Day 21 – Seven-hour check in to Rabat

We arrived outside Rabat around 1 pm but were met by the harbor captain who came by a rib boat and said we couldn’t enter the port until 4 pm because of the tide. The harbour is located in a narrow river mouth, so it’s tricky to get in. However, we had some relaxing time anchored outside with sunbathing and swimming. Is was still too early at 4 pm, at 5 pm we were able to drive in with a pilot boat that guided us.

It was a special entry to the river where we surfed on the waves to the sound of the minarets prayers. First we had to stop by the port office where we were welcomed by the harbor captain and the police. We had to sign a lot of different papers and Niclas had to leave his drones to the customs because it’s illegal to use in Morocco. After a few slow hours we finally could get into the port. At that point we still hadn’t received our passports yet. The time was around 8 pm, it took us about seven hours to arrive Rabat. Anyway, we could eventually have some dinner at a restaurant in the harbor and became happily surprised that the prices were so low despite the luxury marina. We had Moroccan tea for the first time – mint tea – and I’m thrilled! Yum!

Day 22 – Moroccan palace and city walk in the medina

We started the day by fixing the autopilot and the lanterns and I had some work to do. Once it was done, we visited the town. We made a stop at Hassan Tower – a big minaret in beautiful surroundings. Oh my, Moroccan palace with the awesome keyhole gates and the details of mosaics in different patterns and colors – wow! I’m so inspired decoratively!

We visited the Medina – the Moroccan Old Town, which is found in all cities. It’s all about small houses close to each other with narrow alleys inside a wall. Inside there are markets where they sell everything! Carpets, leather, spices, clothes, etc. etc.

We took a look at the cemetery that had a view over the ocean. It was a very special feeling to walk around the graves, some were well preserved and others were completely ruined. After a few hours of strolling we found food and were trying Tajine – Moroccan stew that comes in a bowl with a lid. It’s meat or chicken and (according to me) over cooked vegetables with bread. Unfortunately not a personal favorite – but the bread is good! At the end of the evening we found a ship at the quay, which served food and – surprisingly – alcohol. There are not many places serving alcohol in Morocco, but where they do, it is quite expensive.