I'm from DC, wife is from Baltimore. I'm pretty psyched up about returning to the US for the first time in a year. I cashed out most of my United frequent flier miles to travel in style, business class. Woo hoo!
I should mention that while I have always loved Spain, in particular Sevilla, the rest of our trip was so-so. Gibraltar was ok (think Oxford Street, but with better weather and free-range monkeys); Tangier was absolutely horrible (dirty city, illegal immgrants trying to make a break for Spain on the ferry boats, rude pushy touts demanding you pay for "services" like pointing the way towards the right street when we didnt even ask for directions in the first place). Marrakech was nicer, great food and architecture but did not live up to my expectations. Like Tangier, Marrakech was full of con artists; a kid tried to steal my backpack, a waiter short-changed me and then accused ME of lying when I called him on it and threw me out of the restaurant (it wasn't worth the $5 to argue). It was also full of tourist gaggles on package holidays generally making fools of themselves. All the Brits in my office speak as if Marrakech was heaven on earth. I found it interesting and fascinating, but not a place I would rush to do again. Full report on our blog:
www.twocrabs.comActually, with the exception of Rehoboth Beach (family tradition), I have rarely vacationed in the same spot two years in a row. Too many new and exciting places to try before I die!
