In travelling with Greg I became a little lazy as he spoke much more of the language and was happy to sort things out. I think that this lulled me into a false sense of security. On my bus ride from Almeria to Granada I had a 20min stop over in Granada. Great I will get some cash and then some food. Bad idea!!!! The atm disfunctioned and swallowed my debit card. I panicied, ran to information, try to explain she gave me a number I called, a spanish lady gave me another number that is all I understood. My mind was racing do i get my bag off the bus and stay in Granada to sort it out or go to Seville and sort it later. By the time I went through all this and ran for the bus it was too late the bus had left with my baggage. After 36hrs of stressing, emailing, calling I got to Seville found my baggage and will receive an emergency credit card in a few days. Though Can you believe that it takes 6weeks to generated a PIN number for a full replacement. Crazy!!! But in the meantime I got lost, could not find a hostal (despite booking ahead), could not get transport as a Milletary festival was on, my glasses broke, my credit card was also swallowed by the atm and I stubbed my toe. But things are back on track now and my run of bad luck is over. Once I have my new card I will head to Lagos in Portugal to chill out by the beach for a while. I look foward to telling you some happier stories soon.

Last I wrote we were catching the night bus to Marakesh. During this very hot, packed full of people, 12hr local bus ride Greg´s awe over my ability to sleep anytime, any position, anywhere and under any conditions (even people knocking into me and screaming arabic) began to develop. Greg was particularly astionished by the fact that I thought I was awake most of the night and that we only stopped twice. We actually stopped numerous times. Somethings don´t change :). On arrival in Marrakesh we were it was scorching hot and we were both quite exhausted from our travels and a little Moroccian bellie. So during the day we were pretty inactive, but when the cool of the night hits town Marrakesh main square becomes a hive of activity. It is a 50:50 mix of tourists and locals. There a numerous of food stalls all trying to drag you in for very cheap and scumptious dinner of lentils (yum), fried fish, calamari or prawns, salads, soups and the local favourite sheeps heads (no I chickened out as the head was still looking at me :)). There is also the best fresh orange judice I have ever had. For entertainment there are numerous musicians, dancers (some chickens on their heads), snake charmmers (touched it, got photos but felt quite sad for the snake as they where not in great condition)acrrobats and ladies wanting to paint you in henna. Marrakesh people hasseled you alittle but not to the same degree as in Fes. One morning I went down the local street (which I had been down with Greg numerous times with little hassel)to get some bread for breakfast. Previously, despite dressing conservativly, I had noticed leers but it was no drama. On my own I really felt the difference. I was OK but there was numerous comments (in arabic, but the tone was obvious) and the leers were much more distrubing. Romonia (american friend) had indepently made the same observations. After recoperating we made our way towards the beach town Essouria. Correctly nicknamed the "windy city". The temperature during the day was lovely but freezing at night. Within half hour of being there I felt like I was covered in salt. It is a lovely relaxed tourist town. We met nice couple at the hotel and went to see some local music at a strange bar one night and a feast of seafood the following night.
Time was running short for Greg so we made what we thought would be a hellish trip 2 day trip to San Jose in Spain. On the way we stopped in Cassablanca for a few hours and checked out a stunning Mosque there. Also, had the best best chicken and chips ever. Due to some comments at the previous broader crossing we were concerend that Greg would not be let back into Spain. All seemed to be going OK. Then as I was going through the metal detector Greg was dragged off into a little room. I got a little nervous as I had know idea what was going on. All I could hear was muffled talking and russling. Of course I thought the worst and assumed that Greg was being stripped searched. Then a man opened the door of the little room wearing rubber gloves. "Oh, my god it is a cavity search". Luckily, it turned out to be a routine bag search.
We arrived in San Jose hoping for some sunny weather. Greg wanted to work on his "base" as he will not see a beach for another year at least. It was very windy most of the time but the sun came out every now and again. We went on numerous walk in search of the perfect protected beach where the wind would not catch Greg by surprise by changing direction completely :). On the last day the sun came out properly and we returned to the first beach we found and had a lovely day lazing around on the sand. I am still in shock that I was there all day (with sunscreen)and didn´t get burnt. Next Greg heads north to eventually get to Germany for the world cup and I was to head west to Seville.

Morrocan keyboards are a little difficult soi please forgive me; this weeks excuse.

Greg and I hired a guide to tour us around the Medina of Fes. The guide, Abdal, gave us a great rundown of the history and culture of Fes, but also took us to his mates shops. Bargainning is a way of life and so is the hard sell. Firstly, we went to the carpet shop, where Australians are great as we sell them cheap Merino wool, therefore we give you good price. Once I convinced the guy it would not fit in my backpack we were taken to the roof with a beautiful view and mint tea, very refreshing with the mint still in it. Next we where off to the tannaries. Greg and I came away with a leather jacket each. They are good quality. After 2hrs of bargaining the price came down from 6000Dr to 2000Dr which is 400AUS. I am told by others this is a good deal, but think I should have bargained harder. It is a long red jacket. If anybody knows about how much it would be worth in Aus I would love to know as I am questioning if the weight is worthwhile. Yes, I am still a tight ass §. We then went to a variety of dress and scraf making shops. In the bargaining process we were dressed in the full berben outfit. But it was not enough to talk us into buying this. Early the next day we caught the local bus to Rissain, which was a rough ride for about 11hrs. The hasslers started from about 4hrs out of town trying to get us to stay and go to the Sahara with them. It was alittle intense. So glad we booked ahead. The following day we got a taxi to Merrzoga and then a camel ride through the Sahara. We spent the night with two Americans, Fred and Rowenia, and the local nomad sleeping under the stars. I do not think that I can give justice to the beauty of the Sahara, but I will try. Imagine sitting on blankets surrounded by giant dunes watching the full moon slowly rising. It is silent apart from the occasional criket. Then the nomad camel drivers begin to play the drums and sing. We woke early with the sun to see the colour of the dunes changing before our eyes and the little foot prints of night creatures all around. It was truely an amazing experience that I will never forget. Also, we climbed to the top of a very high dune and pretty much skied down. Alot of fun. The people of the Sahara hqve also been very friendly and no hussling. YEAH, quite a relief.Today we are going to go to Marrakesh. We are travelling with Fred and Rowenia at the momment. Yes the food is fantastic. Mostly stews, coscos, passteries and fruit. I am always happy when my taste buds are satisfied. Thinking about heading to the coast after Marrakesh. Yummmmmmmm, seafood.

I arrived in Madrid late and just spent one day walking and eating. I like the food. I caught a train to Granada to meet Gregelles (sydney mate). I again arrived late got very lost trying to find the guest house but did not feel stressed as I feel very safe in Spain. I met Greg at the guest house. I was so excited and had so many questions to ask I could not speak. Hard to believe I know :). By the time I got to bed it was dark and there were people already asleep so I jumped intot he only bed that appearred unoccupied. I woke a couple of hours later as this guy was climbing into bed. Oops, I got in the wroung one there was another room. I got up early to go to the Alhambra, which contained a stunning Palace, garden and fortress in a Moorish style. It was so intricatly decorated in a style that I had not seen before. So different to the German castles.
Greg and I decided to head to the southern beaches for some r and r. But when we got there the weather was crap. So we decided to head to Morocco. After a very long ferry, scary boarder stop and another long bus ride we are now in Fes afterabout 24hrs on transport. It is definately not as romantic as the guide booked described but will check out the city more tomorrow. So glad that I came with Greg as he is better with French and I do not think that I would feel safe by myself. But so far the food is very good. We are going to get a tour around the Medina tomorrow.

Short tour of Germay

I arrived in Frankfurt on Friday night and the next day made my way to along the Rhine Valley by train and ferry. Well 2 trains as I got off at the wrong stop, oops. Met a very creepy guy who followed me on to the second train as he leer at me and told me how beautiful I was. Note to me for future dont encourage creepy drunks. Anyhoo, Rhine Valley was gorgeous. Very green with very cute little villages lining the river. With vineyards and castles everywhere. I stayed in St Goar. The Rheinfels castle (of St Goar)was one of the oldest and largest around. I had so much fun creeping through all the tunnels and passageways. It also had a rich history of knights and monks. I love that stuff!!!
I also did a hike to Lorley, which is where a princess supposed throw herself off a cliff because of a cheating bastard, then became a siren. Now that is enternal revenge on male kind. :)
German food is very much meat, potatoes and cabbage. Not many greens about.
Heading to Spain next.

After a restless flight I arrived in Hong Kong and found myself a nice private and little (I can touch all the walls when lying down) room. It is quite warm here but airconditioning is pumping in every buliding so most of the time its a little chilly. I have walked all over the city and it is certainly an onslaught on the senses. So many different smells (not all good ;), noise from the constant hussel and bussel of sooooooo many people. The streets are covered in billboards and posters advertising everything imaginable. I going to claim that due to this onslaught it is difficult to maintain a sense of direction. It may also be due to the fact that I have not once come out of the same exit when getting off at Mong Kok train station (near where I am staying). I made a trip out of town and into the national parks to see the Big Buddha, the wisdom path and Po Lin Monastery. I had a fantastic day as I got to walk around the national park which was soo pretty. Also, saw a troope of monks dance, do acrobatics and fighting moves. The food here is very good. Resturants are literally everywhere. I had some more Bo Bo Cha Cha, but no as good as Alans. Most people understand english and everything is written in chinese and English so it is very easy to get around.
Today I walked around the zoological and botanical gardens on the way to the get a tram ride to the Peak, which was meant to have a fantastic view. Pitty about the fog.
Though did another beautiful walk around the peak, which was quite errie witht eh fog and not being able to see very far infront of me in places. On my wanders I saw some school kids playing netball. They were very cute.
I caught a ferry across the habour while the nightly light show was on. I couldn't geta decent photo so you will all just have to believe me on that one.:)
I am going ot Germany tomorrow. Looking forward to it.