Tangier, Morocco (pop 1,000,000)

Oh, Tangier – my first glimpse of Africa! I hope I will have many more glimpses in my future. We took the ferry from Tarifa, Spain, which takes you in to the old port (closer to the city centre) than the ferries from Algeciras, which take you to the new port.


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As I watched the continent of Africa loom closer and closer while on the ferry, I couldn't help but feel excited. I have desperately wanted to visit Africa for many years now and here I was finally reaching my goal. Sure, some people might scoff and say that Morocco isn't really visiting Africa, but I disagree. When we arrived at the port our first task was to find the hotel that we booked. Trying to find the entrance to the medina was difficult, and although there was no shortage of eager Moroccans willing to show us the way to a cheap hotel that they knew (for a fee, of course!) we were reluctant to pay someone for this service. Plus, I am a strong believer that getting a little lost is all part of the adventure. Eventually, after consulting the map man,y many times, we found our way into the medina – and luckily chose the right entrance, as there were plenty of clear signs showing us the way to our hotel.

On the ferry to Tangier

Overall, Tangier isn't the type of place that I feel I would like to spend any length of time in again. For starters, you have to have the right mentality: expect men and children to approach you constantly offering to show you to points of interest, hotels, etc. It is important to be exceedingly firm with those offering you help if you do not wish to have their assistance – they will not leave a potential paying customer willingly!

The room to our hotel overlooked the city and it was quite an impressive view which literally did offer a window into the everyday lives of Moroccans. The only thing I might change is the call to prayer from the local mosque which started at 4:30am and lasted for a half an hour! The view from our breakfast terrace out of over the Mediterranean was pretty special though.

View from our hotel window over Tangier

Our Breakfast Terrace

We wandered around through the medina and the kesbah and took in the sights and sounds of what Tangier had to offer. I think the best part was the views over the Mediterranean and the atmosphere. After 24 hours in Tangier, I was ready to move on and see what else Morocco had to offer!

In the Medina

View from the main terrace of our hotel over the Mediterranean