RELISHING IN RABAT
Another early start had us racing against the clock in order to escape the Larache harbour before the low tide held us hostage for another day. Actually, Larache was a charming little village – with the locals all being very friendly (stray cats included) – even the customs officials took a shining to us, once we paid our bribes of cigarettes and Glenfiddich. We had another 75 mile journey ahead to get down to Rabat (Morocco’s capital city) where we would moor in the marina for a couple of days. This trip was a bit hairier than the previous day – the choppy swell had the TomTom of the Atlantic on the blink so it had to recharge in its cabin for a good 12 hours of the 9 hour leg. Kez made a top forehead hand and pot-spotter (keeping an eye out for fishing nets and crab pots so we didn’t get our motors caught in them) and had to take one for the team whilst her shipmate recovered. We eventually came into the port of Rabat and were all highly impressed with the beautiful and modern marina… Afterall, our expectations were somewhat humble post our stay at Larache! The usual interrogation proceeded as we entered the marina – with 4 officials boarding the boat to go through our papers and carry out a search… they were all very friendly and didn’t even put their hand out for cigarettes. Once the formalities were put to bed, so were any inhibitions we may have had from previously conceived ideas of Morocco’s capital city of over 1.5 million people. Our first night was pretty tame to allow the swirling stomachs settle and rest our tired eyes. We were all bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning so we ventured out into the streets to explore. Our first port of call were the ancient medinas which is a walled city full of local stalls – selling everything from traditional Moroccan clothes, jewellery, handmade leather goods, silverware and fresh produce. so fresh that they’re still clucking – until a buyer points them out and their heads are chopped off in front of you to prove their freshness! Steggles wouldn’t stand a chance in this marketplace. Whilst the markets may be a tad ‘traditional’, this city has got it’s transport system sorted, with a light rail connecting the old city of Salé with Rabat in a couple of short minutes… a good thing considering we would find ourselves taking the said trip over 6 times a day.
theflightclub 