We crossed on the ferry from Tarifa to Tanger on Christmas Eve. The ferry was only about a 1/4 full, we stood on deck to say bye to Europe, then 30mins later hello to Africa.
Although we were stopped at Moroccan border control, asked whether we had drones or arms and were asked to open Lenny’s boot for an Alsatian to have a sniff, it was all quite relaxed. The border control official wished us a good stay in Morocco.
Driving through Tanger, it seemed very green with impressive palm trees and some grand looking villas lining the coastal route. Driving behaviours were a bit more challenging, with rapid lane switching and zooming out of junctions if we left the tiniest gap between us and the car in front.
Once we got out of town and onto the A1 autoroute de Maroc, it was a lot quieter and we drove south the 50kms to Asilah, stopping for a strong coffee and apple pastry at the best looking service station I’d ever been to.
Already there’s a sense of space, driving past wide river beds and expanses of marsh lands with sheep, cows and camels peacefully grazing together.
We found our apartment with the help of a security guard outside another apartment block off the main road through Asilah, who even drew us a map.
The guy on Reception was so welcoming and helpful, talking us through a map of town, recommending where to eat and even got us Maroc Telecom SIM cards and activated them for us.
The apartment was spacious and really well equipped, with a small balcony with a view to the roaring Atlantic.
We took a stroll around town, the beach on our side of town was inaccessible for industrial activity and there was a lot of construction work, you could smell and taste the plaster dust in the air.
We changed up some Dollars to Dirhams and headed into the old town through an impressive arch and had mint tea and pastries in a square facing the main gateway tower into the old walled town.
It was a refreshing way to spend Christmas Eve.
Due South 
Lovely Zoe. 2 pastries in 1 day!?
Only because I was too embarrassed to also mention the pastry we had on the ferry…
Sounds like an amazing trip already. Wishing you both a wonderful Christmas. How long are you in Morocco? Xxx
Thanks Frannie, so far so good! We’re in Asilah for 2 days then traveling south to Essaouria for new year, so at least a week in Morocco, especially as sandstorms are forecast for Mauritania.
Hope you’re all having a great. Christmas celebration Zxxx
Sounds brilliant so far and you have only just entered Africa! Happy Driving guys!
Happy Christmas you two. Sounds fabulous. X
You said that’s where you’d be for Christmas Day! Did it!
Itchy wheels for Essouira now! Enjoy! We’re all
enjoying your reports!!
You said you’d be there for Christmas Day!! Did it!! No mean feat!
And now itchy feet / wheels for Essouira? Enjoy. We’re all enjoying your Diary!
RobZoe, finally we opened up your diary and we really love it and to be able to follow you. So exciting and we will follow your reports. Crazy that you are there already. So good also to see that Griff is taking care of by the best!
All love from us (we’ll write in Swedish from now on)
Cathrine, Maria, Alma, Albin och Ester
Tack så mycket söttisar, det känns konstigt att skriva för en blandning av vänner, familj och kolleger, men vi är så lyckliga för att få ta den här tiden. Det har varit precis 2 veckor nu, så det börjar kännas som mer än en vanlig semester.
Jag känner mig väldigt skyldig över att lämna Griffin så länge, hoppas han kommer ihåg oss när vi kommer hem in juni!
Hoppas ni har haft en fin jul, är ni på Alnö? Ha ett gott nytt år och hoppas att se er snart i 2020. Stora PoKs Z&R xxx
Merci la plus belle, we are indeed enjoying fantastic hospitality, food and landscape and excited about the next stage.
Hope you had a bonne Noel and have great New Year celebrations. Zxxx
Happy New Year to you both and belated birthday wishes to you Zoe! Sounds like a lovely adventure unfolding. Keep posting the story. It’s great to hear what you are up to! We’re off to Snowdonia tomorrow so hoping for some clear skies and beautiful scenery! Xxxx