June 12th

Today makes for the longest stay in one town, since we began this adventure! (We were on the Margot boat for two weeks but different towns.) We were getting around when our landlord/host texted us, around 0800, inquiring if we wanted a tagine of sardine meatballs today… well yes, we would!!! We texted back and put in for today @ 2pm. Yeah! Looking forward to that! He also sent us the recipe. 🙂

Around 1115ish, we went out had to visit an ATM, and had 1200 appt with the realtor guy to check out the apartment. We found an ATM and arrived at designated meet place right outside of the local apartment complex couple of  minutes early. The realtor guy came in on a bike one minute early. He took us up. It's the third floor of an four story building. He opened it up. The door opens up to a central perpendicular hallway that gives way to front room and master bedroom on one side of apartment, of which each room has a window view of the beach and ocean – excellent for sunset! The other side has another small bedroom, and the kitchen with an oven, stove and cooking pans, ect., of which windows open to an alcove/way bordered by another apartment complex. Just across the entry is the bathroom with a toilet (not a squatter, big concern of mine) and wet shower. In the front room was an older gentleman and a grand-daughter(?). I said Hi, he smiled, not sure his role in this – is this his place? or is he watching it??? Questions? Anyway, my phone connects well to internet in the front room and master bedroom. So the place definitely works for us, and we told the realtor guy this. He seemed good and would get back with us. WHEW!!

Left after shaking realtor guy's hand, we left with a feeling of accomplishment and great chance of getting it for 2 months!!! From here we meandered down the street that backs right up to the other apartment complex. It's mostly for locals as it has stalls and booths of produce, household stuffs, and any number of items. While standing on the corner at end of this street with visions of getting apartment, we were finally divebombed!!  A seagull unloaded on Jeff. We had been watching for this, but had let our guard down. I was helping Jeff wipe off the biggest messes, when I caught a local watching us. He was smiling (not with smugness, but of sympathy and knowing it happens) and shrugged. I smiled back and shrugged as well. Anyway, we now headed back to our place.

At 2pm our landlord/host knocked and proceeded to bring us another feast! First was starter tray of bowl of olives; small tray of bread; three roasted poblano type peppers; and a bowl of eggplant and olives minced with EVOO and seasonings – a dip. Next was the tagine of sardine meatballs in a tomato base sauce. Lastly a plate of watermelon. WOWZA!!  Again it is enough food for at least four people. Everything was excellent!!  Fit for a Sultan!  🙂   Feeling very privileged and spoiled, it was so good! We have enough leftovers to last for couple of days!!

Then as I was writing this received WhatsApp text from realtor guy to see what time we would be coming on Wednesday!!!!!!   YIPEEE!!  We got the place — happy dance, happy dance!  We left to meet up with him right away. Final discussion of terms and he took copy of our passports. He'll have a contract for us on Wednesday. YOO-HOO!!! 🙂 🙂