24 december

                                        Christmas Eve !

In the morning Jim picked us up in his car where we then drove to Aldi and other stores nearby. Jordyn didn’t come as she was sick.we had to buy lots of food because for the next two days all the shops would be closed. jim dropped us off at our house where we ate lunch and put on fancy clothes for having dinner and decorating the tree.

This time we walked up to Jim and Edith’s house. When we came in we got to put the extra wooden decorations on the REAL Christmas tree. We then put on the candles carefully as for them to not burn the tree branches and set the house on fire. After it got dark jordyn,nick,and I lit the candles with a long match. We also lit other candles not on the tree around us. 

Before we had dinner we decided to open presents. I got two pandora charms from my family and a vivofit garmen. From Jim and Edith I got a colouring book diary and really expensive copic markers.

Before going into the other room we blew out all the candles on the tree with a candle snuffer. We had a delicious pastry chicken and mushroom dinner. It tasted yum and filled me up fast. That night we were going to go to the church but Jordyn and nick were too tired.  From Addison

23 December- ice hockey & Christmas markets

We were picked up in two cars by Henrike and Tim, and Katrina and Hartwig to drive to Wolfsburg to watch an Ice Hockey game. The drive took and hour and a half.  It is the local team called the Grizzlies and this season they are not doing very well. But it was our first time watching an ice hockey match so we were a bit excited.

We were early at the stadium but in no time it was full of Grizzly supporters. The opposition had come from Munich and only filled a small area of the stadium. We ere in the seats in the last row at the back of the stadium, but this was ok as it was very warm and we didn’t need our warm clothes. 

The game is in thirds and at each break they groom the ice. Reminds me of the movie “tooth fairy”. It was a very exciting game with lists of clashes against the walls and some men sent to time out, but in the end the score was 6-1 with the Grizzlies winning. Maybe the Mitchell family were their good luck charm.

It was still raining when we came outside so we decided to drive to Brunsweig to have dinner. It is closer to home so not so far to drive after we eat. We went to a local restaurant called osteria which is an Italian restaurant. We had a delicious dinner although it was only half past 5, but we hadn’t eaten lunch. Despite it still raining we decided to go to the Brunsweig Christmas markets which is set up around the church and the castle. It was so pretty with all the lights and Christmas decorations.

We were all too full to eat any of the delicious meals available - you could get salmon smoked and grilled right in front of you, German sausage - up to half a metre long if you were game, horse, eel, chicken and so many other delicious things. Instead he kids had hot chocolate and the adults had gluhwein. So much cheaper than in the Uk. It costs 4 euro for a glass and 2 euro for aRefill - you get 2 euro back when you return the glass. No disposable cups here.

Addison wanted a nice Christmas decoration for home, but they were fairly expensive as they are hand made. She bought a lovely ceramics candle burner with the Brunsweig cathedral and castle as the decoration and twinkling stars in the sky.  Can’t buy that in Australia.

Marrakesh Medina

Today we met with a guide to walk through the Marrakesh Medina. He took us for a long walk around the town showing us the mosque and then into the Medina. He was able to navigate for us and to show us the artisans at work. Many operate in a such a small room it must be oppressive in summer with the heat. We watched the leather workers making hand bags and shoes, the metal workers are making so many different things (pots, serving wear, plates, layered trays, kettles) as well as rejuvenating old utensils. It was good to know that most of the items sold in the Medina are made locally although there are many Chinese made tourist items. 

We showed us a local henna artist where Addison and Jordyn both had some decorations applied to their hands. We we4 warned that some people on the street will grad your hand and apply henna to your arm even if you don’t want them to. This henna can sometimes be poor quality and cause allergies. We came across ladies on the street who wanted to apply henna, but they weren’t pushy.

At the same place as the henna art, we were able to but some Argan oil. So many places sell Argan oil but I was never sure if it was real Argan or just some other oil. This place was certified as a retail seller and recommended - so we ere happy to buy from here. Surprisingly it was the same price as other places so we didn’t feel like we were being ripped off.

It is overwhelming the amount of shops and things available in the Medina. When we had finished walking we had done over 18000 steps and seen thousands of shops. We didn’t buy anything except the oil. Too many choices. After saying goodbye to our guide, we bought some kofta on rolls for 10 dirham each ($1.30) and ate them in our Riad. Nice sore legs.

That night peter, Nick and Addison walked back through the square and the Medina where Nick purchased a soccer jersey. Jordyn and I booked into the riads Hammam where they wash you with a hand loofah until all your old skin has been rubbed off. That takes about half an hour and is very intimate - you are only in your undies. After that we each had a massage for an hour. Nice and relaxing - not like the sports massages we usually get at home for injuries.

Unfortunately for us we then had to pack our bags as we are catching the bus to Agadir tomorrow for our flight to Germany.

19 December - Marrakech

Toni had arranged for us to do quad biking in Ouarzazate oasis amongst the palms, but 2 days before, our driver was to tell us that because it was low season, the original company didn’t have their quad bikes ready for us. A backup was sort by our driver, but they didn’t allow anyone under 18 to ride their quads! 3rd option, turned out to be great for us as we now get to ride in the desert (mostly dirt and rocks) and the kids except for Addi get their own 300cc quads!

After getting kitted up, We all negotiated a quick test track while being watched and then headed out into the desert with our guide at the front for what was about 3 hrs of great fun. The guide quickly realised that the kids had ridden quad bikes before and was not too strict allowing them to have some fun!! 

The terrain was quite varied including steep up and down hills, loose rocky dirt roads (fishtailing on this was fun) & riding through dry creek beds. We even rode on the sealed main roads with cars and trucks for a short stint which was interesting.

Stopping for a short break for more mint tea overlooking a large lake with the snow covered “High Atlas” mountains in the background on a cool, clear & sunny morning was really nice before heading back. 

18 December - Ouarzazate to Marrakech

The map shows where we have been on our travels. We have enjoyed Morocco so much we all wish we could come back again to spend longer in so many places. The people are so kind and generous, the weather has been great and everything has gone relatively smoothly. Of course the food is great - healthy and without and risk of getting sick.