Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 9 Dec 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Dreaming of travelling and riding bikes in general..
Posts: 445
Brighton to capetown and both my travel buddy and I were separately very ill in Morocco in the first couple of weeks of the trip and not again all the way through west africa to South Africa. A sample of two is not significant in this case but I always thought that was odd.

Maybe the appearance of western levels of food safety lull people into a false sense of security or maybe morocco is a transition for european travellers heading south between how they eat/behave at home and they way they adapt to different habits. The main thing is to be sensible and not be fooled into thinking that because it looks clean and modern that you will automatically be fine.
__________________
Find out details of my 2011 trip to Siberia on a lightweight dirtbike:
www.brighton2expeditions.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 16 Dec 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 15
bezoek ouzout

als je er bent rij dan ook eens langs de
watervallen van ouzoud echt prachtig
zie ook onze site Short Way Down 2009
groet tom
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 16 Dec 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
The reason that many people get stomach problems is down to poor personal hygiene.
I used alcohol hand wash every time I ate. So I'm sorry Tim, your accusation is this case is wrong.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
You will notice that even the most broken-down fly-ridden cafe will have a wash basin in the corner and all Moroccans wash their hands before eating.
Maybe I went to a different Morocco. I never saw a sink in the corner of a cafe. In the gents perhaps, but I also did not think those looked particularly hygenic. I was glad of my hand wash...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
All meat in Morocco is examined by government inspectors.
And what does this really mean? Simply that whatever standards the government have decided upon are being upheld. Might even mean it is halal and nothing more. It may be up to their standard, but again, what is that worth?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
I rarely get problems despite drinking the local tap water and enjoying salmonella-free runny egg omelettes.
Great! well done your constitution, but please don't encourage others to do the same! I wouldn't eat runny egg in the UK if I could help it, the facts are perfectly well known.

I am not trying to disuade others from going, just because I got ill. I am saying go - but be prepared.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 17 Dec 2009
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Oh blimey ! Do I really want to stick my oar in ??

20 of us spent 10 days in Morocco in January. We stayed in very different accomodation from a European style hotel in Marrakesh to little Auberges in mountain villages. We were a very mixed group; male, female, old, young, bankers to builders.
No-one got ill from the food. We ate kebabs from road-side vendors when we got the urge and I even had a salad. I did drink bottled water most of the time (although this was mainly for conveinience filling a camelbac) and frequently used handwash.

One of our riders was bed ridden for a few days but that was because he was just getting over flue at the start of the trip and decided to see if a KTM floats in an icy mountain river.

I suppose some of it comes down to luck. I have had a bout of food poisoning from a Mc D in the UK

I would still take some imodium and dioralite with me though. Your best bet if you get ill and have access to a loo is to "let it all out" and only use "pluggers" when you need to. An alternative to diaoralite is 1tsp salt and 3tsp sugar in a litre of water. Make sure you try to put back what comes out. (disclaimer: I am not a medic, it's just personal experience and opinion)

The comment "Expect to get ill" is a bit like telling someone to expect to get smashed to eff-you-see-kay if you ride a bike. Yes, there are risks in most things.

Enjoy your trip (I wish I was going with you) and post a ride report WITH PICTURES when you get back.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 17 Dec 2009
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Quote:
Originally Posted by pedrizero View Post
Planning a 3 week trip round Morocco on a Bonneville this Christmas. Would be grateful for any advice or suggestions regarding the following...

1. How far can we expect to get on the Bonnie before the roads run out and we get left behind by the GS boys?
2. We will be 2-up so luggage space will be tight. Are cheap hotels easy enough to come that we can leave the tent and sleeping bags at home?
3. Weather? I have been up in the high atlas before and seen photos of deep snow up there but what can we expect on the coast, temperature-wise?
4. We're planning on taking the ferry from Algeciras to Ceuta. What documents are required for the import paperwork for the bike? Does it have to be organised in advance or can we sort it all out at the habour? Does it take long? How much does it cost?
5. Any recommendations on places to visit/avoid?

Thanks for your help
Might see you around: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...086#post268245
Chris
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 17 Dec 2009
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,078
Dave Ett: I did say 'many people'; it wasn't a personal accusation What people forget it that they handle grubby banknotes, especially the 20dh, then eat street food with their fingers. In the summer they eat the base of the ice cream cone that has been handled by the ice cream seller...

What you said in your original post before you edited it was that people should expect to get ill. This was obviously the case with you and you sound quite angry about it. Some people have delicate stomachs but you can build up your body's defences before a trip with probiotic yoghurts and the like.

Dave Ede: I've always assumed that as long as the meat is fresh, cooking it is enough, after all the Moroccans (and most travellers) don't get ill. I remember our first refridgerator being delivered to the house round about 1960. We certainly ate meat before then, so what did we do with it?

There are three types of water supplies in Morocco. 'Town water' is supplied by the national water company, ONEP and is perfectly safe to drink. The company makes multimillion dollar investments each year, wins awards for its water quality and is an exporter of technology to other countries. Although the tap water network is spreading rapidly (you see the pale blue inspection hatches by the sides of roads), ONEP isn't omnipresent in Morocco and many reputable hotels in more remote places have their own wells that are fitted with filtration devices. By law these have to be inspected at regular intervals. The water in the tea that you drink in country auberges is normally from these sources. The bottom level of supply is non-inspected wells and personally I'd stay clear of these.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 17 Dec 2009
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
{QUOTE}Dave Ede: I've always assumed that as long as the meat is fresh, cooking it is enough, after all the Moroccans (and most travellers) don't get ill. I remember our first refridgerator being delivered to the house round about 1960, what did we do before then?{QUOTE}

Buy as required from refridgerated sources is what was done in the 'old days' I agree with your point about handwashing and banknotes, The Moroccans, along with many other countries run very different hygene standards to alot of Europe, and especially the UK. I was a butcher for many years and was somewhat amused to see a 'part cut' top bit (rear leg from steer/heffer, which is leg of beef, topside/silverside and aitchbone) just hanging in the sun.
How many people, myself included eat Dona Kebabs without thinking how many times that large piece of rotating meat has been heated/cooled down, refridgerated,then reheated until its time to put a new 'lump' on the skewer? we just need to think, as its not too much fun riding on a trip with the squitters!.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 11 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Spain
Posts: 25
well, just got home. wasn't sick and a lovely time was had by all.
Attached Thumbnails
Morocco at Christmas-17551_373995460370_636350370_10089414_8023101_n.jpg  

Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Christmas in Morroco Tony177 Travellers Seeking Travellers 51 22 Oct 2012 22:08
Merry Christmas Warthog The HUBB PUB 2 25 Dec 2008 20:14
Christmas in Morocco aurel North Africa 16 5 Nov 2008 08:18
Morocco Christmas 2006 halcon perergrino Route Planning 3 28 Nov 2006 22:57
Libya over Christmas Weber North Africa 3 6 Nov 2005 14:19

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:27.