THE COLLIER HONEYMOON

Ann and Jon's adventures in Morocco and Spain

By Jack Collier

March 20^th, 2018

MOROCCO

This was our first time setting foot on the soils of Africa. It was a fantastic mix of exotic adventure, comfortable leisure, and historic culture.

Casablanca

We didn't spend much time in the urban wreckage of Casablanca. The aesthetic was a strange mix of crumbling buildings and cranes building new ones.

The incredible Hassan II Mosque, which was built using mandatory donations from the people of Morocco, was an impressive architectural experience.

The beauty and the trash of La Corniche in Casablanca

The Hassan II Mosque at sunset, as viewed from the lighthouse in La Corniche

Ann and I explore the beach in Casablanca

Grabbing a beer at Sky Bar in Casablanca. At 9:00pm, we were the only ones there. The bartender said that we "were 3 hours early."

The hamam (bath), which has never been used

Entrance to the Hassan II Mosque. We were told "No dapping, or you will be removed."

The beautifully intricate details of the Hassan II

Marrakech

Marrackech is a cultural and trading hub. In fact, the entire country of Morocco is called "Marrakesh" in some languages.

Jemma el-Fnaa, within the old city, is the largest open market square in Africa. It's especially amazing at night, when the sounds and smells come alive.

Ann in a doorway at the Museum of Marrakech

An incredible alicatado-styled painted ceiling at Bahia Palace

The alley outside Riad Idra, which was our home base for a few days. There were motorbikes zipping everywhere in these tiny alleys.

A small corner of ‎⁨Jamaa El Fna Square⁩, the largest outdoor market in Africa.

SEVILLE

The flamenco, tapas, and jamón ibérico were incredible, but I was especially struck by the enormous Plaza de España (which was built to celebrate Being Spanish), and the mind-bogglingly large and old Cathedral of Seville, which holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

The Plaza de España, which was built to celebrate being Spanish. Beware of pickpockets.

The incredibly delicious jamón (ham) that is pervasive in the region. It's worth splurging on the ibérico.

The incredible Church of Seville. Built in the 16th century, it's the 3rd largest church in the world.

The tomb of Cristopher Columbus, carried by the 4 kings of Spain, within the Church of Seville.

Granada

I can't possibly sum up the Alhambra or Generalife gardens in a paragraph.

Barcelona

This was our first time visiting Barcelona, but it won't be the last.

Barcelona is so awesome that tourism has become a real problem. The city is attempting to ban or curtail short-term housing because it's becoming too difficult for actual residents to afford housing.

The masterful mind of Gaudí is present everywhere, and we got to experience some of his work at Casa Battlö, Park Güell, and the Sagrada Familia.

The Sagrada Familia alone is one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had in all of my travels. It's been under construction for more than a century; I can't wait to go back in a decade when it nears completion!