And so the Adventure Begins…
By Ubertramp • Jul 13th, 2007 • Category: Moroccology
A North African Odyssey has been on the agenda for many a month now, and I’m delighted to announce that the wheels are in motion and the subject matter of my current dream is soon to become a reality. Yep, I’m off to Morocco.
Often is the case that something stands between a traveller and their intended trip. Sometimes it’s family commitments, sometimes it’s work, but more often than not it’s the lack of cold, hard cash to initially propel oneself abroad and, whilst there, to keep food in the belly, a roof over the head, and the brain helplessly floundering in the bevy of local intoxicants.
So, did I just win the lottery? Unfortunately not, though it felt like it upon learning about Ryan Air’s free flight giveaway thanks to a recent backpackers.com post. Pia, we salute you.If it’s for free then it’s for me. Cheapness is most definitely my weakness.Sadly, I missed the boat. The free flights must have proved most popular as by the time I visited there were none left, at least none that I could see.The cheapest flight including taxes had now soared to a whopping £0.01 – about 2 cents (although by the time I post this later today that may have risen to 4 cents). After a nanosecond of contemplation I opted to cash in some global Karma and become the proud owner of a larger carbon footprint. Well, maybe not proud, but at least it’s the honest answer. If asked about the hidden and underlying cost of the low cost flight I would immediately think of the crafty last minute taxes, not climate change. Irresponsible? Maybe. Hypocritical? Definitely not.Clearly overcome and rendered helpless by this cheap flight feeding frenzy, in a moment of unequalled generosity I decided to splash out and buy one for my girlfriend too. Who says that romance is dead?As with most news there is an element of duality – the good news and the bad. The good news in this case being the penny flight, the bad news being that it didn’t go as far as Morocco. Meh. It did, however, go as far as Jerez, Spain. And, when looking at a Google map encompassing North Africa and Southern Europe, it really doesn’t seem that far away at all…
Anyway, that rounds up the breaking news from the Ubertramp camp today. No doubt the next few posts before the travelogue begins in earnest will be ‘a la Dave at GoBackpacking’ and focus on planning, preparation, and other stuff like that. Over and out.
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Ubertramp is the brainchild of freelance travel writer and inveterate cheapskate Nath Richards.
On occasion, he's been known to write for cash, food or friends - but never to flash for coins or publicity. If you enjoy his articles and want one for your own publication then drop him a line. Unless hungry, he's quite approachable.
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Congratulations! I can’t wait to read all about it, the planning and traveling. You must be thrilled, it’s actually going to happen!
congrats! i’ll keep an eye out for updates from the road.
Thanks folks! As you quite rightly say, I’m completely stoked about the prospect of getting back on the road once more. The last trip seems an age away now.
Naturaly, all the best (and worst!) bits will, as ever, be shared right here
How cool! I’ve never been to Morocco. Can’t wait to see the pics!
I’m certainly no David Bailey, but with such a rich and varied country there must surely be some decent photo opportunities. I’ll try at least to get the camels to smile for you!
You’re so lucky! Morocco is one of my favorite places in the world, and it’s so easy to take the ferry from Spain (I would take it from Tarifa, not Algeciras - Tarifa’s awesome in its own right, and the high speeed ferry only takes 35 minutes port to port).
That’s an awesome picture! Have fun on your trip.
Very nice photo!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the tips, Jaqueline. You can do a lot worse than heeding advice from those that have visited before you, and with Tarifa actually being a bit closer to Jerez it may well turn out to be our exit point from Spain.
Laura and Shams - Thanks for the kind comments! Soooo excited about hitting the road again!
That is really cool Nath, congrats man! I am definitely jealous! Call me crazy, but I am a BIG fan of deserts. Guess I like nothingness…
So, how big is the entourage and how do I get in on this? This sounds fantastic!!! All the best to you, your girlfriend and the romance.
Rob, we must definitely have something in common ont he desert front - both my girlfriend and I have agreed that hitting the desert will definitely be on the list of things to do during our time away - I’ve even thought about taking my snowboard, but that hardly fits in my carry on board bag! doh!
Hey Nia,glad you could join the party of die-hard pulp fans! It’s this kind of support thats will spur me on further and encourage me to give it my all when it comes to sharing this forthcoming experience.
Your very considerate - and thank you for your kind thoughts.
Best wishes,
Nath
hi! nice blog! Congratulations
Looking forward to stories and photos. Have fun!
Have a great trip! I can’t wait to read more. I’ll be staying local this summer but I’ll get to some spots early next year.
Ryan Air is so great, but £.01 is insane!!! I only wish we had something like that at the states. I foudn this site at the Blogger’s Choice Awards. You can add a brag badge so you can collect more votes. The codes available at the same palce where people can go to vote for this site. Look forward to hearing about Marocco!
Thanks for your recent comments and encouraging words, people. Unfortunately I’ve yet to start the preparation - ‘too busy with other things. Still, I’ll have to do it soon!
Amazing. Good luck with the trip, we all look forward to reading about your travels. Have a great time.
That is an amazing photo! Puts all of my Egypt pics to shame. Have a fantastic time in Morocco. I had friends who did Peace Corps there and fell in love!
Amazing pic of the desert. What a great shot. Those are the type of images i need for my website. Good luck and have a great adventure.
William Masek
www.letsgotraveltheworld.com
Thanks to all of you leaving comments so far, and, of course, your kind wishes.
I hope you are enjoying the posts, which i hope to continue posting every day or two (where possible)
best wishes,
Nath
Glory to GOD !!!!!
look! the camels still are moving in Sahara , keeping the hope to find sthgs to eat , water to drink and a place to rest
thanks a lot Camels , thanks my teachers! yes i will keep the hope , the life still is beautiful wherever we are
Glory to GOD!!!!
Majid