View from our dinning table tonight
:D
:D
walking in the shallows....
Back in Madrid
flights and acommodation. How's this for a funky ceiling.
... a walk along the beach...
the long trek that made us equal!
So the weather over here is warm, about 38/39C at the moment. It makes for a good sweat when your out and about looking at historic sites or attempting to be scammed in a Souk to be shown a tannery.
Anyways I digress.
So the morning was lovely, up early, quick bite to eat for breakfast then first port of call a famous local garden called Menara Garden or Jardin de la Menara. Paul's call as I made him do the tanneries yesterday! We we step outside and the temperature was hot. Never fear, sunscreen on, sunnies on, map in hand, coffees in our bellies - we are off!
So we walk...
and walk...
and walk somemore...
finding the signs to the airport now... seem to be where we arrived!
did I mention it was hot... very hot...
still walking...
*pant pant*
oops... forgot to bring water...
an hour of walking... we find it. OK, we took a slightly scenic route to it. Very illuminating as it turned out... I'll tell you why in the next post.
Anyways, after a very long walk, much sweating we arrive at the famous Menara Gardens - one of two grand "Almohade" gardens. Local are flocking there, tourist buses arriving... we turn to each other... looking good.
Well we arrived. Walked down the long entrance which is a very large plantation of olive trees which the locals have picnics under, but the people are walking to a main area. Well we must go see.
This is what was there...
So it was a large irrigation pond, filled with very big carp or tilapia or something... we looked at each other and agreed... we were even tannery vs garden :D
So we grabbed some water from the stall in the garden... and commenced our long walk back.
Anyways I digress.
So the morning was lovely, up early, quick bite to eat for breakfast then first port of call a famous local garden called Menara Garden or Jardin de la Menara. Paul's call as I made him do the tanneries yesterday! We we step outside and the temperature was hot. Never fear, sunscreen on, sunnies on, map in hand, coffees in our bellies - we are off!
So we walk...
and walk...
and walk somemore...
finding the signs to the airport now... seem to be where we arrived!
did I mention it was hot... very hot...
still walking...
*pant pant*
oops... forgot to bring water...
an hour of walking... we find it. OK, we took a slightly scenic route to it. Very illuminating as it turned out... I'll tell you why in the next post.
Anyways, after a very long walk, much sweating we arrive at the famous Menara Gardens - one of two grand "Almohade" gardens. Local are flocking there, tourist buses arriving... we turn to each other... looking good.
Well we arrived. Walked down the long entrance which is a very large plantation of olive trees which the locals have picnics under, but the people are walking to a main area. Well we must go see.
This is what was there...
So it was a large irrigation pond, filled with very big carp or tilapia or something... we looked at each other and agreed... we were even tannery vs garden :D
So we grabbed some water from the stall in the garden... and commenced our long walk back.
to that mosque spire allll the way on the horizon...
in 39C heat.... seriously, its good for sweating out the salt from dinner! So all good I say.
Seriously though, the place is great. Very different culture. Its great seeing the interwining of the French and Arabic cultures. Quiet extraordinary.
More to come...
one for my brother...
Back in Marrakech...
So this post is dedicated to my brother who via Facebook, suggested we find a KFC or Macca's in Marrakech... as I explained to him, in the old Medina there was no such thing*
So being the wise person he is, he suggests hunting down the Moroccan version, Kentucky Tagine Chicken.... well bugger me you'll never guess what we found!
**
Well there you go!
:D
*(except on the main square as it turns out!)
** apologies to KFC :D
So this post is dedicated to my brother who via Facebook, suggested we find a KFC or Macca's in Marrakech... as I explained to him, in the old Medina there was no such thing*
So being the wise person he is, he suggests hunting down the Moroccan version, Kentucky Tagine Chicken.... well bugger me you'll never guess what we found!
**Well there you go!
:D
*(except on the main square as it turns out!)
** apologies to KFC :D
Bali
A quick trip back to Bali. Always impressed by the walls of the gardens... great workmanship. I love the texture, colour, and form.
a quick visit back in time... back to Madrid for a sec...
We were going through some of the images from Madrid tonight... some good ones to come, but we did come across the images of The Sofia which I hadn't posted. The Sofia is short for the The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (MNCARS) is the official name of Spain's national museum of 20th century art(informally shortened to the Museo Reina Sofía, Queen Sofia Museum, El Reina Sofia, or simply The Sofia).
We almost did end up going to this one as we where a little fatigued of all the religious art that we had seen in the preceeding days. And we also thought it was a small building, small collection, and one we could miss. BUT we steeled ourselves and made the journey through the back streets to find it only to come across this...
We almost did end up going to this one as we where a little fatigued of all the religious art that we had seen in the preceeding days. And we also thought it was a small building, small collection, and one we could miss. BUT we steeled ourselves and made the journey through the back streets to find it only to come across this...
The museum entrance with the Dali sculpture was impressive. The collection... very impressive. So pleased we made it there. The building is actually a reconditioned old hospital. and the sculpture in the front... well here's a clue... there is a person on the left hand side in the corner taking a pic... if you can spot her.
Now back to Marrakech. Its very hot here today. And I'll post more on what we did today tomorrow... suffice it to say that Paul and I are now even on the 'oh god, what have you taken me to see' stakes today :D
-mtc
just a reminder....
we are out of telephone range whilst in Marrakech... we dont have carrier cover... so any messages or sms will have to wait, or just send through an email/twitter/facebook message.
x
x
snakes and lamps.... and whats that smell...
Well it certainly has been a busy first full day. Breakfast - yum yum. Then off to the central square... oh boy. What is it like... sort of like Kuta Square Bali, but worse hussling, and an arabic influence.
We got 'befriended' by a local, who for 'no fee - free for you' I show you where the tanneries are... well as it turns out he did, but to look at the tannery owned by his friend - $$, to look at the shop also owned by his friend - $$, and the sneaky bugger found us again and asked for money. I had to firmly remind him he promised that he wasn't going to charge... got a little tense.
Well it wasnt a total bust, we did learn something about the process of tanning hides, and the short version - requires fermented pigeon shit they collect from the Atlas Mountains to soak the hides in for about three weeks to soften them! So yes, the tannery stunk...they actually give the poor delicate westerners some mint leaves to smell as you wander around. No fear tho... we were brave lads and didn't use it... but I have had to wash the clothes tonight! If you have been to a piggery... similar to that. ;-)
Then we took a journey through the souks. Interesting markets, lots of handicrafts and stuff, not quiet as much husseling, but you dont want to stop and admire anything as you get pounced on to buy! All part of the experience. We covered most of the areas of the souks, but didn't take too many pics... I'm sure we would have had to pay someone for the privilege of taking them. A couple of places I might go back and buy something from there stall and ask then to take a pic.
Next we were out in the main square again, and we spy cobras and snake charmers... charming mostly the tourists out of money. Well surprise surprise... I turn around to find Paul and he now has a snake and its being wrapped around his neck... whats more he's now heading to where the cobras are to have a picture taken...with a cobra whilst the locals stand well back! Next the guy heads towards me with a snake as I'm taking pics.... oh boy... tomorrow, some of the local parks...more adventures to come...
Hot and steamy....
Walking around the Botanical Gardens in Singapore we came across some fungi... very pretty.
well we are very surprised again...
Arrived into Morocco this afternoon... just as Madrid was getting some unseasonal rain... well a few showers. Enough though for us to flee! haha... well the flight to Marrakesh was only 1hour 40minutes. Customs went really well... tho everyone gets a gander at your passport it seems.
All was going well until we get to the luggage hall. I was a little suspicious of the luggage handler who peered out from behind the curtain of the luggage conveyor belt as I was the only one there at that time, and says to me, "Madrid", "yes" I replied, then calls me over and asked me what my luggage looked like?? WTF???
"Black" I say... "Is it this one" bringing out a ubiquitous black suitcase..."No miseur". Three attempts were made at this exchange... how bizzare. Paul is snickering at this point!
I suspect he was genuinely trying to be helpful.. and looking for a tip! Luckily his mates called him to do some work. Too funny. Thank god he didn't find it, not sure if I was going to have to pay extra to actually get it.
Next adventure... getting a taxi to the hotel. Oh boy. No problem. We are skilled. Just get in and make sure they put the meter on. Written the address on a piece of paper. Should be fine.
I look in the taxi, "Meter please"... the guy directing the punters says, "No meter!", tried again... "NO METER!!", and they tell you how much your going to pay after they know which hotel your staying at..hmmm. So being good negotiators we agree on an exorbitant price, well they tell us what we are going to pay. 100MAD's (Moroccan Dhirams) for a 10minutes journey, the cab driver agrees, our anxiety levels settle... negotiated well... huh! not. Oh well... lets just get to the hotel. Then as he gets in the taxi... he says ahhh yes, and 50 MAD's for your luggage extra. LOL these guys are skilled. Your in the taxi, already moving and what are you meant to say... no... leave the luggage behind! It can make its own way there.
Anyways we arrived at the hotel in one piece, even through the taxi driver was yelling on his phone and gesticulating whilst talking with his other hand... yup, you guessed it, no hands driving... bikes going every which way, trucks almost hitting us. oh what an adventure, and we haven't been in the coutry 20mins.
But fortunately the hotel is very nice. We have retreated to it for a welcomed break from running around Madrid for 5 days looking at all the art, museums, ruins etc. More on that and pics when I get a chance. So this afternoon a bit of sitting by the pool in the warm sun, to regain our strength and prepare for tomorrows adventures...out wandering around the city.
The room? Its nice. We are indeed very fortunate.
All was going well until we get to the luggage hall. I was a little suspicious of the luggage handler who peered out from behind the curtain of the luggage conveyor belt as I was the only one there at that time, and says to me, "Madrid", "yes" I replied, then calls me over and asked me what my luggage looked like?? WTF???
"Black" I say... "Is it this one" bringing out a ubiquitous black suitcase..."No miseur". Three attempts were made at this exchange... how bizzare. Paul is snickering at this point!
I suspect he was genuinely trying to be helpful.. and looking for a tip! Luckily his mates called him to do some work. Too funny. Thank god he didn't find it, not sure if I was going to have to pay extra to actually get it.
Next adventure... getting a taxi to the hotel. Oh boy. No problem. We are skilled. Just get in and make sure they put the meter on. Written the address on a piece of paper. Should be fine.
I look in the taxi, "Meter please"... the guy directing the punters says, "No meter!", tried again... "NO METER!!", and they tell you how much your going to pay after they know which hotel your staying at..hmmm. So being good negotiators we agree on an exorbitant price, well they tell us what we are going to pay. 100MAD's (Moroccan Dhirams) for a 10minutes journey, the cab driver agrees, our anxiety levels settle... negotiated well... huh! not. Oh well... lets just get to the hotel. Then as he gets in the taxi... he says ahhh yes, and 50 MAD's for your luggage extra. LOL these guys are skilled. Your in the taxi, already moving and what are you meant to say... no... leave the luggage behind! It can make its own way there.
Anyways we arrived at the hotel in one piece, even through the taxi driver was yelling on his phone and gesticulating whilst talking with his other hand... yup, you guessed it, no hands driving... bikes going every which way, trucks almost hitting us. oh what an adventure, and we haven't been in the coutry 20mins.
But fortunately the hotel is very nice. We have retreated to it for a welcomed break from running around Madrid for 5 days looking at all the art, museums, ruins etc. More on that and pics when I get a chance. So this afternoon a bit of sitting by the pool in the warm sun, to regain our strength and prepare for tomorrows adventures...out wandering around the city.
The room? Its nice. We are indeed very fortunate.
back in time... to Barcelona...
OK, a quick update for tonight (Madrid time) a few quick snaps from Barcelona earlier in the week. The first from Gaudi's church... much has happened since we were last here about 20 years ago. I will get back there when we come back to Barcelona in a week. Next is a shot from Los Ramblas on a Sunday... note to self... lots of folk out and about! Next two shots... yes well you know who those two are! :D
Mouse for desert?!?!
So tonight is our last night in Madrid... and we were desperate for some simple food. Luckily we found a great Argentinian steakhouse... and the guys looked after us very well. We were very early for Madrid dinning... it was 9pm... most people dont start going out till that time for dinner! Anyways we had a great feed, and were treated to a desert. It was 'Mouse', "oh" said we? And then the mousse arrived... we had a great night exchanging my bad Spanish and their bad English and a lot of laughs.... tomorrow onto Morocco!
construction of Madonna's brassieres....
Formidable construction of the amazing Madonna's brassieres, or a foyer of a shopping mall in Singapore? Who can tell?
the stuff tears are made of...
I was chatting to David DuChemin about our holiday and noted that I was travelling photographically light. Only one camera body and one lens. Well the camera survived the trip all the way except when we got Barcelona... went to take a shot and this is what greeted me! *Big sobs and hysteria*
After treking around Barcelona trying to find a Servico Technica open, with no luck, we decided to wait to get to Madrid. Luckily after a few false starts we find a lovely camera repair lady who not only fixes the lens but decides not to charge us. So in true Aussie style we went and bought her a big box of choccies, which she initially didn't believe we were giving her. She saved the trip!
Slumming it in Madrid
Now this was a VERY pleasant surprise. Found this place in the old part of town... central to everything. VERY nice. Tomorrow I'll post some pics from around town.
amazing decoration in Madrid
a building just around the corner from our hotel. Very ornate and just fabulous. The whole place is like this. And a great mix of new and old. More to come.
Parking style in Madrid,..
So we are having dinner in Madrid, in the 'cheerful' part of town... (Madrid is VERY cheerful) we were amazed at watching this guy park his car... get out... and admire the parking technique and giving us the thumbs up... amazing style... oh... he.. was tall, dark, handsome, and very well dressed...we just smiled and waved back...
'X' marks the spot...
Yes, I know, this is similar to an image I posted recently... but... this one started me off on another project. The alphabet in images and form. This one, yes, X. I'm still going on the project...but it should be good when it is finished.