Sunday, December 30th, 2018
Everyone was moving slowly this morning so we took our time getting showered and out of the flat since our flight wasn't until later in the day. We went to Leon, a healthy mediterranean "fast food" place near the tube station for lunch. We took the tube to the rail station but because of delays had to sprint to the train. We missed it by less than a minute so had to board the next train that was leaving 30 minutes later. Getting on the later train was actually a godsend because we ended up with seats and a spot for our packs. Many of the passengers that boarded later weren't so lucky. Once we arrived at the airport we found our flight check in desk for Ryan-Air. Mark and I both agree that Ryan is MUCH, MUCH better than Wizz, the only downside being that if you're not traveling with an EU passport you must print your boarding passes ahead of time. The airport in London is SUPER strict regarding liquids. You must empty all of your liquids out of your travel case and put them into the airport ziploc bags. Only one bag per person is allowed. Thank goodness we had checked Mark's bag and therefore I was able to split all of my liquids between two bags, one for Mark and one for myself (phew! I knew there was a reason I married him ๐) We got through security without any problems (minus my bags getting flagged but I'm used to that by now) But once past security we weren't able to get our gate info until 5:25pm. There was only one thing left to do: find a spot for dinner. We ate quickly so that as soon as our gate info was available we could head to the boarding area--- our flight closed its boarding at 5:55pm so we didn't have a lot of time to waste. Our flight ended up leaving late and although it was only three hours it felt much longer. We didn't purchase choice seats ahead of time but since the plane wasn't full Mark and I ended up in a row all to ourselves ๐Mark and I were both in awe upon arriving at the Fes airport. It is so beautiful!
Getting through security and customs was a breeze and we were outside in no time at all. Unfortunately, our driver wasn't there waiting for us. We wandered for a few minutes and then reached out to our contact at the travel agency, Abdellah. Soon after, our driver, Driss, arrived. Driss apologized for speaking very little english and inquired as to whether or not Mark and I knew French. Umm.. oui? Driss wasn't sure how to get to the hostel we were staying at even though I provided Abdellah with this information ahead of time. I called the hostel for Driss but since they didn't speak Arabic or French we were SOL. Driss then consulted with a few other drivers and found a man who knew the city and offered to take us where we needed to go. Ummm... ok? I guess so. It's midnight so I'm not sure what other option we have. Sure enough this man delivered us straight to our hostel door and then some. No really, he parked in a tiny alley, grabbed our bags and walked us in. He then marched to the front desk and introduced himself as "Mark and Jaclyn's taxi driver" to the kid sitting behind the desk. It was a giggle worthy moment for sure. We thanked our driver and sent him on his way. The kid behind the desk looked at us funny but we told him we were as confused as he was. Anyway, by this time it was after midnight so Mark and I just wanted to get checked in and up to bed. After meeting our roommates, I was left with the question "which is older, the bathroom or my bunk mate?" Too close to call for sure. For starters, the shower is peeling and covered in mold, but the toilet isn't much better. After further inspection I determined that the toilet seat is placed atop the toilet but isn't actually connected. One false move and the seat is sent sliding. To add to the experience, in order to flush I had to stick my hand into the tank and pull up the draining mechanism every. single. time. Although Mark and I had our own single bunk beds the room was absolutely frigid and I just couldn't warm up. About halfway through the night I snuck over and climbed in Mark's bunk so that my lips would return to their normal color, instead of the blue they had taken on. A great time was had by all at this accommodation.
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