Discover Morocco Tangier
“Tangier is always a fascinating place to visit.” - Anandita Bhatia.
Deep dark exciting Tangier, a melting pot of all the cultures that helped shape it. It was once a safe haven for spies, smugglers, artists and writers but today it is a mecca for tourists.
So close to Europe that on a good day one can look across the Straits of Gibraltar to see the other side. Not that we were so lucky, strain as we might it just was not visible to our naked eyes. Located where the Mediterranean flows into the Atlantic the city serves as a strategic gateway to the rest of Africa.
The city is so unlike what I imagined that I had to ask our local guide about the reputation. His response was interesting in the extreme: “How do you know that we are not showing you only the good parts?” We don’t but in all honesty the city has also undergone considerable investment to clean it up and make it attractive to visitors from all over the world who flock here to enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenic splendors as well as the well-preserved medieval city and culture.
So much more than a medina and a souk. From the beaches to the ocean, to the new city there is so much to see and do that one can easily spend a week in this area alone. No wonder this was one of my favorite places on my journey through Northern Morocco.
The well-preserved Medina with its narrow winding streets, the forts bristling with cannon to protect the city from marauders who would attack from the sea make for a fascinating walk and conversation.
We entered the medina through the Bab Kasba and walked past lively cafes, flower bedecked terraces and shops. Hashish was once freely smoked in the coffee shops and several artistic types flocked here to enjoy the apparent freedom that was offered here.
Artists like Matisse and writers immortalized these beautiful nooks and crannies in their paintings and words.
The souk might be like any other souk in Morocco but market day with the Berber women in their interesting hats was an interesting sight. We saw shops overflowing with spices, dates, nuts, olives, carpets, jewelry and all manner of goods.
The American Legation building the only US property located outside of the USA. This property was a gift from the then Sultan of Morocco who was the first foreign nation to recognize and independent America as a country.
A marriage belt on display in the gold souk. Every Moroccan man worth his salt must be able to afford one as a gift to his bride in order to marry. The size, shape and weight of it varies depending on the man’s stature and wealth.
Even as we walked by Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurant on our way to lunch, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about home as I saw the apple pie a la mode that my friend had ordered for dessert.
Food has a flavor all of its own when it is supplemented with good friends and laughter. I couldn’t help but think about one of my favorite meals in Tangier where the food itself was so so but we laughed so much that the meal became a treasured memory.
Cap Spartel where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. what a beautiful sight all the different shades of blue make.
The caves of Hercules are accessed via land via an entrance in the rocks carved by the local Berber people. Myth has it that Hercules rested here during the 11th of his 12 labors.
Other myths talk about the shape of the sea entrance which has been carved by the force of the water flowing in. Is it shaped like the continent of Africa? Did the Phoenicians actually carve it so and let the sea finish the work?
Another anomaly camels on the beach?
Part of the Tangier region is the city of Tétouan which has a fort, an ancient medina, a royal palace and a school to teach artisans about the ancient arts of Morocco.
Like many of the towns along the coast the forts are bristling with guns that were used to defend the coastline from barbary pirates and other conquering invaders.
Chefchaouen, Fes, the Mid Atlas, Marrakech, there’s a lot more to come. Hold tight folks as we continue our journey through Morocco.