A country of contrasts..

From the taxi drive from Casablanca Airport there were early signs of a very different country. Beaten up old Mercedes taxis like the one we were in, to flash Jaguars, VW's etc. when we stopped at traffic lights there were beggars approaching the cars. Whilst our hotel for the first night was a flash boutique hotel, the streets around are pretty grotty.
At the train station today, Casablanca Voyagers, we were immediately approached by a beggar.
As we travelled the two hours to Meknes we saw rubbish pickers around the railway tracks and near tower blocks and shacks, often festooned with satellite dishes.
Just arrived, and met our hosts, Mouna who will teach Vivienne the finer points of Moroccan cookery, and Simon, who has played at Womadelaide, and will entertain us on New Years Eve

A night at the Gray boutique hotel and spa

Just checked into this delightful hotel, sadly for one night before we go to Meknes tomorrow , but then we have another night here on Thursday before we go to Barcelona

http://www.grayhotelandspa.com/

. Lots of stars for this hotel. Here we sit in bath robes after a lovely shower. Mind you, the trip in the beaten up old Mercedes taxi was scary!!!

Great flight with Royal Maroc

A very pleasant flight with this airline which has flown us from Nantes to Casablanca. We were not sure whether we would get a meal or not for the just over 2 hour flight. We were pleasantly surprised to get what I have called , a 3 course meal. We had a portion of smoked salmon, with a choice of chicken with rice or beef main , followed by a chocolate cake. We had a Moroccan vin rouge that was quite pleasant. Well done Royal Maroc

Last views of Nantes

Took a walk to check out transport to Nantes Atlantique, which is the local airport. There was a shuttle from the railway station so we elected to try that route. These are some shots of our hotel.

About to pack to leave

A few shots from the corridor outside our room..

Meal in the 17th Century (building)

Revisited after two years, Louisa, Christopher's good friend and her mother Odette, in their apartment within a building from circa 1651. It has a courtyard that once were stables, and a winding stone staircase that leads to a small studio type residence . Vivienne cooked a meal for us all, for our last night in Nantes. We fly to Casablanca tomorrow afternoon.

A walk around Nantes

Visited the castle, and an antique store today and did a lot of walking.