Wow time has been flying by. I have sadly left Spain over a week ago now. Let’s back track to my time spent in Cadiz. Spanish school was so much smaller so I only had one other classmate. It was a frustrating week of learning but still will be worth it in the end. It’s been a week filled with walking along the seaside which pretty much goes all around Cadiz. Another cultural moment was sitting drinking a Cruzcampo at a seaside restaurant with a Spanish family beside me. My Spanish is not so good yet but the children wanted so much to speak to me so we talked about the colours and our names. Knowing basic Spanish can still give you some interesting conversations. The rest of my week was filled with visiting the cathedral, tasting manzanilla wine and of course out on the ocean for a little paddle. Well the lake is so much easier for paddle boarding but I got used to the waves. Last two days were full of Carnival festivities. Streets full of many people, people selling whatever they can, fresh seafood stands and of course bands all over. At night the plazas turned into loud music, drinking and everyone in costume almost like it was Halloween. It was a short week but definitely a good one. Cadiz is pretty awesome but would be so much better in the summer. 

Returning back to Seville was nice to be with my same host mom as before. She was so happy to see me again. First night back I was ready for some relaxation. The Arabic baths are a must do for anyone visiting Seville. Many different pools of hot, mild or freezing cold waters, massage pool and of course my favorite was the salt bath. Floating in water only with candlelight, never could be more relaxed plus a massage. That was a treat to myself. You need it every so often while traveling. Next day I shared a table with a lady from China at the cafe. Never expected to meet a friend that was teaching me how to write my name in Chinese. One evening dinner was quite interesting with an Italian guy, Japanese and a Chinese lady and myself. You can only imagine the language barrier but one of the best dinners I’ve gone out for. The rest of the week was a visit to the Giralda cathedral. Only took 34 floors to go up the tower but the view was worth it. Another great view of the city is from the Las Setas ( the big mushroom). I will miss my host mom so much. She prepared the biggest meal I’ve ever ate with all traditional food and wine. Spanish tortilla and croquettes are amazing! Last full day I was in Seville I finally got a package sent home, last day of school and of the most exciting part of the day was catching the bus to Morocco. 

It took a lot of travel time just for a day in a half in Morocco but at least I was able to experience some of their culture. After a bus, then the rockiest ferry I’ve been on and another bus we were at our hotel. Welcomed at the hotel with a traditional mint tea and then my first Moroccan meal. The experience the next two days was incredible since I’ve never been to a place like this before. Walking through a massive market ( medina) in Tetuan was let’s say an interesting experience. Wasn’t a pleasant smell but interesting to see the locals in their every day lifestyle. More bus rides got us to the point of the ocean where the Atlantic and Meditranean meet. To me that was a pretty great moment of my trip. This was close to Tanger. Then off to ride a camel. I know very touristic but had to be done. They really aren’t very cute animals either. Next day was full of a very windy road through the mountains to get to Chef–Chaouen or as I’ll always remember it ( smurf village). Every building, steps and doors are painted blue to keep the warmth down in the summer. It was a beautiful village to see and a must if anyone goes. Our tour guide definitely was a plus for this trip especially because he told us so much about the culture which includes polygamy. I’ve realized how lucky Canadian women are after visiting a place that is still active in this lifestyle. It’s completely normal there to have 4 wives. 

One thing I did learn that I found very interesting is Spain actually still has part of African land. As soon as you land at the port off the ferry you are not quite in African land yet. There is a Spanish city to go through before the border. 

This trip was well worth the traveling plus I got to hang out with some pretty awesome people from around the world. 

Next morning I said my final goodbye to seville and took the train to Barcelona. 

Barcelona is a gorgeous city but for me a little too many people. I loved my couple day stay with a friend of a friend. It was nice to have a local show me around at least so I wouldn’t get lost. The beach is a perfect way even in winter to enjoy the ocean. It’s a great city for the fact you can have a huge beach, look at amazing historical buildings, local pubs and great food. I even ventured into the Picasso muesuem which was very interesting to see the changes of art throughout his years. The famous Sagrada Familia church is a great place to visit except for the hour line up to just to get in. The stain glass artwork makes for a beautiful view on the inside when the lights shinning. 

That’s pretty much all I wanted to see in Barcelona but it was time to head over to France before I decided to find a way to stay in Spain forever.