Tell me where to go...........Spain and Morocco

[Matty B]

Hello all,

I'm priviledged to be travelling to Spain and Morocco for 3 weeks from April 12th this year.

I'm wondering if thee are some D70 shooters out there who have trodden this path and can recommend some must see places to point my camera at.

Basic direction of trip is Fly to Barcelona for 3 days, fly to Granada do Alhumbra gardens with 5 days down in the southern section around Granada / Sierra Nevadas. Ferry from Malaga to Morocco and no firm plan in Morocco in which I have 10 days to see what I will. Then back to Madrid via Tangier ferry and train.

Any tips, warnings places to shoot welcome. Thjought I better ask now as I have to get some firm plans together an make bookings etc.

ps. I will be taking D70 plus kit lens + 12-24mm DX with me and leaving the 70- 300mm zoom at home - any comments there?

Cheers,

[sirhc55]

Matty B - I can tell you a bit about Barcelona.

Some must sees:

La Rambla (or Las Ramblas) five streets strung together, there are markets, buskers, pavement mosaics and the Opera House.

Medieval buildings in the Barri Gotic

The Museu Picasso

Especially keep your eyes open for the work of Gaudi, in particular the unfinished cathedral

To get total views of the city go up the Tibidabo

Hope this helps

[Matty B]

Thanks Chris - yes this helps. A view over the city - Ah... a job for my soon to arrive 12 - 24 DX........

Many thanks, notes taken - Lonely Planet books being refered to right away!

[Werewolf]

Matt - I was in Morocco for 10 days in the late 90's. It's an amazing country but you'll need to deal with the absolute WORST hustlers on earth No joking. Ignore these pests and you'll have a great time.

I landed in Ceuta from Algeciras in Spain. You might want to consider this route as you can easily visit Gibraltar in a daytrip from Algeciras. Very worthwhile trip.

From Ceuta I went via Tetouan to the charming mountain town of Chefcaouen - a great introduction to Morroco and you won't get hassled -much, though expect to be asked to buy hashish at least 5 times a day!
After 3 days here I went to the ancient city of Fez. Fez is mesmerising. You'll get lost for hours in the medieval souks and be amazed at what you see, life goes on here as it has for centuries. I liked Fez so much that I spent 5 days here, and was never bored.

From Fez I had to go to Casablanca and catch a flight to Amsterdam. Let me say that Casablanca is not the fabled, exotic city it used to be! In fact it's a dump! Then again anything after Fez is a let-down.

My advice to you is ignore the hustlers, touts and con artists. This can be extremely difficult as they WILL NOT take no for an answer. Ignore them and you'll have a fabulous trip. Try the tajine (local stew), and you'll never forget the magical taste of sweetened mint tea! Ahhhhhh......majic!

[birddog114]

MattyB,
I've been around that circle in a short trip, not much in details that what I can say.
The 12-24Dx will serve you well on the trip, a fast prime lens as the 50/1.4 or 85/1.8 or 17-55Dx should tag along if you have one, lot of interesting of subjects as human, life, animal, architecture (Especially in Spain), and especially inside some museums with tapestries.
April is good time before the summer heat bake you and your gears.

[dooda]

Personally I think that you'll regret not having your 70-300...I always do. As the kit lens goes fairly wide already, I don't find myself wanting for a lot more wide angle (that being said I'd love to own a 12-24 or a 10-20). However you have a new toy and I can understand the need to get some pics on it. If it was possible to take all three I would, carrying the extra weight is nothing compared to missing a good picture from my perspective. I go on little day trips without a telephoto, but I wouldn't go on an entire trip w/o it. Maybe time to get a 20-200? Yeah like it's that easy! I guess it depends on how much space you have for lenses.

[Onyx]

Rent out the movie Hideous Kinky. Despite it's name, there's no S&M in it. It was shot in Morocco and had some stunning photogenic places featured. Might give you some ideas regardin places to visit there. The night markets seemed especially lively.

[Matty B]

Thanks again guys,

Dooda, maybe you are right 'bout leaving the telephoto at home. My camera bag holds D70 back with a lens + another lens. I might find a place to stow the telephoto in my backpack. Yes, touts and fake guides and crooks of all sorts I will be bracing myself for. I do just have to practise a firm no policy to unwanted attention. Thanks for the movie tip Onyx, I'll go into town on Fri and search for it!