8-9 Feb 2019: Agadir, Morocco

Morocco is an unusual and very unique country. It is way out, totally strange and far removed from my usual perceptions and frame of reference. The customs official at Agadir airport spent nearly fifteen minutes examining my passport and banging away at his computer. I think he did an internet search and most probably examined my Facebook page. “You are a retired military officer – what rank did you have?” Then a smile: “Welcome to Morocco.”

Moroccan Flag near my hotel

When I left the airport in my rented car, a Fiat Panda, right-hand drive, I was immediately lost. My GPS did not have a North African data card, nor did my mobile work on the local network. I ended up in a street market, miles away from my hotel, where a very helpful shop owner helped me to get connected to the local network. Google maps then soon sorted me out, but my cell phone now spoke Arabic and French.

Agadir Souk

The next day was utilised to get acquainted to Agadir, walk down to the beach and check out the local birds (Magpie, Common Bulbul). I took a local taxi to the souk and enjoyed being a rubber-necking tourist in this very strange environment.

Eurasian Magpie, Agadir, Morocco