As we watched Spain disappear into the mist with the last sight of Tarifa’s windsurfers, it finally hit. We were about to leave Europe's comfort blanket for North Africa’s desert sunsets and bustling souks.

Over the last year, we’ve spent the majority of our time creating our Portuguese homestead, pouring our souls into rewilding the forest, and learning the language of the country that has stolen our hearts. A prominent word we’ve learned is saudades. Although this word has many meanings from longing to nostalgia, it’s also the perfect way to describe the ache in my chest as the ferry drew further away from Algeciras. I spent the 90-minute journey deeply yearning for our nest in the humble Portuguese countryside and adding a tear or two to the Strait of Gibraltar. 

But then we landed in Tangier.

We did the boring yet essential bits (insurance, internet, cash, etc) and parked up in a gorgeous spot surrounded by familiar pine and the panoramic view of Tangier. Distant barking in the distance made everything feel like the land, and the sight of a boar in the morning felt like a nudge from Portugal that we’d feel at home in Morocco in no time. 

And after just 24 hours, we can both say this is true.

All we’ve heard is salam alaykum, bonjour, bonjourno, hola, and hello from so many people. Children’s faces have lit up at the sight of Cali’s head bopping around outside the passenger’s window, and we’ve received the warmest of welcomes. 

The Grand Socco was first on our list, as was scoring a new SD card as ours decided to throw a mad-one after taking just a handful of pictures. We spoke to a few stallholders who led us to the right place to grab a new card in just a couple of minutes - legends. We navigated through the labyrinth of stalls in the Medina, inhaling endless wafts of spices and admiring the rainbow of Moroccan artistry and craftsmanship. 

On the corner of a tight whitewashed alleyway was NBTA – a 100% vegetarian restaurant with a menu that instantly enticed us through the doors. 

With full stomachs and overflowing hearts, we took a stroll back through the city to the van. Peppe awaited us with the comfort only a house on wheels could bring.

The inspiration right now is flowing harder than my brain works completing a sudoku. So who knows, maybe this blog will become consistent after all. It just took the streets of Tangier’s Medina to find my words again.

Biff x

P.S. I’ve just gone to post this blog and realised it’s exactly a year since I last posted on our website. WEIRD. Universe I hear you!