145. Forewarned is to be Overarmed

Algeciras, Cadiz, Spain

Can't believe it, finally managed to get back on the road today though it was about two in the afternoon before we turned a wheel. First stop was the travel agent in Algeciras to book the ferry and organise importing the Disco and caravan into Morocco.

Searching out the papers I remembered why I had gone to so much trouble to register the Giantavan with CRIS when I purchased it. Trailers, including caravans are not registered in the UK and do not have Warrant of Fitnesses not inspections. It was quite odd buying the caravan as Natalee said after we gave her the money, thank you, you can take it now. That was it nothing to sign - very odd. Early in our planning I read that a caravan without papers would be an issue in Europe, particularly as the Giantavan is German so I stumped up and did the voluntary registration.

On the drive down Jacqueline traumatised the children by reading out the medical travel advice from Holyport medical. It was a classic arse-covering document and by the time she was reading out that HIV or Hepatitis may be likely if we were in a car accident and had a blood transfusion, they were in tears and pleading not to go to Morocco as (according to the medical centre) one is not even safe walking on the beach without shoes due to likely parasitic infection. By this time I was sorely tempted to grab the ridiculous document and fling it out the window.

Shady spot

Right outside

Arrived at the travel agents, down a side street and was lucky enough to park right outside their tiny office. Purchased open tickets for the ferry but as it was a bit after four they couldn't do the vehicle importation details and suggested that we return at seven. The agent came out to the car after I asked if we could stay there and took a lot of trouble to say that it was OK. There were other motorhomes scattered up the road. It was not a great spot as we had parked on the wrong side of the road so the door opened onto the street and moreover, we were in the shade and would be for the rest of the day and it was already cold.

Smooth joy

Sunny spot

We could see campers parked a hundred metres away so I went to investigate and found that it was dedicated to mobile campers, sunny and with a few spare spaces. Hurried back and secured an excellent spot for the night. While Jacqueline and Iris walked to a pharmacy to medically prepare ourselves for our certain demise due to infection, disease and insect the children rollerbladed and skateboarded on the super smooth surface. J&I returned armed with a modest collection, pleased that the pharmacist had been helpful and sensible.