For context, we went on this tour with Amazirgh Cultural Tours at the invitation of Jude Rae who was the guest artist leading the tour. Frank and I immediately started painting lessons, Frank found her inner artist and i found various hacks to get past my impatience and lack of skill. None of which worked.

We had always wanted to go to Spain and Morocco but we had no idea how it would arise, so when Jude said she was leading this tour and there were 2 seats left, we booked first and thought about it later.

Seemed to work.

Arrived in Marrakesh Wednesday around 5 pm after 30 hours travel. All very smooth till Casablanca when Jude was held up an hour. Wheelchair is a great thing - straight past all the queues.

Fascinating drive from Casablanca to marrakesh, great empty highway.

Arrived at dar barakar, beautiful riad in the Medina (the old, walled city).

Wandered around looking for food, found L’atelier des saveurs with a very genial host who spoke all languages. Tagines! Very tasty.

The first major difference we encountered (okay the 151st) was that as we had arrived in Ramadan, the streets emptied the minute sun went down. We waited at the restaurant while the staff all sat together and broke fast. When they’d finished eating they came and served us. Many of them would eat again later that evening.

Well Lulu Guess we’re not in Aotearoa any more.