Drove into Tetouan this morning, it was cool, cloudy, and looking like rain. Parked at the top of the enormous Muslim cemetery which spreads across the top of the city. It’s a surprisingly beautiful place, but I don’t think we’re allowed in unless we drive on one of the roads that cut through it.
Our route in to the city centre took us through the medina and we were subjected to the usual sight, sounds and smells. I think we’re still in a period of adjustment as I swear I could still smell the poor chickens and the butchers for hours afterwards.
Found the cash machine first, after turning down several offers of guidance through the city. Next, the Inwi shop to get a SIM card.
“There’s a credit on your account from last year…” says the helpful, but painfully slow sales assistant.
“Thats good then” I reply.
No, you owe us £10ish unless you want to open a different account. (That’ll be a debit then!?😬)
We’d heard about this, where they somehow make your contract roll on after you’ve left the country so they can get some extra money when you return.
We opened a different account with my passport this time. I find it hilarious that these swanky, modern mobile phone shops still only take cash as payment – it’s so bizarre!
Had another look at the pristine Royal Palace as we wandered around looking for a quiet area to ring Dad and sing Happy Birthday to him. 91 Years young today!
As we were parked on a slope it wasn’t a good place to have lunch, so we drove on a bit. Every lay-by had people in it so it took ages to find somewhere where we wouldn’t be spotted eating.
We decided to head across to the west coast so that we can use the motorway to get further south more quickly. The countryside was incredibly green due to all the rain they’ve had here. After a bit of a detour, a man pulled in front of us and flagged us down to tell us that the road ahead wasn’t good and gave us an alternative which was really kind of him.
We finally got to Asilah around 3:30pm and went directly to the little campsite we’ve used before.
The gate at the back leads straight out onto a huge wide promenade that goes all the way to the old walled town. It’s a lovely place full of white and blue houses with murals painted along the walls. Only the beaches let it down a bit because, as usual, there’s plastic rubbish strewn around.
Sometime during the afternoon, without us noticing, the sun came out and suddenly hit us with 20°C – lovely. Sat in the last bit of sunshine for half an hour back on the campsite, making the most of it in case it doesn’t last!
