2014 Travel Mash-up; Life-changing Adventures beyond 8 Countries

inside Europe, Africa and Asia... 50 days on 8 countries, 20 flights on 7 different airlines...
June 27 to August 15, 2014

6th OFW vacation; 2nd Ultimate backpacking across 3 Continents

"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world" - Gustave Flaubert

A mash-up is a song composition created by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, or usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another. It is also a video combining multiple pre-existing video sources with no discernible relation with each other into a unified video. As for me, I used the term mash-up in travel to blend or combine the function of plane tickets to two destinations. The departure on one destination is the arrival to new destination, not the usual round-trip flight going to original airport departure. The process is not that comparable with the song/video, but somehow the essence is there.

2nd long term travel from June 27 to August 15, 2014. Sightseeing mash-up travels across the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia; 25 days in western side composed of United Kingdom, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania and another 25 days in eastern side composed of Philippines, Indonesia, Japan. 8 countries in 3 continents, 50 days with 20 flights on 7 airlines, countless bus rides, food trips and life-changing adventures...

I called this trip as the most extreme and expensive travel I ever planned because of the highlight adventure for every countries included. 1st was the 21.7km biking to Stonehenge in Salisbury to Amesbury, England of United Kingdom. 2nd was the camel back-ride to Sahara desert night camping in Morocco. 3rd was the parachute gliding above the cotton castle and balloon flight ride in Turkey. 4th was the Masai Mara safari ride and camping in Kenya. 5th was the 6-days Machame route for 5,895masl trekking of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 6th was the family road trip in Northeastern Mindanao (CARAGA Region) of Philippines. 7th was the adventurous river white-water rafting and tubing in Bali, Indonesia. Finally (8th), revisiting Japan for the 3,776masl self-guided solo night trekking to Mt.Fuji via Yoshida trail.

2014 travel mash-up; backpacking across 3 continents (fridge magnet souvenirs)

Casablanca Tour last part; Short Trip to Corniche

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Casablanca tour 1st part; train trip from Marrakesh

I arrived 1010H in Casablanca Casa Voyageour station. Totally no idea where to go, I'm surprise there's a tram station just around 20 meters outside the station exit. I checked the map and fortunately enlightened how to spend my remaining hours in Morocco before going to Casablanca airport by 1230H. I stopped-by first to Place de Nation station for a McDo short lunch (free wifi) then went back to tram station to continue my tram escapade to the last station, Casablanca's corniche. Photography and video taking is permitted.

Casablanca, may be the cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of Morocco (and its largest city), but it is one of the less endearing in the country. With a small, unassuming medina and a traffic-congested ville nouvelle, travellers arriving via Casablanca may be tempted to find the first train out to nearby Rabat. The awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque and happening nightlife, however, are worth at least a day of your Moroccan itinerary. 

http://wikitravel.org/en/Casablanca

Casablanca short trip to Corniche

Casablanca Tour 1st part; Train trip from Marrakesh

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour last part; going back to Marrakesh

I booked my ticket a day before my intended schedule. From Jemaa Square, I took bus #8 going to Marrakesh train station which has around 15 minutes travel time, fare costs only 4MAD ($0.50). I chose 0655H Marrakesh departure arriving in Casablanca Casa Voyageour train station at 1010H, a 3 hours travel time with no stops. Train departure from Marrakesh has every 2 hours interval, fare costs 90MAD ($11.11) for 2nd class seat.

Rail transport in Morocco is operated by the ONCF. The main network for passenger-transport consists of a North-South link from Tangier via Rabat and Casablanca to Marrakech and this N/S link interconnects with the East-West connection linking Oujda in the East via Fes to Rabat. Major destinatioons currently not (yet) linked by rail are often served by Supratours, a bus company operated by the ONCF.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Morocco

Morocco train ride from Marrakesh to Casablanca

Ouarzazate Tour last part; Going Back to Marrakesh

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour 4th part; Berber Desert Camp at night

This was the 2nd day of the Zagora 2D1N tour. After having our breakfast around 0600H, guides advised us to packed up our things as we will be living by 0700H. Then we started to camel back ride again but this transportation lasted only around less than an hour as our mini-bus transportation was already waiting on the main road. Around 0830H we started to hit the road passing by the High Atlas Mountain going back to Marrakesh.

The High Atlas is a region in Morocco covering the mountain range and surrounding destinations such as Marrakech. It's a regular destination for mountain hikers, ski enthusiasts, or travellers interested in the indigenous Berber culture found throughout its many peaks and valleys. The Atlas mountains are home to relatively pure Berber populations, who live in earthen adobe houses. Marrakech is the only Moroccan city with a recognizable Berber ambiance, being situated at the base of the southern Atlas mountains. The color of Marrakech is the color of the Berbers - reddish, ochre and earth tones are the only colors you see adorning the adobe buildings, giving the impression that the entire city springs from the earth. 

http://wikitravel.org/en/High_Atlas

from Berber Desert Camping going back to Marrakesh

Ouarzazate Tour 4th part; Berber Desert Camp at Night

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour 3rd part; Camel backride in Sahara Desert

We arrived safely (no any single injury during the camel backride on all 16 tourists with me) in Berber Desert Camp around 1900H, almost 30 minutes before it became dark.

The traditional Berber desert camps are at the base of the great dunes of Erg Chigaga, the longest 'erg' (sand sea) in Morocco, and well off the beaten path. The camps are encircled by smaller, rolling dunes for privacy and shelter, which offer a great vantage point for sunset and sunrise. We only arrange stays at small camps. The sleeping tents at the Berber desert camps are made of the traditional Saharan 'haimas' materials. We slept in comfort (with mattress, linens) and there is a separate shower and toilet facility on-site, western-style and with hot water. There is also a separate dining-salon tent and outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment of the campfire. Evening entertainment is around the campfire/after dinner (singing and playing of drums). All meals, drinking water, hot drinks, and guided camel-ride are included in your stay at the Berber camps. 

Berber Desert Camp at night

Ouarzazate Tour 3rd part; Camel Backride in Sahara Desert

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour 2nd part; short visit to Ouarzazate

We arrived around 1700H to the starting point where the camels are waiting for us. We were dispatched on a guide with group of four. Camel back ride last around 2 hours. Exciting on first 15 minutes, but  when it takes longer it was pain in lower part between legs.

Camels are known as the ships of the desert, but this doesn’t mean that they are always in a condition to ship tourists around. Don’t believe that camels need to be whipped or beaten to make them work. Look to see how the owner interacts with his animal – a gentle tap should be enough to tell the camel what he needs to do.

Camel backride in Sahara Desert

Ouarzazate Tour 2nd part; Short Visit to the Inner City

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour 1st part; Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou

After we visited the Ait Benhaddou and have our lunch, we proceeded to the other major tourist parts of Ouarzazate city, nicknamed as "The door of the desert", of Ouarzazate Province. 

Ouarzazate is relatively small  and for Morocco quiet town, built mostly along main street - Avenue Muhammed V. Ouarzazate is situated at an elevation of 1,135 meters. Its name comes from a Berber phrase meaning "without noise" or "without confusion". The Ouarzazate area is a noted film-making location, with Morocco's biggest studios inviting many international companies to work here. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011) were shot here, as was part of the TV series Game of Thrones.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ouarzazate

short visit to Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate Tour 1st part; Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Marrakesh walk tour last part; Jemaa El Fna Sqaure at night

How did I booked this Zagora 2D1N tour via walk-in query only;
Upon arrival in the last stop of bus #19 in Jemaa Square coming from Marrakesh Airport, I honestly don't know how to proceed searching for my booked hostel as lots of stand-by locals coming for me. So What I did was pretended that already know where to go and I'm just looking for some restaurant to have lunch. Upon walking on the KFC sidewalk (between the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa Square) and after a street, I passed by this persistent local offering me brochure of major Marrakesh tours. Since he was not looking harmless, I entertain his negotiation ans we went to the their office which was a very short walked from where we were standing. I bargained the Zagora 2D1N tour to 500MAD ($24.7) from its original price of 650MAD ($80). 

Zagora 2D1N tour includes roundtrip transfer from my hostel via Aircon Minibus, visits to Ait Behaddou, Ouarzazate, Draa Valley, Zagora, two hours sunset camel backride, dinner and night spent in a Berber desert camp under the stars or in tents. Ait Benhaddou is a traditional Mud Brick city on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has featured in many films, mostly as a replacement for Jerusalem.

Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified city, or ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. It is situated in Souss-Massa-Drâa on a hill along the Ounila River and is known for its kasbahs, although they take damage with each rainstorm. Most of the town's inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; however, eight families still live within the ksar. Aït Benhaddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and several films have been shot there, including: The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Alexander (2004), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Babel (2006), Prince of Persia (2010) and Son of God (film) (2014).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C3%AFt_Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou

Marrakesh Walk Tour last part; Jemaa El Fna Square at Night

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Marrakesh walk tour 1st part; Strolling the Old Medina

How to go to Place Jemaa El Fna;
From Marrakesh Airport, just go to the only Airport arrival exit and the bus #19 is waiting there every 30 minutes. Fare costs 30MAD ($3.7) which has around 20 minute travel to the last stop, Place Jemaa. Photography and video taking is permitted.

The cultural space of Jemaa El Fna square has been proclaimed masterpiece of the intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The Jamaa El Fna Square is situated in the heart of the Medina. The cultural and artistic crossroads is used not only as a meeting piece for local people, but also for story tellers, acrobats, musicians, dancers, smoke charmers, traditional healers and fortune-tellers. It is also a plate for trading and entertainment. The Square is a model for urban planning giving priority to people, culture, encounter and exchange.

During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, youths with chained Barbary apes, water sellers in colourful costumes with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, and snake charmers who will pose for photographs for tourists. As the day progresses, the entertainment on offer changes: the snake charmers depart, and late in the day the square becomes more crowded, with Chleuh dancing-boys (it would be against custom for girls to provide such entertainment), story-tellers (telling their tales in Berber or Arabic, to an audience of appreciative locals), magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As darkness falls, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls as the number of people on the square peaks. The square is edged along one side by the Marrakesh souk, a traditional North African market catering both for the common daily needs of the locals, and for the tourist trade. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaa_el-Fnaa
 

Marrakesh walk tour; Jemaa El Fna Square at night

Marrakesh Walk Tour 1st part; Strolling the Old Medina

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Marrakesh Airport arrival in the morning

How to go to Old Medina;
From Marrakesh Airport, just go to the only Airport arrival exit and the bus #19 is waiting there every 30 minutes. Fare costs 30MAD ($3.7) which has around 20 minute travel to the last stop, Place Jemaa. Photography and video taking is permitted.

The name Marrakesh originates from the Amazigh (Berber) words mur akush, which means "Land of God." It is the third largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca and Rabat, and lies near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. It is a few hours from the foot of the Sahara Desert. Its location and contrasting landscape has made it an enviable destination in Morocco. The city is divided into two distinct parts: the Medina, the historical city, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is full of intertwining narrow passageways and local shops full of character. In contrast, Gueliz plays host to modern restaurants, fast food chains and big brand stores. 

http://wikitravel.org/en/Marrakech

Marrakesh's Old Medina (Koutoubia Mosque)

4 Days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour

Marrakesh - Ouarzazate - Casablanca tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

“Travelling, one accepts everything; indignation stays at home. One looks, one listens, one is roused to enthusiasm by the most dreadful things because they are new. Good travellers are heartless.” ― Elias Canetti, The Voices of Marrakesh: A Record of a Visit

My 35th country to visit, 31st solo backpacking trip, 2nd country to visit in Africa, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Geographically, Morocco is characterized by a rugged mountainous interior and large portions of desert. The Arabic name al-Mamlakah al-Maġribiyah, meaning "The Western Kingdom" and Al-Maghrib, meaning "The West" are commonly used as alternate names. Morocco is composed mainly of Arabs and Berbers or a mixture of the two. Sizeable numbers of Berbers live mainly in the country’s mountainous regions — long areas of refuge for them where they preserve their language and culture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco

Ait Benhaddou

6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents

extreme adventure on my 4th year as travel addict

June 27 to August 15, 2014
51-days longest set of vacation as an OFW 

1st OFW vacation; Come back to my homeland

2nd OFW vacation; Pinoy backpacker China invasion
3rd OFW vacation; Summer solo tour from Malaysia to Japan
4th OFW vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land 
5th OFW vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar

“Take vacations... Go as many places as you can.
You can always make money... You cannot always make memories” ― unknown

Getting away does not necessarily imply flying south or anywhere else for that matter. The key is to find a setting that will allow you to leave all your worries behind. Some people manage to do it from home, although a change of surroundings often helps one to disconnect from daily concerns. Simply turning off the cell phone and opening a book under a tree in a city park can be a great getaway! Some studies have found a positive relationship between vacations and intellectual function.

6th vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for more than 2 years of stay in Kuwait. The image below shows the converted jpeg of calendar of events on my entire 51-days vacation journey. The countries included were United Kingdom, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya, Tanzania, Indonesia, 2nd visit to Japan and Philippines, my homeland.

6th OFW vacation; 2nd Ultimate backpacking across 3 Continents