We were originally planning to go to Portugal, but due to some indescreet building works, our travel agents (going places - lovely, helpful bunch!!! ) helped us to choose an alternative destination.
Morocco has always been of a whistful romantic fantasy for me so my exitment rose to be told that I could transfer here instead. Our Tour Operators were Panorama - more on them later...
We were booked to fly out at 20.15pm on the 8th Feb from Manchester, but due to the raging winds and nervous passenegers, our flight was delayed until 23.30pm. This only served to build up on the exitement and tension, as the other 1/2 had never flown before. Manchester airport has enough to keep you interested in the run-up to a flight, but back to the holiday
Flight - My Travel
Due to the delay we were offered a free drink on flight, which was accepted with open arms. A tip for
flights, try to ask for a seat away from the wings, there is noticably less room - I'm only 5.7, but I found it a bit of a crush - It was agreed next holiday that we would pay the extra £15 for extra leg room. Anyway the flight went well, the staff were friendly if a little unorganised. Once landed in Agadirairport, were ferried into the Arrivals lounge, where we queued to get stamped in.
Our Panorama rep was there to greet us, a very helpful man named Hassan, who reminded me slightly of the policeman of "Allo Allo".
We were given a porter to take our bags to the bus, where we were promptly told by himself to give him english money - the tone of things to come.
Arriving at Igoudar Apartments, just off the main street of Agadir, it was pushing 5.30 am, after signing in it was off to bed. Our apartment was just as described in the brochure, nice clean and basic. it served it's purpose well.
As it's a Moslem country, the locals get called to pray around 5 times a day to the mosques, I only heard this once, it wasn't a problem.
The pool was warm, which I do have to give the credit to the sun for that, and had a good cachment area from the sun. It was easy enough to sit out from as early as 8am until, 18.00 no problem sunbathing. It did overlook a busy street, but again that was a good focal point when the books had finished and your arms ached of swimming, it was interesting watching the locals go about their everyday lives.
The hotel was popular with Europeans (British, French, German, Polish, Finnish, Swedish etc...)
Unfortunately there was a lack of sunbeds that were not broken, but the hotel had a policy that no one could leave a towel on the loungers in the morning and go back to bed. Any towels left on for more that an hour with no takers in or around the pool area were taken to reception to await your collection - embarrasing enough I'm sure!
The bar staff and pool attendants were very friendly with a good level of English. Not much entertainment, but I was assured this was due to the fact it was the quiet season.
Our rep gave us a talk on the first day which explained the local etiquette, and where to go for food etc... Unlike most Rep meetings it was not used as a pressure tool for their visits, although a brief explanation was given along with a booking sheet if required.
Agadir - The town itself
Although we had been warned about the local shopkeepers bing eager, we were not quite prepared for what awaited us....
The first morning we stepped out of the hotel, we were litrally dragged into shops much to our protest. The first couple of times we didn't mind, but after two hours we had only been 200yds down the road after been forced into shops. We were very aware of being polite and not offending the locals, but by the end it was unbareable. It was a shame, because I did see many interesting things I would have liked to look at but their haggling was relentless.
We were made to go to see a shopkeeper's sister, who organised tours. The door was closed with him standing in front of it until we agreed to go on a tour of Marrakesh with them. It did put quite a dampner on our first day.
By the third day we felt more confident in dealing with tem ( I hate the word "dealing" but that's what it felt like. We also found a foolproof way of getting the best quality goods and food. Any shop or restaurant that does not have "poachers" on the door step tend to be of a better standard than those that do.
After this we were able to enjoy the experience a lot more. Be aware of shopkeepers charging ridicilous prices for goods (700 dirahms (appr £40) for a Nike belt - obviously refused!) Haggle and walk away if they refuse - you'll soon get the price you want.
The restaurants in Agadir do vary, and surprisingly not by price...
If you do get a chance, please go to "Restaurant Morocco" - Fantastic. This was a great find (and no poachers on the door).
The wine in Morocco is very good - a make we took exeptional taste to was KZAR - they sell the red and rose version in the hotel, and most restaurants also do the white. I like dry wine and this was that - beautiful.
Celebrations
Whilst we were there, Morocco went into the final of the African Cup - the exitment was everywhere, Moroccan flags were put up everywhere and you could see the pride they have in their country and king. We couldn't help but get exited, and even sat and watched the final (my boyfriend was exited although he hates footie!)
Unfortunately they lost, but heck that did not stop the celebrations. It was an amazing site to see and a fantastic atmosphere.
All in all Agadir was an experience. One with both good and bad points. Now that I have more confidence in what to expect, I may go back. The annoying shopkeepers could not take away from the beautiful weather, fantastic food, peaceful atmosphere and a truly wonderful holiday. But then again I am from the school of "enjoy everyday and experience everything!"
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Oh well, yeah, haggling is part of the culture/tradition/customs. You have to do with.. Good to hear you like Agadir, Essaouira is a bit more quiet but sitting just in front of the Sahara, striking nonetheless...
Lancashire_Angel 18.02.2004 20:07
Sounds a good trip, very exotic. Agadir, isn't that where Deirdre met Samir in Corrie? Welcome to Ciao. Sharron xxx
ElizaF 18.02.2004 15:16
good op, Morocco is one place I have never been but would love to go. :) xx E.
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Advantages: morroco has an inspiring culture, the weather is beautiful. Disadvantages: the locals are likely to hassle you especially if you have blonde hair!
blondie18 02.03.2002 ·
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Review of Agadir (Morocco)
Feb 18th, 2004
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