Saturday 5 January: TOPSHAM to MARRAKECH

It feels like a rather early start when the alarms go off and it is a cold and frosty morning. Beautiful haw frost and mist covers the fields as the sun rises. We make good progress along the A303 although Simon and Ellie are dismayed by the lack of toilet stops en route resulting in some desperate moments. Valet Parking at Gatwick is seamless as is our passage through security. Izzie is chatted up by an octogenarian. We manage coffee and pastries, a bit of shopping and a sushi lunch before boarding at 13.45. All on time. Pretty cramped but a gin and tonic helps the pain and prompts a snooze. We land in a different world. The sun is setting over the pink mountains and terracotta buildings. Ellie is propositioned by the Passport Policeman - we have nearly lost both of them on the first day! We are met by our driver Hsini who drives us through frightening traffic chaos to the Medina. We have to walk the last bit through narrow cobbled streets to our Riad Star. We are greeted with Morroccan Mint tea and they have even baked a birthday cake for Simon. A short walk to a nearby restaurant for various tagines and couscous - and even a bottle of wine. We are rather proud that we manage to navigate our way back without a guide eager for a tip. I am looking forward to waking up to see the city from our roof terrace in the daylight.