When we got to the bus stop, the bus was not there yet so we had to wait for about 10 minutes. We then boarded. It was a coach bus, with reclining seats that were cushion-y but there was no bathroom. And lucky us, there was one of the most annoying and obnoxious girls on the bus as well. She will be the downfall or negative to the trip because she was just THAT annoying. But I didn't let her get to me. Luckily for the whole bus, Manu, the director, put in the movie Zoolander and that quickly shut her up, and everyone else who was talking. It was too early to be that alive and awake!
About 2 hours into the trip, going to to Sevilla to pick up more students, we stopped at a rest stop for bathroom breaks as well as to get some breakfast. Even though we already ate, we were still hungry so we bought a pastry like thing with chocolate on it. It was the best thing ever! The cafeteria was also well maintained and huge and it had a few stores and a cafe in it. I was in such awe that I took a picture of it. I don't know why American rest stops aren't maintained like that.
After the rest stop we went directly to Sevilla. Because our bus was already full, we just sat there and waited while the other bus was loaded up with more students. Once the bus was loaded it was a straight shot to the Port of Tarifa, Spain. But we did have to make another pit stop for another bathroom break and option for some more food to munch on.
When we got to the port we had to give away our passports so that they could be stamped and checked on the ferry. We were told to wait in a large open room for the ferry to come.. in 2 hours. We were in such a rush earlier and now we are just sitting around and waiting. I don't understand the logic behind that. When we were sitting there, we smelt fries so we just had to get an order. The ketchup here is definitely different that in America, a lot sweeter and a different taste. To kill time, we played card games and then we finally got to board the ferry.
We got to the line and had to wait some more, a hurry up and wait game. This time we were waiting to get our tickets and to go through security. The security was nothing like airport security, quite petty and didn't really do much. I was shocked because we were about to enter another continent and country! We got to another room after security and had to wait another 45 minutes before we could board the ferry. From there we got to the front of the time and got to walk down the terminal first! It reminded me of cruises and the excitement that goes along with it. :)
When we boarded, we had to enter where the cars and buses are parked and put our bags in a huge box like thing. We were a little uncomfortable leaving them there but the guards made us and we had no choice. We got on the ship and quickly snatched up a table near the front of the boat so we could watch everything.
We soon noticed that on our tickets it said "Incl. 1 Hr Stop in Gibraltar" and we knew then that we were not a direct ferry to Africa. What a shame. We cruised over to Gibraltar, docked and waited. I still am not sure if more people boarded the ferry or if we just were chilling there for the whole time. We decided to waste some time and walk around on the ferry outside, and snap a few shots. Gibraltar is actually a very gorgeous city, if only we would've been able to actually experience it.
Sooner than later we were off to our destination of Tanger, Morocco. Somewhere in the middle of the Straight of Gibraltar we crossed into African territory and we got our passports back, stamped with Tanger. Sooner than later we were in Africa and we took our first steps onto African soil. What a relief that was.
I don't remember the time that we landed but I do know that we were behind schedule. There was also a time change, 1 hour ahead so that also was taken into account. We all boarded the buses and then we drove over to the security point and ALMOST made it out but we were forced to turn around. They searched both of the buses in the baggage compartments and it took an hour! Once again, more behind schedule.
On our way to the hotel, four star hotel, we picked up a Moroccan tour guide. It was all part of the plan, that a random guy. He spoke Arabic, Spanish, English and possibly more languages. He told us all about Morocco and the city that we were going to. We even learned a few words (which I forgot) to use in bartering and we got to sing a song. Half way through the trip he got off our bus and entered the other bus to do the same thing over again.
When we arrived to the hotel, all we had to do was take all of our stuff with us and leave the baggage under the bus there. The hotel staff would take care of it for us because we were 2 and half hours late. The hotel was called Hotel La Paloma and it also would be serving us breakfast and dinner.
For dinner, we had bread, salad, couscous and chicken and strawberries and some citrus orange type thing for desert.
During the meal there we Moroccan performers that came out. Two men on the drums and two dancing with noise makers. It was really awesome to see their dress and attire and experience the culture right away. Definitely something I have never seen before.
After dinner Rachael and I found our bags in the huge pile that was in the front lobby. We then found our room, 5th floor and we went to bed. It had been a long day of travelling and we were ready for bed. Excited for what was to come the next day! :)
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