1976 Mercedes 240D Grand Taxis
Sallam al lekoum!
To anyone who didnt understand that, its arabic for Yo Yo Yo Homeboys. I want to start off this message with a direct request for Chuck when he comes down to Marrakech on Tuesday: Bring a bottle of something that mixes well with coke. Morocco is dry and trying to get some hooch is very difficult. Our 1L of Absolut which we bought in Gibraltar for £5 is done and we need more.
On to more important matters, the day started out with the plan of going to Meknès and on to Volubilis to see the ancient Roman ruins there. Well, in comparison to what I remember from Knossos in Crete, Volubilis looks like it wasnt messed with, whereas Knossos was very messed with. That in itself is well worth the trip to witness. Intricate tile mosaics, massive columns and other Roman goodies.
The historic site aside, the ride up from Meknès was the real thriller. We managed to snag a Grand Taxi for the return trip to the site from the hotel and boy were we in for a surprise. Normally, Grand Taxis in Morocco are like small buses that take people from town to town and city to city on predetermined routes. The driver is legally allowed to take 6 other people in the car with him. Lucky for me, with my stupendous negotiating skills, I nabbed one for the two of us alone. Being big boys, I couldnt imagine having to share a ride with 4 others - 4 in the back, 2 in the front passenger bucket seat. The car looked nice on the outside, but on the inside there were no seatbelts, there was a leopard print decal over the doors, cut fan belts were screwed on to act as door handles, the speedo didnt work, and there was one window crank handle that had to be used for all windows.
We got there and back in one piece, but some moments were kinda scary, especially when the driver cut a corner rather quickly and angular momentum pressed me against the barely closeable door. On the way back, the driver blew through a stop sign and was ticketed. Lost some time there, but it didnt really matter anyway since the car couldnt get past 3rd gear and the old diesel engine was struggling at every inch.
Back in Meknès, we went for a walk in the Medina and thats it.
Tomorrow will be very uneventful. We have plans on pulling into Casablanca in the morning, seeing the big Hassan II Mosque and doing laundry. Until then, photos.
The Grand Taxi
Some random shots of Meknès
To anyone who didnt understand that, its arabic for Yo Yo Yo Homeboys. I want to start off this message with a direct request for Chuck when he comes down to Marrakech on Tuesday: Bring a bottle of something that mixes well with coke. Morocco is dry and trying to get some hooch is very difficult. Our 1L of Absolut which we bought in Gibraltar for £5 is done and we need more.
On to more important matters, the day started out with the plan of going to Meknès and on to Volubilis to see the ancient Roman ruins there. Well, in comparison to what I remember from Knossos in Crete, Volubilis looks like it wasnt messed with, whereas Knossos was very messed with. That in itself is well worth the trip to witness. Intricate tile mosaics, massive columns and other Roman goodies.
The historic site aside, the ride up from Meknès was the real thriller. We managed to snag a Grand Taxi for the return trip to the site from the hotel and boy were we in for a surprise. Normally, Grand Taxis in Morocco are like small buses that take people from town to town and city to city on predetermined routes. The driver is legally allowed to take 6 other people in the car with him. Lucky for me, with my stupendous negotiating skills, I nabbed one for the two of us alone. Being big boys, I couldnt imagine having to share a ride with 4 others - 4 in the back, 2 in the front passenger bucket seat. The car looked nice on the outside, but on the inside there were no seatbelts, there was a leopard print decal over the doors, cut fan belts were screwed on to act as door handles, the speedo didnt work, and there was one window crank handle that had to be used for all windows.
We got there and back in one piece, but some moments were kinda scary, especially when the driver cut a corner rather quickly and angular momentum pressed me against the barely closeable door. On the way back, the driver blew through a stop sign and was ticketed. Lost some time there, but it didnt really matter anyway since the car couldnt get past 3rd gear and the old diesel engine was struggling at every inch.
Back in Meknès, we went for a walk in the Medina and thats it.
Tomorrow will be very uneventful. We have plans on pulling into Casablanca in the morning, seeing the big Hassan II Mosque and doing laundry. Until then, photos.
The Grand Taxi
Some random shots of Meknès
posted by Wally at 3:17 p.m.
2 Comments:
Grand taxi was good training for my driving when I go pick you up at Gatwick. =)
Two big Polish guys definitely need more than one bottle of Vodka. :S Shoulda stocked up son.
Post a Comment
<< Home