Yesterday, I got up early to go to Tangier. I had done some research and talked to a friend who had also visited Spain and took a side trip to Morocco as well. She told me that she and her husband really enjoyed the trip. The bus ride was about an hour and fifteen minutes from the resort in an air conditioned comfortable coach. Once we reached the shore, we had to take a ferry across the strait of Gibraltar to get to Morocco. It is only 40 km by ferry to get to Tangier.
This picture was taken by my friend with her smartphone.
View of the street through the bus window
We had to go through passport control and the Moroccan police but our trip was facilitated by a guide who was multi-lingual and had grown up in Tangier.
Arrival at the port
Once in the country, we boarded another air conditioned coach bus with a different guide who was also multi-lingual. He was very entertaining and told us about different points of interest as we rode through the town. One of the things that he showed us was a Jewish temple, a Catholic church and a very large mosque that had five different levels.
Mosque we passed while on the bus. I took the picture from the bus.
He explained that Tangier was known for getting along with people of all faiths. There were people walking around in traditional Muslim clothes as well as traditional western wear.
Going to the market
On the way to the restaurant we stopped to take some pictures of camels and ride one if we wanted to do that. My friend and I both got on the camels for a picture.
There were only 2 camels there.
Camels were very well trained. I rode one too.
We had lunch in a restaurant that was part of the tour where we listened to some gentlemen playing music on various instruments while we ate and socialized.
Men playing music in the restaurant.
Other members of the tour group ready to eat.
As we walked around this area called the Medina, we were surrounded by men selling their crafts and other souvenirs. I really wanted to get some of the spices and other things in the market but there was not enough time.
Downhill view of the market area.
Chickens as well as beef was being sold.
There was lots of fresh fruit available.
Vegetables were plentiful.
They took us by a rug shop where the salesman showed his wares.
The salesmen in the street were really very aggressive and persuasive but never rude. I finally broke on down and bought a few things to get some peace.
There were different sizes and styles available.
There were some beautiful chests and vases in the rug shop.
This is one of the vases with inlaid stones.
We also went to a different store that sold argan oil. We were told that argan oil comes from trees that are only found in Morocco. The man did demonstrations with argan oil, saffron, amber, and other herbs and spices.
It was a long day by the time that we made it back to the bus and then to the resort. We passed by the Rock of Gibraltar on the way and I had intended to go on a tour to see it up close. After the Moroccan trip however, I decided to forego that tour, leave early and go back home through Madrid since I have never been there.
I'm looking forward to Madrid which also has a lot of wonderful site seeing in their city center. All pictures were taken by me with my Canon 80D except for the picture of me on the camel. Stay tuned for Madrid. 😃