Back in Africa for the second time in three days, today is quite a different experience.
We’re in Melilla, Spanish Morocco. Which is to say, a corner of Morocco that Spain “retained” when Morocco gained its independence in 1956. The port, and smaller Ceuta, are considered an asset for shipping and strategic reasons, and whilst vaguely autonomous are nevertheless Spain through and through. As I said a few days ago, analogous to the Gibraltar sitch.
After using the shuttle to get off the port, we start in the first of three forts to be found next to the port, remarkably intact, and very interesting with museums and excellent views.
The next fort is equally good, no museums, and the last is a bit crumbling but it’s triangular build is quite interesting.
Walking North first we pass three beaches just because we can, and get halfway to the border before turning round.
Back into town we are amazed by the beautiful architecture all around, from its formal Plaza de España to the symmetry of the nearby park, and building after building built in the richest European styles of the C19.
We gravitate out from the centre, first to the university, then mosque, bullring and finally into suburbia before we return to the bay and walk back into town.
As we cross a huge roundabout the shuttle bus screeches to a halt, the driver recognising us, so we hop on for our return journey. We’ve made an excellent walk in the heat and humidity but it’s good to be driven home for once.
ice-cold Chardonnay is much needed to go with excellent swordfish for lunch, before the afternoon workload, inasmuch as the slow connection today allows - at least it’s working, better than Tangier.
A light breeze makes the pool deck more bearable than yesterday but the pool beckons after a while, as do the mango daiquiris.
For once it’s an afternoon sailway so we get to watch from the deck instead of our balcony, tugs are so fascinating.
Tonight’s MDR theme is Chef’s Dinner and we both enjoy white asparagus with golden beets, tuna tian, pumpkin veloute, braised veal raviolo, strawberry and balsamic sorbet, filet and sautéed foie gras, amaretto and hazelnut surprise. (We resist the offered cheese course!)
The turn is Janice Johnson, a soul singer who’s performance is absolutely amazing, belting out classics from Franklin, Turner, Warwick, Houston and Bassey.
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