17-07-2011 dakhla to Mauritania we say goodbye to morocco.
We reached Dakhla, after another road block. Hans got through it quiet easily, but Coen and stephanus had to wait. The police man decided he’ll first help a lady in a car. They got worried; he disappeared with their passports in to a small office. Eventually he returns with them. After a couple of frustrating question is was will to let them go.
Hans in the meantime find the camping site, not impressed are al. They decided to search for some other options.
Going in to town, nothing to find there, back to first camping site. The GPS wakes up and start directing us to a campsite opposite the first one.
This camping site looks much better, location right on the sea. A gale force wind was blowing. We were thank full for a reed and shading wall to hide behind. This time Hans and Stephanus decided to park the Landy and Cruiser next to each other. They pulled out the 2 awnings for shading and the wind shade between the vehicles’ this stopped the wind.
The girls were already for the wind now. They were not fashion statement. No, this was really trying to protect them from the wind.
Sunday was a quiet peach full day. Everybody was busy with their own things.
Mariana was on tea duty as always, this time EARL GREY and biscuits. Although it wasn’t time for HIGH TEA, Elisme and Hans were on cucumber sandwiches.
Coen had a punctured tyre yesterday; Shanhaz went with him to town to fix it. She did our shopping, meat wise she always finds something. This time the choice was between CAMEL and MUTTON. What do you think was our choice?
Hans organised with the local Restaurant for us to have some Grilled fish and Chips.
Chips are not something that you see in these places. The fish was grilled and underneath it were the potatoes and carrots done the Tagine way. Salad and bread completed the main course.
To end the meal we got melon and prunes
Packed and ready to do the 380 km to the border...
What we didn’t know was the strength of the wind that started to increase during the night.
Coen and Shahaz thought their tent is going to torn. Hans was too tired to worry about the Landys tent. Albie you can know relax the tent did make its first storm.
14h30 we arrive at the Mauritanian border Starting with all the formalities, Police checks and what more. We were very lucky they didn’t ask us to unpack anything. Stephanus says we must thank Hans, He asks the General their if he knew General........... And the the talking started. I think they forgot they want to check the vehicles.
18h20 we were in Mauritania.
To Ali’s camping site it was 48 Km. That the GPS’S stopped us right in front of the Gate... I must say ALI’S name was helping us through the Policies blockades.
The camp was between 4 walls, much less wind. We set up camp. Ali invites us for tea which is the use in this part of the world. You sit for 3 cups for tea. Black herb tea with lots of sugar and very strong. Each time you pout back your glass, he pours tea, you never get your own glass again. We South Africans find it Strange you can never be rude, you sit and drink.
Tuesday morning, the boys were on their way to sort out all the, Paper work. We thought Mauritania will be a cheap country. Insurance for everything and what else is costing a pretty arm and a leg.
The girls are going to explore the town. We saw lovely fruit and vegetable stalls, as we came in yesterday.
Mariana says we must go and see for some nice, “LAP” This part of the continent it’s always so colourful.
Shanhaz wants to go to the fish market, her turn to do dinner. They say you get lovely fresh fish her. We’ll see.
Washing was done, for the desert trip tomorrow.
From then we’ll have to look after ourselves for water and everything.
Thinking back of Morocco. This is a country with many differences. Many beautiful places, villages, and country site. They produce beautiful, carpets, throws, leather and silver. I am sure Morocco will see us again. May be just stopping the Police stops, and terrorising tourists.
Next time; the six of us in the desert.
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