  This party was something we all felt so blessed to experience.  They served a traditional spanish 6 course meal which included paella, sopa (soup), caracoles (snails), gambas (shrimp), cheese and jamon (ham), torillas, pan (bread), helado (ice cream), and so much more.  They were so wonderful to us- making sure we were comfortable and ok with the food (NO ONE spoke english).
It was an amazing day- one we will never forget!

Monday and Tuesday Joe and Debbie took off on their own and toured Gibraltar and Sevilla.  

Wednesday was the day they had been waiting for.
For brunch, we went to the resturant on the beach and spent the afternoon at the horse stables where they all had lessons (Morgan had hers and then Joe, Debbie AND Steve had one) from Morgans trainer.  

I have to say, the horse Steve was on is a beast but yet he makes it look like a little pony!

Thursday the kids did not have school so we went into Cadiz.

Thursday afternoon we all shared a first.
We were able to take a horse ride on the beach in Puerto de Santa Maria at sunset and it was fantastic!