0204. The Magnificent Castle of Melilla (Sp 006--new)
I caught an early morning grand taxi to the Melilla border, but folks were lined up already to cross the border. The border area area on both sides was gritty and chaotic. At first I determined that I would not pay any of the "visa card hustlers"--but in the end I changed my mind. The fellow refused my money, instead requested that I bring him two empty forms once I got to the counter. Deal.
A big sign that said WELCOME in Spanish, French, English and German greeted my on the Spanish side... OK... and what about Arabic? 99% of the people that cross here are Arabic speakers... Something just doesn't feel right about that.
Continued on on foot through a somewhat rough looking neighborhood with graffiti covered walls.
...And then I saw it... an absolutely magnificent castle towering over the ocean. A castle that symbolizes the centuries of struggles in this rugged countryside. With works still being done on it, it's been very well maintained and a lot of fun to explore. Inside there's a musuem of Spanish military history. You can also get a free guided tour of the secret caverns beneath the castle where the Catholic clergy hid during the wars with the Arabs.
While ambling along the wall soaking in the views, a couple of fellows hollered for me to come over and play a song for them. Spaniards seem to really enjoy Mexican ranchero music--so I gave it a shot... sure enough. I soon had them all dancing...
Of course, I sure it helped that they were all drinking...
I went on to explore the Melilla "favelas"--the crowded old neighborhoods along the steep hillsides... and then down to the market where Moroccans buy and sell second hand goods to haul down to their country... then to a very classy shopping district, a magnificent fountain and a couple of very stately parks...
It was great to be able to enjoy a taste of Spain just a short walk from Morocco...
...Definitely a highlight of my tour...
