Atlas Mountains, Morocco - April 2026

We hired a driver for the day as we wanted to see the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Waterfalls. We were picked up at our Riad at 0900 and took about 90 minutes to drive up the mountain.

It was really overcast and misty in the lower part of the mountains. We stopped for a photo...

When we got to Ourika, the weather was clearer...

We crossed the river and started the climb...

We could have hired a guide but it was pretty obvious and we followed other groups. It wasn't too busy so I'm glad we were early. Saw some monkeys on the way...

There were some rest stops along the way. Love the colours...

Of course there were markets along the way...

It was a steep climb and at times seemed a bit dangerous...

We got to the top, had a mint tea, and headed back down, thankfully a different way!

We took the more gradual path down, but it was a bit longer...

Got to the bottom and crossed the river to find our driver...

Had lunch by the river. 

We were a bit worried about these vans...

These meatballs were great...

Then we headed back to Marrakech. Great day and well worth the time spent.

Madrid, Spain - April 2026

Flew from Singapore on Cathay via Hong Kong and Rome. Long trip as a result of the war in Iran, so HKG-SIN-FCO-MAD !

I had a long layover in Rome and went to the lounge (see separate post).

Last leg was on Iberia Business Class which was nothing special. On arrival in Madrid, I caught the train to Chamartin and then to Sol, where I am staying for the first night. This is my view looking down onto the Gran Via...

After I checked in, I went for a walk to find dinner. Found a decent looking bar so went in. It was pretty average tapas. I blame myself for poor ordering. The vermouth was good though... 

The next morning I walked to Plaza Mayor...

And found the bear monument that I had missed last time.

There's a shiny patch on his tail where people touch him...

It's quite cold in the morning - about 14 degrees, but warms up to low 20s by the end of the day. Found a cafe using my Europe Coffee Trip app. I liked the name...

We walked to this cool neighbourhood I had read about...La Latina...

This is a market, but not the touristy one...

I love the colours...

This is the oldest restaurant in the world...

This is the main touristy market and it was very busy. We had some tasty food...

Then we walked further to Retiro Park which is a really nice park in the centre of Madrid...

Then we retrieved our bags from the hotel and checked in to our AirBnb. It's in a really nice street off the Gran Via and close to Cheuca...

The street is called Calle de Valverde...

That night we went to a nice rooftop bar called DonaLuz...

I ordered the beef tartare which is one of my favourites, but this one was only average...

The next morning we went to a cafe close by that I had found on my Europe Coffee app...

Then we walked down Gran Via, past here, on our way to the Thyssen Gallery...

The gallery was fantastic. I loved the art...

Then we walked to the Royal Palace of Madrid...

This is the view over Campo del Moro...

Then we walked to Almudena Cathedral which is next door...

Then we found somewhere for lunch, famous for paella. It was great...

I bought new Raybans...

I went looking to get my hair cut and walked past the Museo de Historia de Madrid...

Walked past these guys playing Dancing Queen...

The next day we tried the famous calamari roll for lunch...

And then went to a famous churros place. I think they are way over-rated...

That evening after our nap, we went to the Temple of Debod. Saw some interesting shops on the way...

This is the temple...

Looking back across to the palace...

The next morning, we got an early pickup to the airport for our flight to Marrakech. I tried Cabify for the first time and it was okay.

The terminal has quite an interesting roof...

Had a great time in Madrid.