#gibraltar travel guide

[wanderlustphotosblog]

The Ultimate Gibraltar Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Explore the wonders of Gibraltar with this informative Gibraltar travel guide. Find recommended hotels and tours for an unforgettable experience.

This Gibraltar travel guide post contains my Hotels.com, Expedia, Vrbo, and Viator affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you book a hotel or tour from this article, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only the hotels and tours that I have thoroughly researched and feel comfortable recommending. When it comes to destinations in Europe, the tiny overseas…

[scotianostra]

On August 25th in the year 1330 Scotland lost one of it’s greatest warriors when The Good Sir James Douglas fell at Teba in what is modern day Spain.

James was called “The Black Douglas” by the English for his dark deeds in their eyes, becoming the Bogeyman of a Northern English lullaby “Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye. Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye. The Black Douglas shall not get ye.”

There are also unsubstantiated theories that this was because of his colouring and complexion, this is tenuous, Douglas only appears in English record as “The Black”, in Scots’ chronicles he is almost always referred to as “The Guid” or “The Good”. Later Douglas Lords took the moniker of their revered forebear in the same way that they attached Bruce’s Heart to their Coat of Arms, to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies and exhibit the prowess of their race.

Robert the Bruce had requested that Douglas, latterly his most esteemed companion in arms, should carry his heart to the Holy Land, as atonement for the murder of John Comyn, and the fact that his excommunication meant he was unable to go on a Crusade himself.

Douglas and his knights had been invited to join the forces of Alfonso XI of Castile, Edward of England’s cousin by Queen Isabella, mother of King Edward III of England to fight a Crusade against the Moors in 1330 at the Castle of the Stars at Teba, he was killed as he led a cavalry charge against the enemy while outnumbered and cut off from the main Christian force. He is said to have through Bruce’s heart forward as he was about to be slain, although another source states it was still tied around his neck,

Remarkably the casket survived to this day and was returned to Scotland, to be interred at Melrose Abbey. Douglas’ bones were boiled and returned to Scotland. His remains were laid to rest at St Bride’s Church, Douglas, which houses the monumental tombs of Black Douglas earls.

You may see artist impressions of the Guid Sir James with the Douglas Shield and it’s red heart, this is an inaccurate depiction it wasn’t until 1333 the ‘bloody heart’ was incorporated in the arms of Sir James’ son, William, Lord of Douglas. It subsequently appeared, sometimes with a royal crown, in every branch of the Douglas family.

The village of Teba, in the Guadalhorce-Guadalteba region, still remembers The Good Sir James by holding the two day Jornadas Escocesas (Scottish Festival) every year, also called Scottish Days or Douglas Days Teba. There are numerous people and associations that collaborate in the organization of these days. Some of them, such as the Saint Andrew's Society of Gibraltar, the Order of Knights Templar of Saint Michael or The Strathleven Artizans, expressly travel from Scotland to participate in the event.

The Village of Teba, is twinned with Melrose in the Scottish Borders.

More on all this on their web page here https://www.douglasdaysteba.com/

[vamosaespana]

Morocco “my friends”

And the alarm goes off, not super early but early enough. We need to be there an hour before our ferry leaves at noon. GB wants to leave by 9:00 at the latest but ideally 8:30…well we compromise at 8:45. There is actually no argument of who gets middle I the back seat and I’m shocked. I don’t know about your families but there is a constant battle of who has to sit in the middle and then once in the car making sure everyone’s feet are in their dedicated space, none may cross the demarcation line invisibly made and only visible to the trained eye🙄 infringing on one’s space. Treaties have been made but are quickly broken once borders are crossed and then my friend you have a full scale sibling war that ensues where there are no winners and only casualties. I wish I was joking 🙃😵‍💫 The trip starts out quiet and peaceful for at least a good 30 minutes until we hit the highways of Spain. It was then that the stillness of the car was cut with a quiet ding…the tire warning light just came on. You have got to be kidding me!!! Ok. GB and I stay calm, I proceed to pull out the manual for the VW…guys….its all in German😬 there is nothing in English. Ok. Still staying somewhat calm…next step finding a gas station. Luckily we see one quickly and pull off to it. We stop at the air gauge and it is legit something from the 70s. No numbered gauge…no setting…nothing to measure. Fill up and say a prayer that you have enough air. There is no gauge either in the car either…thanks Hertz😑 GB fills up all the tires as we are unsure which one is the flat and then we watch a you tube to recalibrate the tires. Amongst all of this the kids are quiet, not sure if it’s because they are locked into their devices or if they just know better to even utter a peep at this time of tension. Regardless, GB and I are grateful for the silence so we can get to work. We head back onto the road and I say prayers to St Christopher to help guide us safely to our destination. It’s those moments that you hold your breath without realizing it and then time goes by and your like ok I’ll take a breath, just really quick so as not to disturb the car and cause the light to come back on. But then after 30 minutes goes by, you allow your body to somewhat relax, but still ever so ready to go back on alert mode. By the grace of God and St. Christopher we make it to Tarifa with no further sounding from our tire pressure light. The views of the Mediterranean are beautiful and we can see the Rock of Gibraltar in the distance. As we approach the port, we look for parking. Let’s just say their approach to parking lot parking is very different from ours…there are none! We found 2 lots that were tiny and of course full. What does that leave us you might ask, well the answer to that is street parking 😧 GB has been clutch literally and figuratively when it comes to driving the manual. But even these narrow, winding and hilly streets can intimidate the best of drivers. We literally then spend 45 minutes driving around the port looking for parking. Our beautiful 2 hour window of no stress has now changed to 75 minutes of finding a spot and getting to the boat so we don’t miss it. At the final hour we found a parking spot near a house where the owner is outside and says we are more than welcome to use it. Thank you God and St. Christopher for that one too! Luckily it’s a 7 minute walk to the ferry allowing us to reach the ferry ticket booth at our goal of 1 hour prior to departure 🙌🏼

We have no bags for this journey outside of my travel pack so we don’t have to worry too much with security. I will say the security on the train and ferry seem much more relaxed…almost too relaxed. Here we are freaking out about having things in our pocket or setting off the detectors and a majority of the time the worker sitting at the camera looks half asleep and just waves everyone through regardless of beeping 🤷🏻‍♀️😟 We have time to fill out our papers for Customs as well as grab something to eat before we board. This is where I finally get to have empanadas!!! These are a savory pastry that I grew up on with my mom making these on the regular. Similar to a turn over or a pirogi but in my humble opinion so much better! I have two and am brought back to home, tasting almost as good as my mom’s😋 In no rush and no worries with security 🙄 we easily board the ferry. We get settled in our seats and are ready for the journey to Africa (singing Todo in my head the whole time of course😆) The hour journey goes by quickly as we seem to be in Morocco before we know it. We get off the boat and the wind is something fierce. I was thinking dry heat of an unfathomable temp but not like that at all. GB pulls up the pic of our tour guide that we have to meet and start looking around. A gentleman comes up to us and introduces himself and we assume it’s our tour guide. We introduce ourselves and GB starts to talk about what we had set up and come to find out he is not our guide, he’s just looking for people to guide🤦🏻‍♀️ He then states how he knows our guide and that we are in good hands as he points out to the exit. And there “my friends” is our tour guide. I say “my friends” as this is how he constantly refers to us outside of our names of course. He was the kindest man, so cheerful and eager to show off his country. You could truly tell he enjoyed what he did and that was how I knew that we were in good hands. GB found him on a site called “tours by locals” as a coworker referred him to it and we have not been led wrong. That’s how he found MariaLuz in Madrid and now Achraf in Morocco. Highly recommend if you are looking to travel!

Achraf took us all around town. We were able to see the 0 Km marker that denotes the start of Africa at the beginning of our trip which I thought was pretty cool. Just another reminder that “holy cow I’m in Africa!!!” Our van dropped us off in the center of the city as our guide showed us all around the streets and shops. Explaining architecture and how streets/houses we’re designed that people would walk and stay cool from the summer heat. He talked about the influences of so many cultures and how they affected the styles of homes in each area of the city.

We then stopped to eat at a place of his suggestion overlooking the harbor. The food was amazing with all the different spices. I loved how the food there wasn’t spicy but full of flavor from all their traditional spices. He talked about how some countries need the spicyness to help with digestion in really hot climates such as India and Mexico. But that in Morocco, the heat wasn’t as hot and they didn’t need the super spicyness focusing more on the flavor from spices to really capture different tastes. 1 and I had swordfish, GB had the chicken and 2 and 3 got chicken tenders 😒 Still hoping their food palates will eventually open up to be more adventurous 🙏🏻

After a good filling meal, we went back to walking the city. I needed all that walking to aid in the digestion of all the delicious food I ate😋 Our guide then took us into a shop of a friend of his…it wasn’t till I walked in that I knew where this was going. When we were in India we took many tours, one of them in particular dropped us off at a shop that sold a variety of things…expensive things…one of them being rugs. The shop today was no exception. We walked in to a room of beautiful ornate wooden boxes, vases of all different sizes and all sorts of jewelry with precious stones and gems. He then leads us to the room of rugs. He begins to talk about all his rugs and has his workers roll one out after another of various sizes and colors of rugs. 3 makes me giggle and she runs up to me and says how it’s so satisfying hearing the rug hit the floor and roll out completely with a thump. Now those of you who know me, know I don’t like to spend money especially a lot of me. This looks to me like a lot of money….I get this weird feeling in my stomach and I legit start to get sweaty. I can’t explain it, it’s almost like a nervousness and an uneasy feeling. Now GB, on the other hand, does not have this problem whatsoever. I guess that balances out, could you imagine a couple of 2 big spenders😬 Now don’t get me wrong the rugs are gorgeous and he shows us the quality of the handmade weaving. No plastics or synthetic fabrics as he lights a rug on fire with a lighter and there is no melting of plastic. Again, all handmade and beautiful pieces of art but not what I’m looking for. The man sees this and immediately goes to GB…he knows who he needs to talk to. There is many whispering in corners and patting on the backs and nodding of heads…are we signing a treaty or auctioning off one of the children…what’s going on here?🤷🏻‍♀️ Later I found out before we left, GB was measuring our rooms as he knew he wanted a rug from this trip. I had seen him some time with a tape measure and asked him what he was doing. He blew me off just saying he was measuring a room. I thought nothing of it till now. 2 and 3 were shown another room to explore little trinkets. 1 is like me and wasn’t in the mood to spend money. Well at the end of it all, we walk out with 2 rugs, a gemmed genie lamp for 2, a carved wooden elephant for 3 and 2 tall camels carved out of wood. The Camels I loved as they are able to coincide with our 2 penguins from Chile and 2 elephants from India. GB leaves happy with his purchases and the deal he got so again if GB is happy the rest of us are happy. Our guide then tours us more around the souk showing us different cultures and the variety of things sold in the souk. He then takes us to an herbal shop…here we go again. We are provided seats and this herbalist goes through all the herbs both food and medicinal he has to offer. We knew we wanted saffron as that is a big thing here in Morocco. As we left the shop we also ended up with amber (for mosquitos), herbs for snoring/congestion and herbs for indigestion. As of right now we will be the most mosquito free, well digested and well rested people you will ever meet🤣

We explained to the kids how the back and forth works for the tour guide and the stores he takes us to. We explain how much he makes and that by taking us to the stores he is hoping to help his friends out, who in turn “return the favor” to him, and we hope in return we are getting good quality items and not “something from Morocco but made in China.” It’s trusting one another that each person is helping the other. They understood but still were shocked at how expensive things can be. Our kids I feel live a very charmed life. That for me can be frustrating especially after a long hard day at work when I feel they don’t appreciate all GB and I go through so they have what they have. I want them to realize that this doesn’t come easy but with hard work can come reward but know that sometimes hard work also comes at a price. A simple “thank you” or “I appreciate you” goes a long way. Hoping that drilling it in to their heads makes it stick 🙏🏻

We then wrap up our tour of the souk and head to the van to travel to the Atlantic side of Morocco. He shows us where the king of Morocco lives and all the beautiful villas on the coast over looking the ocean. We then head down to the beach. There we pull onto the beach and park alongside a group of camels. GB had planned camel rides for the kids which quickly was then coerced into camel rides for the family. The kids were beside themselves! We all board our camel and in a camel train we take our camel ride along the desert coast. Smiles all around! So many great photos captured and memories made. It definitely made those long work days so worth it🩷

As the sun sets we make our way back to the ferry. We all agreed that our trip and tour guide were both a success! We thank Achraf and he takes a selfie with us. He likes to take pics of the tours he gives to remember them by and also post on his site. What fun we had and we told him we would happily write a review on the fun we had. He talks up about next time we should come to Morocco for 2-3 weeks…oof that’s a lot of PTO I’ll need to save up 🤭

Our ferry ride back is a quiet one as we are exhausted from all the walking but also tired as it’s 11:00 at night when we get back to our car. GB is able to maneuver our car out of its small parking space and we are on our way home. We all settle in, 2 falls asleep,1 and 3 are on their devices, GB and I are talking about the trip, everyone is in a good place…ding! Our car chimes in once again with its reminder that our tire is low on pressure. Ok now it’s pitch black dark and 12:00 in the morning 😣 I start my prayers all over again. I just cringe at thinking of us on the side of a dark road with a flat tire not knowing where we are to even get a tow truck…all these things are darting through my mind. Alas a gas station…perfect….although not perfect as we get closer we realize it’s closed and all dark☹️ I look up gas stations on GBs phone and a good chunk of them are closed with a 24 hour one still a good 30-45 minutes away. We end up pulling up at a closed one hoping we can still use the air pump with the flashlight off our phones. We pull up to one and thank goodness it’s an air pump that has a number gauge to tell us how much we are filling up. A little math is needed as we have to convert PSI to Bars but we are fortunately able to fill up all our tires to their designated pressures and we are back on the road. 2 remained asleep and 1 and 3 remained silent during the whole thing. Nothing to see here folks…nothing to see. We arrive back to Seville and poor GB is starving as we haven’t really eaten anything of sustenance since about 2:00 (the selection of food on the ferry back wasn’t the greatest)and it’s 1:30 in the morning! There is a 24 hour gas station I find on the way to the house that looks like it has a convenience store and we stop. I get outside and see the doors are gated shut…oh no😣😣😣 As I approach the worker at the window, I see that he goes back and grabs what you want from the store. There is a freezer section and the selection of pizzas is taped to the window #winning! I grab a frozen pepperoni pizza and head to the car. The look of relief on GBs face is priceless. We arrive home tired and exhausted with each child going to bed without a peep. Oven preheated now and ready for GB’s pizza. Tomorrow we were going to go to Ithaca but we are going to play it by ear. A long day in Morocco we realize sleep is what everyone needs the most. I set my load of laundry for the night, (you know me and my laundry every night😉) and GB scarfs down his pizza. We then both finally head to bed around 3:30, falling asleep to the smells of pizza 🍕 ☺️

[kmurphy77]

Day 8 Friday, May 24rd

Fes, Morocco

A big travel day today. We left, a bit earlier than usual, from Seville so that we could catch the ferry in Tarifa, Spain to Tangier, Morocco. It was quite an experience and I was glad we had a guide to help us through. We had to personally take all our luggage and put it through security similar to our airport security. We went through security on one side, while the bus went through it’s own security check and then more security checks on the other side.

The ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar was about an hour long and very crowded. Fortunately our guide got our Moroccan visa stamps so we didn’t have to wait in the hour long ride on the boat to get one (yes, the line took the entire time of the trip across!).

Next it was back on the bus for a three hour drive to our stop for the next two days—Fes. The roads were two lane and were one twist and turn after another. There were also many local trucks piled high (beyond what seemed reasonable) with straw as well as several trucks filled with what looked like propane tanks.

It was a long, tiring day. Probably the longest of our tour but we are in Morocco at last. To visit Morocco has been a wish of mine for a long time—and here we are!

[lionunion]

Comprehensive Real Estate Investment Guide to Baguio

When looking for ideal real estate investment opportunities, understanding the basic information and market overview of the city is crucial. Baguio, known for its beautiful natural scenery, cool climate, and rich cultural heritage, is a sought-after destination for real estate investors and homebuyers. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the essential information about Baguio: its real estate market, standout properties, shopping malls, educational institutions, transportation, medical facilities, and recreational destinations. This guide aims to provide valuable insights for your real estate investment decisions in Baguio.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Baguio

Real Estate Market Overview in Baguio

Highlights of Hot-Selling Properties

Shopping Malls

Education

Transportation

Medical Facilities

Leisure Destinations

1. Introduction to Baguio

Geographic Location: Baguio, situated in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines, stands approximately 4,810 feet (1,470 meters) above sea level. Often referred to as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” it offers a refreshingly cool climate year-round.

Administrative Divisions (Barangays): The city unfolds into 129 distinctive barangays, each exhibiting its unique charm and character, contributing to Baguio’s rich tapestry.

Land Area: Baguio spans a substantial land area of 57.51 km² (22.20 sq mi), providing diverse landscapes and terrains that cater to both urban and nature lovers.

Population: As of the 2020 census, Baguio is home to 366,358 individuals, leading to a population density of 6,400/km² (16,000/sq mi).

Economic Overview: Tourism, education, and the service sector predominantly drive the city’s economy. Business districts like Session Road and Marcos Highway pulsate with commercial activity, drawing both locals and tourists.

Featured Industries: Education, tourism, and agriculture are the pillars of Baguio’s economy. The city boasts prestigious institutions such as the University of Baguio and Saint Louis University.

Infrastructure Development: Baguio boasts a comprehensive transportation system, with buses, jeepneys, taxis, and tricycles being the primary modes of transport. The city’s dependable water supply and advanced communication infrastructure stand out. The ongoing construction at Loakan Airport is a notable infrastructure project, signaling further growth and connectivity.

2. Real Estate Market Overview in Baguio

The city’s real estate landscape is as diverse as its culture. There’s been a notable surge in searches for “house and lot for sale in Baguio City” and “condo for sale in Baguio“. With an array of housing options ranging from spacious houses to luxurious condominiums, Baguio promises properties that cater to varied tastes and budgets.

3. Highlights of Hot-Selling Properties

Moldex Residences Baguio: A European Alps-inspired property along Marcos Highway offering modern amenities at around PHP 100,000 ($2,000) per square meter.

Outlook Ridge Residences: Located in the eastern part of Baguio, it’s a blend of sophistication and convenience.

Brenthill, Suntrust 88 Gibraltar, and Albergo Residences: Mid-rise condos situated in prime locations across Baguio, offering panoramic city views and state-of-the-art amenities.

4. Shopping Malls

Baguio offers a variety of shopping experiences. Malls like SM City Baguio, featuring over 200 outlets, and others like Porta Vaga Mall and Centermall, provide both local and international brands for shoppers.

5. Education

Baguio is an educational hub, home to esteemed institutions like the University of Baguio and Saint Louis University. International schools such as Brent International School cater to diverse educational needs.

6. Transportation

The city’s robust transportation system, featuring buses, jeepneys, taxis, and tricycles, facilitates easy movement. Main roads like Marcos Highway and Kennon Road further ease intra-city travel.

7. Medical Facilities

Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital and SLU Hospital of Sacred Heart are among the major healthcare providers in Baguio. The city also houses numerous clinics offering specialized medical services.

8. Leisure Destinations

Baguio is a treasure trove of leisure destinations. Burnham Park, with its boat rentals and bicycle rides, is a local favorite. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the Tam-Awan Village, which showcases traditional Ifugao houses and art exhibits. Art aficionados can visit the BenCab Museum, celebrating works of the renowned Filipino artist, Benedicto Cabrera.

In wrapping up, Baguio offers a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and modernity, making it a prime destination for real estate investments. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Baguio’s real estate market beckons with promise and potential.

Source: Lionunion Real Estate

[vacationguidesblog]

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[travopo]

Best Places to Visit in Gibraltar | Travel Guide (2023) | Things to Do, See & Eat

[sparklyangelbouquet]

THINGS TO DO IN MOROCCO: YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

Posted by Vinod G | Mar 16, 2023 |     

Morocco has so much to offer, and these are just a few of the things to do in Morocco that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking to explore historic cities, relax on beautiful beaches, or trek through stunning landscapes, Morocco has something for everyone. So, start planning your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Morocco is a North African country located just south of the Strait of Gibraltar. Accordingly, the country has a population of over 33 million and an area of 446,550 square kilometers. Morocco has an elected parliament and operates as a constitutional monarchy. The country’s official languages are Arabic and Berber.

HERE IS THE LIST OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOROCCO

Morocco is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll surely find it in this North African country. Accordingly, this blog post will share some of our top tips for things to see and do in Morocco. The best things to do in Morocco include:

Explore the Blue City of Chefchaouen

Hike Jebel Toubkal

Trek in the Atlas Mountains

Amid the Medina in Fes

The Souks in Marrakech

Wind Surf at Sidi Kaouki

The Sahara Desert: Sleep Under the Stars at Erg Chebbi

EXPLORE THE BLUE CITY OF CHEFCHAOUEN:

Chefchaouen is a small town in the Rif Mountains that’s famous for its blue-painted buildings. The town has a relaxed, bohemian vibe and is a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to check out the Ras El Ma waterfall and the Kasbah Museum while you’re there.

THINGS TO DO IN MOROCCO: HIKE JEBEL TOUBKAL

The hike to the summit of Jebel Toubkal is not for the faint of heart. It is a strenuous hike that will take you through some tough terrain. However, the views from the top are more than worth the effort. So, if you’re planning on tackling this hike, be prepared. Ensure you have the proper gear and clothing and are in good physical condition. And most importantly, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike.

TREK IN THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS:

THINGS TO DO IN MOROCCO: AMID THE MEDINA IN FES

Fes is one of the world’s oldest and most well-preserved medieval cities. Its medina, or old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of narrow alleyways, traditional shops, and mosques. Fes was the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Morocco and is now a major tourist destination. Therefore visitors can explore the medina, visit the many mosques, and learn about the city’s rich history.

THE SOUKS IN MARRAKECH:

Marrakech is a must-see city when visiting Morocco. Known as the “Red City” for its distinctive red walls and buildings, it’s a vibrant and bustling place with plenty to see and do. Especially, no trip to Marrakech is complete without a visit to the souks, or markets. You can wander through the maze-like streets and haggle for everything from spices to rugs to leather goods. Be sure to keep your wits about you, as it can be overwhelming and a bit chaotic.

The city is known for its bustling souks (markets), stunning palaces, and beautiful gardens. Be sure to check out One of the top attractions in Marrakech the Bahia Palace, Jardin Majorelle, and the Koutoubia Mosque. And, of course, don’t forget to wander through the souks and haggle for some souvenirs.

THINGS TO DO IN MOROCCO: WIND SURF AT SIDI KAOUKI:

Sidi Kouki is a great place to enjoy windsurfing. The waves here are perfect for beginners, and the scenery is stunning. If you’re looking for a challenging and exciting windsurfing experience, Sidi Kouki is the place for you. Looking for a great spot to windsurf? Look no further than Sidi Kouki! This picturesque location is perfect for windsurfing, with its gentle waves and sandy shores. So grab your board and head to Sidi Kouki for a fun-filled day of windsurfing!

THE SAHARA DESERT: SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AT ERG CHEBBI

Especially, no trip to Morocco would be complete without a visit to the Sahara Desert. So, take a camel ride through the dunes and spend a night under the stars at a traditional Berber camp. So, you’ll never forget the feeling of being surrounded by the vastness of the desert. Erg Cheboi, located in southeastern Morocco, is home to some of the most beautiful night skies in the world.

Finally, Morocco is a beautiful country with many things to see and do. From exploring the ancient city of Marrakech to spending a day in the Sahara Desert, there is something for everyone in Morocco.  If you are looking for an exotic and exciting travel destination, add Morocco to your list. Moreover, there are many things to see and do in Morocco, and it is a great place to visit. Another article for Morocco please visit the best places to visit in Morocco.

CONCLUSION

The Moroccan city of Marrakech is a popular tourist destination for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food. There are plenty of things to do in Marrakech, from exploring the city’s many markets and mosques to taking a camel ride into the Sahara Desert.

Morocco has many things to do, from exploring the ancient city of Marrakech to hiking in the Atlas Mountains. Whatever your interests, So, you can find something to do in this fascinating country. Thanks for Reading and for articles please visit JourneyIndex.

[jamesgalgano]

no guiding light

NO GUIDING LIGHT BY JAMES A. GALGANO

THIS WORLD OFTEN REQUIRES THAT WE STEP ASIDE FROM BEHIND LIFE’S HUGE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR WHERE WE OFTEN HIDE IN HOPES OF LIVING A LIFE IN STRIDE BUT UNFORTUNATELY, IT NEVER OCCURS IN THAT WAY WE ARE OFTEN ENTANGLED WITH WHAT APPEARS BY THE LIGHT OF DAY OR CREEPS WITHIN THE CREVICES OF SOME INDIVINING LIGHT IN HOPES SOME GLIMMER WIL GUIDE US SOME NIGHT BEYOND EACH WALL WHICH CREEPS IN TO CONFINEUS AS A LINGERING MILESTONE ACHING TO REMIND US OF OUR FRAILTIES AND THE CREAKING CRUTCHES WE BEAR AS WE TRAVEL TO TOMORROW PRECARIOUSLY THROUGH DESPAIR I ONCE THOUGHT TOMORROW HELD AND ANSWER, BUT WAS DECEIVED WHO COULD HAVE IMAGINED THE LEGALISTIC SIDESTEPS UNBELIEVED LEADING US BLINDLY THROUGH EACH DISSTENDING SORROW IN HOPES OF DISCOVERING SOME SAVING GRACE FROM WHICH TO BORROW A REPRIEVE TO ALLOW US TO CONTINUE AND EVEN TO BREATHE SOME VANQUISHED FRESH AIR WE STILL REMEMBER FROM YOUTH ALAS WHERE IS THE UNTREADED PATH ONCE SCARRED WITH TRUTH IN YOUTH WE OPENED EYED SURELY SAW, YET AS WE AGED IT WAS FLAWED AND FILLED WITH THE LIES SO UNCOMFORTABLY HERE BESIDE US REMINDING US TO OFTEN OF OUR PRECARIOUS AND OFTEN FUTILE RACE INTO THE UNKNOWN IN AGING, WE SO OFTEN INVARIABLY FACE ALONE WHERE WE INEVITABLY WILL BE ADRIFT UPON LIFE’S INCLEMENT SEA WITHOUT A PRESERVER OR EVEN A FLOAT, NOR DESTINATION NO MATTER HOW REMOTE, SO HERE IS THE RUB AND THE RUSH OFTEN INCURRED WHILE OUR VISION IS LONGINGLY YET INCIDIOUSLY DEFERRED AMONG THE MUCK AND MIRE OF WHAT APPEARS TOO INEVITABLY BE WITHOUT A HOPE NOR RESPONSE TO OUR “OH SAY CAN YOU SEE” NEVERTHELESS, HERE WE ARE OR SO I FIND MYSELF TO BE IN SEARCH OF AN ANSWER WHICH ELUSIVELY SWALLOWS THE YOUTH I STILL STRIVE TO CLING TO FROM EACH UNKNOWN TOMORROW

[scotianostra]

Donald Currie Caskie was born on May 22nd 1902 at Bowmore, Islay, his exploits during WWII earned him the nickname “The Tartan Pimpernel"

The son of a crofter he was educated at Bowmore School and then Dunoon Grammar School Donald then graduated from the University of Edinburgh and from New College in 1928, with a higher degree, a doctorate, in Divinity.  Further studies – and some travels – followed,  he was licensed to preach and ordained to the ministry of the Church of Scotland in 1932 and became a minister, his first Kirk was at Gretna before being sent to the Scots Kirk in Paris in 1938.

A small congregation of the Church of Scotland had existed in the French capital since 1858, acquiring in 1885 the building in the Rue Bayard formerly used by the American Episcopal Church.  The Kirk has a connection to another famous Scot  the athlete and missionary, Eric Liddell preached there in 1924.  Wishing to observe the Sabbath, he had refused to run that day.

Dr. Caskie did not hesitate to attack from his pulpit the Nazi regime in Germany, where Adolf Hitler had attained supreme power as Chancellor in January 1933.  As Hitler’s policies and plans became ever more aggressive and extreme – with talk of racial hatred and Germany’s supposed right to extend its borders at the expense of its neighbours, Lebensraum – Caskie became more outspoken in his condemnation.

As the prospect of war loomed Donald Caskie felt a duty to remain in France, rendering such help as he could.Ultimately he reached Marseilles – Marseille.  Here the Scottish minister opened the British Seamen’s Mission, ostensibly a simple place of shelter and spiritual support, but from the start Caskie had always intended to give assistance of a more tangible and substantial kind.

Those seeking help usually arrived under cover of darkness – cold, hungry, often wounded, for the Mission was to become the last link in a chain of ‘safe houses’, refuges, for escaping Allied servicemen that stretched all the way to Dunkirk in the north.  When a man was well enough, and after Donald had said a prayer for him, he would be guided across the Pyrenees to neutral Spain and ultimately to Gibraltar, from where he might return to Britain to rejoin the forces.  

Donald Caskie went on to help orchestrate the safe return of around 2,000 Allied soldiers and airmen trapped in occupied France by establishing a network of safe houses and escape routes – despite facing the constant threat of capture and execution.

At Marseilles, Caskie was under constant surveillance from the Vichy police; everywhere he went, he felt he was followed.  The house itself was frequently raided.  He had to be ultra-careful – ‘canny’ is the Scots word.  “My only armour was the grace of God,” he wrote.  His first duty towards each new arrival was to hide him, at least until such time as ‘papers’ of some sort could be obtained.  

Dr. Donald Caskie’s dangerous and clandestine work at Marseilles had continued for almost a year before he was suddenly arrested.  

Convicted on scant evidence of helping Allied servicemen, Donald received only a suspended sentence.  Banished from Marseilles, he was directed to Grenoble where his high academic qualifications allowed him to take up a post in the department of English at the university.  Grenoble was the ‘intellectual centre’ of opposition to the Nazis and many students were deeply committed to the Resistance. He did not cease to be active in his wider mission of rescue.  The Scottish minister knew many people – many who might be able to assist – and seemed to have a talent for making new friends; he has been described as a consummate ‘networker’, 50 years before this modern term was coined.

The name of the last man whom Dr. Caskie helped to rescue while at Grenoble – Mr. William Nash, a fellow Scot from Whitburn, West Lothian. It was April 1943.  In just a few days Donald Caskie was to find himself again under arrest, but this time his situation would be altogether more serious.  Returning to his accommodation one evening, he switched on the light to find himself confronted by five men of the Nazi Gestapo.  Seized at gunpoint, he was arrested, interrogated and sentenced to death at a Nazi show trial but survived when a German pastor intervened.

Caskie was transferred to the Caserne St. Denis, a regular prisoner-of-war camp rather than a high-security prison, where the men eagerly awaited the end of hostilities.  Donald’s joy at the liberation of Paris was ecstatic.  “My happiness can only be imagined,” he wrote, “it cannot be described.”

Dr. Donald Caskie returned to Scotland in 1960.  His last charge was at Monkton, close to Prestwick Airport, from which he retired in 1968 due to failing health.  He died on 27th December 1983.  Donald had not married, and is interred with his parents in the graveyard of Kilarrow Church at Bowmore, Islay.

 A true heroic Scottish figure, he is remembered with plaques in Marseille and Paris as seen in the pics.

If you want to know more about this little known Scottish war hero there is a ten minute video from The People’s History Show  on YouTube here 

[plutotravels]

Get a Taste of the Magic of Georgia with a Tour Package in Dubai!

Are you looking for the ultimate vacation getaway to a magical place? Maybe you’re thinking about visiting the beautiful state of Georgia. Or maybe you’ve got family or friends who live in this beautiful state. Regardless, if you’re planning a trip to the Peach State, now is the perfect time for a tour package in Dubai. Planning your trip to Georgia with a Georgia tour package Dubai Dubai couldn’t be easier. Let us take you on a virtual tour of the most magical destination in the world, legal Georgia—just for fun!

Georgia: The Land of the Mountain King

When you think of the state of Georgia, you probably picture a rugged, southern country like Tennessee or Alabama. But in reality, Georgia is the “land of mountain kings,” with more than 60 mountains and 650 peaks. Are you ready to get acquainted with the most famous mountain in Georgia? We’re gonna start with the most famous: Mt. Caucasus, also known as Mount Teide. This mountain is located in southwest Georgia and has been a part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 1979.

Must-Do Activities in Georgia

There are many activities within the state of Georgia that you can enjoy during your visit. Here are just a few that you might enjoy the most.

Climbing the Teide Mountain, Tenerife, Canary Islands – A truly spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea and the islands of Tenerife, across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Horseback Riding through the “Forest of the King” – A unique way to experience the incredible forests of Georgia, with options to either rent horses or walk with a guide.

Cycling through the Caucasus – Enjoy the many different landscapes and cultures of the “Caucasian Divide,” as locals like to call it. The perfect way to experience the mountains and the mountains’ culture.

Skiing in the Caucasus – Enjoy one of the most challenging sports in the world, skiing, in the mountains of southwest Georgia.

Catch a Traditionally-Made Bulgarian Banya – This is one of the most popular water-based activities in all of Bulgaria, and you’ll find banya all over the country. You’ll find them in cities like Varna, Sofia, and Blagoevgrad.

Boat Trips through the Black Sea – You can enjoy these boat trips year-round, depending on the time of year and the weather, and they’re an excellent way to experience the changing colors and weather in the Black Sea.

Tips for a Successful Tour of Georgia

When it comes to planning a tour of Georgia, there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure that you’re well-versed in the basics of travel. You’ll want to know how to plan a trip, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also want to make sure that you know how to get in touch with local tourism representatives and tour operators to find the best deal on a tour of Georgia. Georgia is a very particular state, and there are many tour companies that specialize in offering a variety of tours. So, find a tour company that specializes in offering a variety of tours, and you’ll likely be happy with the results.

Get to Know Your Travel Agent

Travel agents play an important role in the world of international travel.  Dubai top travel agencies help you find the best deal on flights, car rentals, and hotels. However, when it comes to finding a tour of Georgia, you’ll want to get to know your travel agent.

Start by asking your travel agent if they know anyone who works for a local tour company. When you get that person on the phone, you’ll want to ask them a few questions about their tour company. What kind of tours are they offering? What are the prices? Where do they offer them?

Once you get a feeling for how your travel agent likes to choose their tours, you can ask them to recommend some tours. You want to make sure that the choices are diverse, so that you don’t just want to go on a traditional tour of Georgia.

Conclusion

The beautiful state of Georgia is well worth a visit, and a tour of the place is the perfect way to experience it. As the home of the “Great Mountain Kingdom,” it’s filled with mesmerizing attractions and opportunities to find nature’s raw materials. This charming state is also home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

The possibilities for a fun and fulfilling tour of Georgia are endless. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a longer trip, a tour of Georgia is a great way to experience this beautiful state.

If you’d like to try your hand at planning a trip to Georgia, our travel guide to Georgia can help. We detail all of the must-dos and must-not-dos when planning a trip to this magical place, and we also offer tips for a successful tour of Georgia. So, get ready to travel to the Peach State with a tour package in Dubai!

[xtruss]

Art: The Rembrandt of Aberdeenshire: The Extraordinary Life of Artist James McBey

This artist’s work took him from Scotland to the Arab world, and he saw the price of his work rise enormously – yet today he is largely forgotten. Now, a new exhibition reveals a lifetime of adventure

— Nicholas Wroe | Thursday 9 March 2023

Soldier Resting, Birsu (1917)

The story of art and its protagonists in the first half of the 20th century is a pretty familiar one. But the procession of star names inventing art’s various “isms” inevitably leaves out artists who chose to operate away from the cutting edge, yet who in their day were well known, celebrated and well rewarded for their work.

One such artist is James McBey, (1883-1959) who has found a new champion in the journalist and writer Alasdair Soussi. Soussi not only published a biography of McBey last year, but is now curating an exhibition dedicated to him at the Aberdeen Art Gallery.

“There are lots of possible reasons why McBey is not so well known these days,” says Soussi. “He was not particularly clubbable and never really joined the arts establishment. He was also most esteemed for the now unfashionable art of etching. But aside from being a stellar artist, he had the most extraordinarily adventurous, almost cinematic, life and I think the time is right to reassess both.”

McBey’s biography is indeed a full one. Born out of wedlock in rural Aberdeenshire in 1883, he had a fraught relationship with his mother who later took her own life. He left school at 14 to become a bank clerk, but by his mid 20s was a largely self-taught and successful artist and etcher. By 1917 he was the official war artist to the Egyptian Expeditionary Force; his portrait of TE Lawrence is part of the Imperial War Museum’s collection.

On his return from the war, McBey was routinely described as an heir to Rembrandt and Whistler as an etcher and print-maker. His success coincided with a boom in the prices of some of his prints, which fetched up to £30,000 each in today’s money.

The 1929 Wall Street Crash put an end to the speculative price bubble but by then McBey had a grand London townhouse. He spent the second world war in the United States engaged in unsatisfying but lucrative work painting portraits of business leaders and justices of the supreme court, and in 1946 he returned to north Africa, where he lived out the rest of his life as a leading figure among the louchely artistic Moroccan expat scene.

While McBey’s work is held in collections all over the world, Aberdeen is his spiritual home, and the gallery there boasts a comprehensive permanent collection of his work. Soussi’s new exhibition acts as a biographical guide to the man behind the art, displaying artwork as well as family photographs and diaries.

“He kept everything and he recorded everything,” says Soussi. “His diaries are an absolute treasure trove, not least about his very complicated love life.” McBey had innumerable affairs before and after his marriage to his wife, Marguerite, details of which he recorded in code in his diary. A code, it turned out, that Marguerite had cracked.

“He would paint and draw his lovers and he certainly regarded them as muses, with all that that entails,” says Soussi. “But it should also be said that all the evidence points to these relationships not being just a one-way street and he maintained friendships and corresponded with many of his lovers for the rest of their lives.”

Although Scotland held many dark memories for McBey, the artist continued to visit and, perhaps surprisingly, maintained the Presbyterian faith of his childhood. He refused to work on Sundays throughout his career and in later years used his diary code to record not love affairs but instead messages praising and thanking God.

“He is buried overlooking the strait of Gibraltar,” says Soussi, “and he was the very definition of a man of the world, but for all that and for all his travels and his travails, a part of him remained a son of Aberdeenshire to the very end.”

Shadows & Light: The Extraordinary Life of James McBey is at Aberdeen Art Gallery, to 28 May. Shadows and Light by Alasdair Soussi is out now.

Man of the World … Five Highlights of the Exhibition!

For someone who was initially turned down for active service because of his poor eyesight, James McBey had an almost unrivalled front-row view of the first world war in the Middle East. He was with British general Edmund Allenby in Cairo, Alexandria, Damascus and Aleppo, and witnessed Allenby’s troops’ 1917 entry into Jerusalem, the first European – and in effect Christian – army to have occupied the city since the Crusades.

Portrait of Marguerite McBey (1950) by James McBey. Photograph: Aberdeen City Council (Archives, Gallery & Museums collection)

Portrait of Marguerite McBey (1950)

McBey’s wife is sitting in the garden of El Foolk – the Ark – their home in Tangier. The artist was endlessly unfaithful, but the two stayed married despite several separations. In the 40 years Marguerite lived after McBey’s death, she acted as a steward for his life and work as well as becoming a noted watercolour painter.

Marrakeshia (1936) by James McBey. Photograph: Mike Davidson/© Aberdeen City Council (Archives, Gallery & Museums collection)

El Marrakeshia (1936)

McBey was endlessly absorbed by the light, colours and ambience of Morocco and would paint markets, street scenes, acrobats or, as here, the sex workers of Marrakech, complete with the sumptuous fabrics of their clothes. On the headstone of his grave in Tangier, “He loved Morocco” is inscribed in Arabic.

Dawn: The Camel Patrol Setting Out (1919) by James McBey. Photograph: © Aberdeen City Council (Archives, Gallery & Museums collection)

Dawn: The Camel Patrol Setting Out (1919)

This etching on paper achieved a record price for a modern print in the 1920s. It features an Australian camel patrol conducting reconnaissance in the Sinai desert. McBey travelled with the troop, recording his own first time on a camel as: “Little bit nervous, but after mounting felt all right. Does not appear so far from ground as I thought it would.”

[travelnade]

BEST THINGS TO DO IN GIBRALTAR | Travel Guide | Weekend Away

BEST THINGS TO DO IN GIBRALTAR | Travel Guide | Weekend Away

Dominated by “The Rock” Gibraltar has a surprising amount to see and do. Join our guide for the BEST things to do in Gibraltar on a weekend break. We visit the Marina with a back drop of luxury apartments and yachts. Check out the history and architecture in the main city. Spend the night at the famous Rock Hotel, frequented by Royalty, politicians and famous faces. Hop on a bus to Europa point…

[limitlessimagines]

Legends’ sleeping habits + sharing a bed (part 1)

Bangalore: Anita uses a special breathing technique she learned from her time with the IMC to fall asleep quick. The 4-7-8 method is when you breath in through your nose for a count of 4, hold your breath for 7, and exhale through the mouth for 8. It’s repeated until, well, she’s asleep! It has never failed to work, and she is out before 10 minutes has passed. She can fall asleep in any position, under most conditions. When sharing a bed with another person, she isn’t handsy, but she’ll allow shoulders touching or back to back position. If you have trouble sleeping, she’ll guide you through the 4-7-8 Breath.

Bloodhound: Blood follows a relatively simple routine before bed. One that includes getting into their inner calm. Why do you think they are often at ease? When sleeping together, they will encourage you to join them in their routine. When sharing a bed, they get just a bit sweaty, so they will try not to touch you.

Caustic: Follows a simple sleep schedule. Sometimes brings his work to bed (for light reading). Sometimes he will read to you if you’re not feeling sleepy. Nothing gets you more tired than listening to a mock up of how quickly flesh melts in certain types of gas.

Crypto: Crypto sleeps whenever he passes out from being awake. Not the best idea, but it’s what has kept him safe all these years. Crypto also has grabby hands when he sleeps. But he doesn’t know that. So your first night of sharing a bed had him holding you like a teddy bear. It was too adorable. He denied it when you told him in the morning. After some time, he came to accept it, and he’ll just hold you all night. But if you tell a single person, he will find a way to stop hugging you at night.

Fuse: Wally will sleep in a weird position, but wake up refreshed somehow. It’s incredibly weird. He tries to convince you to try too, but he doesn’t get far. Who sleeps with their leg straight up in the air? Walter sleeps without his prosthetic. Don’t need any explosions or accidents while getting his beauty rest. He also talks in his sleep. Whole conversations. They’re mostly nonsensical, but every now and then, you can hear a whole story.

Gibraltar: Gibraltar sleeps at a set time every night, and wakes up at a set time in the morning. No routine per se. But he cycles through different things to do before bed. Whatever he’s feelings. He can be a bit of a health nut, reminding you not to snack, or look at screens before bedtime. But he isn’t incredibly strict- he does it sometimes too. When sharing a bed, Makoa is mindful of your space! Don’t be shy though, he’ll welcome cuddles with open arms!

Horizon: Mary used to put Newton to sleep, then go back to her work. Nowadays, it’s roughly the same. Even if the two of you go to bed together, you’ll hear pen scratching on paper, and light mumbles from the astrophysicist’s lips. She even invested in a little light attachment so she can keep writing under the covers, but not bother you. It’s hard trying to time travel. With gentle reminders though, she’ll set it down and try to catch some Zs.

Lifeline: She doesn’t have an evening routine. She does whatever, until around midnight, which is usually when she calls it quits. On nights before a Game, she might turn in an hour or two later. She’s a firm believer that even an hour of sleep makes a difference. Ajay is a side sleeper. She turns towards the person she’s sharing a bed with. She mumbles in her sleep sometimes. They’re not words. They’re beats.

Loba: Absolutely goes through a self care routine before bed. How do you think she shows up to every Game looking like a 12 while everyone else is at 10?? She has a dozen things she has come to like doing. She’ll pick and choose what she needs that night. Also, she’s a snorer. Prepare for that, when sharing a bed. She’ll let you know, as a courtesy, but after that, you gotta take care of yourself. She doesn’t really get touchy. She really just wants to sleep, lol.

[owakoblack-portspa]

(APH PortSpa) African Holiday

APH fan fiction. I do not own the characters.

Pairing: Portugal/ Spain, Spain/ Portugal

Pedro is the nation of Portugal and Antonio is the nation of Spain. For convenience, I use their human names instead of names of nations in this fiction. Pedro and Spain meet at Ceuta, a city in Africa.

African Holiday

On a very quiet night, a long-haired little boy was sleeping alone on a large, soft bed. Such a huge bed was more suitable for at least two boys lying on it, and sure enough, this boy lied on the right side of the bed, as if saving a place for somebody to sleep on the left side.

Suddenly, a knock on the bedroom door broke the silence, causing the boy in bed to wake. He did not get up at once, but simply turned onto the other side.

 “Disculpe, may I come in?” A sweet voice of a little boy called out beyond the door. Both the boys had dark-brown hair.

 The boy in bed reached out for a spare pillow lying on the left side of the bed, and pressed it upon his ear, trying hard to continue sleeping.

 “I can’t sleep, can I sleep with you?” The child outside the door raised his voice, and knocked more loudly.

 “How old are you? Can’t you sleep alone? It’s time to grow up!” The boy in bed finally replied.

 “Lo siento.”

 Since then, the boy outside the door never came again.

 In Ceuta, a harbour city on the northern tip of Africa, you can find everywhere talkative Spaniards, logos written in Spanish, products from Europe, flags in red and gold colours, and you feel there is no difference from Andalusia on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea. However, Africa is not Europe after all. It is much more significant to travel from continent to continent, rather than to travel from province to province, or from country to country.

 A barbería on the opposite of the port has no difference from most of the barberías on the Spanish mainland either: right now inside the barbería where Enrique Iglesias’ dancing songs were playing, a barber with a big beard was sweeping away hair left on the chair, while swaying to the music, cheerfully. It is a mystery that the Spaniards can keep excited all the time, perchance because of lovely sunshine, perchance because of the blue sea–it is a happy nation after all.

 As the wind chimes on the glass door of the shop rang merrily, the door opened, a cool sea wind blew in, and a tall young man walked inside. His long dark-brown hair was tied into a pony tail, a caramel jacket rounded his slim waist, and a pair of goggles hung on his well-built chest.

 “¡Buenos días! ¿Tiene una reserva?” As soon as the barber straightened up to see the young man’s face, his smile turned into a surprised look, “Dios mío, did I just trim Señor’s hair? How come it grows back even longer than before within a blink of an eye?”

 “Don’t worry, Señor Peluquero, I’m still here. I just paid at the counter.” Another young man touched the back of the barber from behind, and put both of his hands in front of his face to form a picture frame, “after trimming my hair, I’m as cool as a breeze!” The short-haired young man winked his light green eyes while smiling brightly, and incredibly, some stars fell out of the frame.

 “What a coincidence, Antonio. I just arrived from the port, and spotted you inside this barbershop.”

 “Isn’t it Pedro? I’ve never expected you here!”

 The confused barber turned his head to look at the picture-framing, short-haired young man, and then turned back to see the long-haired young man who just walked into the shop. He found that both of their faces and bodies exactly the same, even the colours of their hair, eyes, and skin the same too, as if God conveniently used the same colours from his colour palette to paint these two , except that He dotted a beauty spot under the right eye of the long-haired one, in order to distinguish from his twin. “You two are twins!” the barber exclaimed.

 “We are not twins!” the two young men protested in one voice.

 “So…you two are brothers who look much alike?”

 “We are just neighbours!” two men, one voice again.

 “Are you really just neighbours? I can tell from your appearances that you two are related by blood!” The barber stretched out his strong arms to bring both of the young men close together, and shouted to a girl at the counter. “Isabel, don’t you think they look much alike? Mira, mira,” the barber turned Pedro’s face towards Isabel, “when his pony tail couldn’t be seen from the front, even their hair styles are los mismos!”

 “Even so,” Isabel shrugged her thin shoulders, “los amigos have told you they ain’t bros, so they ain’t bros, are you thinking of helping people recover their long-lost familia?”

 “I see, it’s a matter of hair style.” Pedro mused, “por favor, Señor Peluquero, could you make a new hair style for me?”

 Half an hour later, Pedro’s long dark-brown hair was trimmed thin and made more stylish, which reached down his prominent collarbones.

 “Listo, as cool as a breeze!” Imitating Antonio, the barber put his hands to form a picture frame in front of Pedro, but this time there were no fallen stars, for Pedro did not wink, but instead smiled mildly to his mirrored self. “In this way, you two don’t look the same any more!” the barber admired his masterpiece happily, “Señor looks so handsome, bueno, guapo!”

 “Gracias, but I’m a navigator, it’s better for me to tie my hair while sailing at sea. However, today I have a holiday, and Antonio is beside me, let me forget the pony tail for a while.” He brushed gracefully his long hair with his hand, satisfied.

 After leaving the barbería, Pedro and Antonio walked leisurely in the direction of the old town. Pedro’s caramel jacket was again tied around his waist, and despite the hot African weather, he wore short black gloves. He and Antonio both wore short-sleeve shirts, and their opening collars revealed deep shapes of their chest cleavages.

 “Pedro, why are you in Africa?” Antonio walked a step ahead of the quiet young man, turning around to look at the other with his bright green eyes.

 “Me chame de Pedro, faz favor. In Portuguese, you should pronounce ‘Pedru’, instead of ‘Pedro’.” Pedro spoke in Portuguese–even though he had spoken fluent Spanish at the barber’s, he had got used to speak Portuguese to Antonio whenever they were alone.

 “Todo bien, ‘Pedru’. You know although I can understand Portuguese, I don’t speak it well.” Antonio continued to communicate with Pedro in Spanish, while the other spoke Portuguese.

 “Our ship is heading to a tall ship festival in Marseilles. When we crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, I thought of our past in Ceuta, so I stopped to visit here.”

 “Our past in Ceuta? You mean yours and mine?”  

 Pedro nodded slightly.

 Antonio began to feel anxious, deliberately avoiding Pedro’s gaze.

 When they were approaching the gate of the old town, they saw a huge coat of arms of the city which looked very similar to the Portuguese national coat of arms: in the middle of the red shield are five blue mini shields, surrounded by seven golden tiny castles.

 When they were about to cross the street, Pedro stopped short.

 “In Spain, you don’t have to wait for traffic lights all the time…” Antonio wanted to push him, but he found the Portuguese was gazing on a sculpture in the middle of the round-about. It was the sculpture of Prince Henry the Navigator.

 Pedro kept silent, but his emerald eyes spoke for him. In his eyes, there was a mixture of worship, nostalgia, and sorrow. Such a beautiful, bright young man was suddenly shrouded by sadness, just like the sun shadowed by dark clouds, and a cool breeze laden with salt.

 “Disculpe, I suddenly remember I have some important thing to do, can I leave?” Antonio tried to escape, but was stopped at once by another.

 “Don’t you go, you should be my tour guide.”

 “Even though you wish so, there is not much worth tour guiding…”

 Much against his will, Antonio led Pedro to a bastion east to the old town gate, which is one of the landmarks in Ceuta. An edge of the bastion extended gracefully into a moat circling the city, where deep blue seawater turned into emerald, and a big school of small fish attracted the attention of several migrant birds. Above the top of the bastion, a flag of blood and gold was flying proudly.

 Antonio noticed that Pedro was becoming more and more moody. He felt so guilty that he wanted to climb up the bastion to tear down the flag, if he could.

 At this moment, a pair of Asian twin girls went towards them.

 “Excuse me, do you speak English?”

 Antonio was not confident in his English, so he eyed Pedro for assistance.

 “How can I help you, beautiful ladies?” Pedro replied in British English, and later, according to these girls’ request, took photos for them. Antonio chuckled quietly, because he knew that Pedro had kind of “yellow fever”, for he had a particular passion for Asians, which had been one of the secret reasons why he had ventured so far away to Asia during the Age of Discovery.

 “May I ask if we could take photos together? We are all twins!”

 “Pero nosotros no somos gemelos…” Antonio tried to deny without a second thought, but these Asian girls did not understand his Spanish.

 “Certainly! Antonio, come here!” Apparently, Pedro was afraid of making the shy Asian girls embarrassed, so he did not deny he and Antonio being twins, and pulled the Spaniard to take photos together.

 “Can we ask a question about history?” the girls asked carefully.

 “Ask away, darlings.” Pedro winked, smiling.

 “Doesn’t Ceuta belong to Spain? Why are there so many Portuguese emblems here then?”

 “Umm, as for this question, it’s better to let Antonio explain, for he’s the local tour guide.”

 Antonio felt stressed, for it would be a challenge for him to explain the complicate history related to both Spain and Portugal in his “broken” English. It was obvious that Pedro wanted to make fun of him. However, if he cast the task back to Pedro, when recalling the past, would Pedro become sad again? Antonio did not feel like seeing that sorrowful face, so he began to explain slowly in English:

 “Ceuta was a part of Morocco long time ago. In the year of 1415, Prince Henry of Portugal conquered this military fortress…”

 “Excuse me, who was Prince Henry?” the girls asked.

 “He was a great navigator who started the Portuguese Age of Discovery. From then on, Portugal gradually discovered new sea routes. The new route to India discovered by Vasco da Gama was in fact the continuation of Prince Henry’s sea routes. In other words, if there were no Prince Henry, there would have been no Vasco da Gama, or even the Portuguese Empire. Perhaps Prince Henry is not as famous as da Gama worldwide, but for Portugal, he was the most important person.”

 The twin girls began to admire this prince, “How brave are the navigators to discover the unknown world!”

 “He is also a navigator.” Antonio pointed to Pedro, who was smiling in the shade of a tree. “Let me continue the history of Spain and Portugal. After the conquest, Portugal rebuilt Ceuta, so the city coat of arms contains Portuguese emblems. Between 1580 and 1640, Portugal was ruled by Spain. Many Spanish people migrated to Ceuta, so even after Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640, Ceuta still sided with Spain. Finally in 1668, Portugal ceded Ceuta to Spain. Therefore, you can still see Spanish flags flying on the African continent today.”

 After the twin girls had left, Antonio and Pedro found all museums closed at noon. As the sun was becoming hotter, they had no choice but to sit down at an ice cream parlour by the seaside.

 It seemed that Pedro was exhausted by the hot weather, for even ice cream could not cheer him up. He kept silent and ate quietly without looking up at Antonio, which made Antonio unbearable. Finally, Antonio broke the ice:

 “Pedro, I want to say that I am sorry, for I have taken up the place you had cherished.”

 “Which place?” Pedro tucked his long hair behind his ear, and had another spoonful of ice cream.

 “This place, Ceuta.”

 Pedro fell silent again for a moment. Then, his head turned slightly towards Antonio, a pair of scorching eyes stared at the Spaniard fiercely behind long hair, and he said: “Now you know that you’re sorry, you know that…” he covered his mouth with a hand, as if trying hard to suffocate his moaning, “…you already know that Dom Henrique was the person I had most respected, most loved…and this place had been the first step where we began to explore the world…and yet, you…!”

 “Pedro…”

 “You were too strong, too powerful–so powerful that you swallow up everyone who were close to you…Aragon, Navarre, Granada…being your neighbour, you had no idea how hard I had tried to survive…and you still don’t know why I want to keep distance from you–you’ve never cared about others.”

 “…lo siento.”

 “…that’s why I set my knights guard against you on borders.” Pedro added.

 Antonio did not know how to reply, and Pedro lost the interest of continuing their conversation, so these two kept silent while watching the blue Mediterranean Sea and eating ice cream. After a while, two identical cats approached them for food, and they gave the cats ice cream respectively. Later, the cats curled up to sleep under their legs. It was time for siesta. The two young men bent on the table and fell asleep too.

 When Antonio woke up, he found himself alone, a caramel jacket covering his back.

 “Señor, did you sleep well? Your brother has already paid the bill.” A waiter came over and smiled at him.

 “When did he leave?”

 “About half an hour ago. He went in the direction of the port, perhaps to board a ship.”

 Hearing this, Antonio grabbed Pedro’s jacket at once, and ran towards the port.

 There were countless vessels from all over the world at the port, but Antonio had some clue for finding out Pedro’s ship.

 Sure enough, before long, he spotted a huge sail ship with three masts. Upon the white sails, there were red crosses of the Order of Christ.

 “Disculpe, is Pedro on this ship?” Antonio stopped a sailor who was about to board.

 “Which Pedro? We have many Pedros on the ship!”

 “He has long hair, and a spot under his right eye.” Antonio panted from running.

 “Let me think…” the sailor looked baffled.

 “Alright, he looks very much like me!” Antonio finally confessed.

 “Ah, I see!” the sailor turned around and shouted to the top cabins of the ship, “Captain, your little brother has come to see you off!”

 “I’m not his brother,” Antonio said quickly, “and I just come to return his jacket.”

 “Thank you for returning my jacket,” Pedro went down slowly from the ship. He wore a set of deep blue navy uniform, his long hair tied neatly behind. “By the way, I do recall that you had called me ‘mi hermano’ when you were a very little child, didn’t you?”

 “It’s not true, I had only called you by your birth name…it’s you who had called me ‘meu irmão’.”

“I’d never done that.”

 “Yes, you had.”

 When the siren was blown, Antonio knew that Pedro’s ship, Sagres, was about to set out. He raised his hands high in the air and waved happily towards Pedro, who was standing on the deck, watching him whom was down below.

 “¡Adiós, Lusitania!” Antonio smiled, brighter than the sun.

 –Lusitania, isn’t this Pedro’s birth name? Suddenly, some long-lost memory flashed back to Pedro’s mind.

 On a very quiet night, he was lying on a large bed sleeplessly. Suddenly, there was a knock on the bedroom door.

 “Lusitania?” a sweet voice of a boy called out.

 “Sim?” he replied lazily.

 Knowing the boy in bed was still awake, the boy outside opened the unlocked door, and went in.

“Can I sleep with you, Lusitania?” a pair of light green eyes was looking innocently at him.

 He opened his arms to the boy, and smiled mildly, “claro, meu irmão.”

 Long long time ago, Pedro had indeed called Antonio “my brother”, and only Antonio had called him by his birth name. Are they really not related by blood? They look so much alike, they had been so close, and nobody could understand them better than they understand each other. What made them separate from each other?

 Looking at the young man waving on the quay who had the same face as his, Pedro suddenly had an urge to touch, to embrace, and to merge with him–his brother. Before the ship started moving, he dashed down to the quay, and jumped onto Antonio.

 “Lusitania?”

 Pedro held Antonio tightly in his arms. Back lighted, his bright green eyes had never seemed so profound before, as if trying to convey millions of words. However, Pedro chose not to say a single word, but to kiss directly on Antonio’s petal-soft lips.

 Basking in orange light of the African sunset, the two brothers embraced and kissed each other for a long while, until eventually, Pedro broke the kiss and left silver saliva on his brother’s lips. Antonio looked at him, confused, intoxicated.

 “If we’re not brothers, I think it’s fine to kiss you.” Pedro smiled mildly.

 “Claro, we’re not brothers at all.” Antonio blushed, and kissed Pedro again.