Good news! And, into the big city of Marrakech...

I sent a request for information to the Spanish embassy in Ottawa, Canada last Friday afternoon, and they got back to me on Monday. How efficient is that? And they sent all the information I needed (in both Spanish and English) to positively answer my question regarding using an old Bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement between Canada and Spain that is still in force.

So, we are headed back to Spain as soon as we say goodbye to Lindsey and the kids Friday morning. We'll take our time getting to the ferry. We're in no rush, but will certainly be crossing back within a week.

The stay of a Canadian national in Spain may be extended an additional 3 months in Spain in accordance with a 25/1/1960 bilateral agreement between Spain and Canada, which was concluded before entry into force of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement. In such cases, an application must be lodged with a provincial Foreigner’s Office or Police Station on entry or during the stay at the latest on the last working day of his or her 90-day stay in any 180-day period. 

When a stay is extended, the Canadian applicant shall be authorised to stay only on Spanish territory and exit through Spanish external borders 

Please find attached English and Spanish versions of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) regulation. The above information is included in article 60.

Also included is the 25/1/1960 bilateral agreement between Spain and Canada.

So, there we have it. No idea why these old agreements aren't used more often. People just don't know about them I guess.

Yesterday, we drove from Ouarzazate to Marrakech. 

Camels!

Not far outside of Ouarzazate is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. This scenic location is where quite a few scenes from famous movies have been made... Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Jewel of the Nile, among others.

But while it is scenic, it is very touristy.

It's one of the tourist stops along the way between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert, so busloads of people are dropped off here for a visit along the way. In fact, Ruth and I had been here about six years ago when we did a touristy desert excursion.

Unfortunately, Sadie didn't feel up to it, so I sat down with her by the river while Ruth, Lindsey, and Cameron went in and explored.

The gate on the right is not original, and was built by a Hollywood studio for the fighter jet scene in Jewel of the Nile.

Looking across to the newer part of town.

You can see Sadie and I on the bottom left sitting by the river.

Cameron and Lindsey.

Lindsey and Cameron.

Another year or two and he will be taller!

Despite the desert environment, there is enough water to make things green.

Fancy door.

We didn't get out of there until about 11:30am and we still had three and a half hours of driving to do!

Lots of great scenery along the way.

The road we just came up on.

Would have loved to go for a hike in this gorge.

Max, stopped for a photo break!

Looking down.

Locals.

We passed many small villages.

And a lot of interesting geology.

Stopped for a late lunch!

Goats!

View from the mountain pass.

Lots of great views up there!

Back down onto the plains on the other side, and into the big city of Marrakech.... just in time for rush hour!

Marrakech traffic is hectic, but you just have to drive like they do... and you get through it unscathed! 

Yes, Max has to drive through there!

We made our way to that grocery store that still sells booze and stocked up on some beer and wine (and gin and tonic for Lindsey) enough to do us until we get to Spain. Then up to the Menera Mall parking lot where Max can stay overnight and still be only a twenty minute walk to the center.

We sat and relaxed and had a drink to unwind after a long driving day, then walked from there to the guesthouse where Lindsey and the kids are booked.

Sadie is still not 100%, but Lindsey and Cameron seem back to normal!

The main mosque minaret, and some tall palm trees.

We found a place to have some dinner.

Then we introduced them to the craziness of central Marrakech in the evening...

Inside the souk.

There's no question that Marrakech is interesting. And worthwhile if you've never seen it before. But you don't really feel like you're in the real Morocco anymore. I know it's a generality, but I say there are only two types of people in Marrakech... the tourists, and the people who are trying to separate the tourists from their money. 

Today we will do some more Marrakech exploring.

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Easter Candy from Hershey's.

And in Canada...

Gillette Fusion 5 Men's Razor Blades. One year supply.