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Morocco
Morocco – welcome to the “land of sunsets”
The Kingdom of Morocco is at the farthest west point of the Arab world and North Africa just under the Strait of Gibraltar. Morocco is strategically located with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, and a rugged mountainous interior.
Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, when Sultan Mohammed became king. He was succeeded in 1961 by his son, Hassan II and then in 1999 he was succeeded by his son King Mohammed VI.
The People
The people of Morocco have a rich diversity and unique cultural blended from Arab, Berber, European and African influences.
Moroccans are some of the most generous hospitable people in the world. It's not uncommon to get invited to dinner upon meeting and chatting with a Moroccan for only ten minutes and if you are honoured with such an opportunity you will be treated to an experience you will never forget.
Typical Moroccan meals for guests are two to three courses that extend over several hours of lively conversation. Mint Tea is an integral part of Moroccan hospitality and daily life that you are almost sure to experience. English is widely spoken as is French, and your efforts to communicate will be rewarded by Moroccans who just love to polish up their English by talking to you.
Don’t be surprised if you meet up with a few American people during your holiday. Americans and Moroccans are great friends and indeed the “peace and friendship treaty” that exists between the two nations is the oldest such treaty on Earth.
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France
France - welcome to “the light”
What makes France special?...especially the South of France? Is it the pavement cafes and bars that serve good food and drink at reasonable prices? Could it be the “laid-back” people? What about the great little shops that sell tempting fresh local produce? Well it’s certainly all of these and something else. The light seems different; the sunshine shines brightly off the beaches, the sea and the limestone hills and mountains. Its just – in one word – invigorating!
Port Leucate is situated between Narbonne and Perpignan with a choice of 3 airports (all patronised by low-cost operators), the closest being Perpignan 25 minutes away. As for the local wines…well! Fitou is a world renowned wine producing region and the village of Fitou certainly punches above its weight. If you have never been to Fitou (which is a 15 minute drive away) you would be forgiven for being surprised at its diminutive size!
Le Collioure further down the coast is a must for scenery. Its been the favourite of artists for centuries with old master’s names such as Matisse, Derain, Picasso, Dali, Juan Gris, and Hanicotte that all fell in love with this area.
The People
Port Leucate is its own thriving community and many people that came here for holidays never left! There are English, Swedish, Danish and Germans here and of course the French locals. The restaurants and bars are very welcoming and your attempts at French (if you aren’t fluent already!) will be met by enthusiasm for your efforts.
You’ll want for nothing and if travelling about isn’t for you, then relax, the shops you need are all here, including an indoor market which sells virtually everything. Strolling down the marina to the bread shop in the morning and stopping off for a coffee on the way is just one of life’s little treats! For the more energetic, there is windsurfing, tennis, a water park and so on. If you fancy jogging the beach, bear in mind that its 12km long!
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