Home » Morocco » Tangier, first stop in the 'farthest land of the setting sun'

I was a bit apprehensive when I got to Algeciras. It was around 1pm. The sun was merciless. On pondering whether to go to Ceuta or Tangier, I imbued myself with the utmost courage - that is, I learned that the ticket to Tangier was half the price of the one to Ceuta -, got my bags and, off to the port.

Tangier, first stop in the 'farthest land of the setting sun'

M_falci
2005-12-23 21:33:06

Displayed times (last time: )

I was a bit apprehensive when I got to Algeciras. It was around 1pm. The sun was merciless. On pondering whether to go to Ceuta or Tangier, I imbued myself with the utmost courage - that is, I learned that the ticket to Tangier was half the price of the one to Ceuta -, got my bags and, off to the port.

In the lounge, right before getting on the ferry, I met Ewa and Kasia (both from Krakow). We seemed to be the only non-moroccans bound to Tangier that Saturday afternoon. The other weary fellow passengers were no more than half a dozen.

It was shortly after 4.30pm (Spanish time) when we waived goodbye to Europe and made the acquaintance with Simo, the friendliest crew member. It's hard to say so as we soon realised maroccans indulge in kindness and friendliness. He taught us a couple of useful words in arabic - shukran (thank you) and lebez (hello). The chat with him was kind of hillarious as our french couldn't get us much further than oui, oui and d'accord (?).

Within 3 hours Tangier emerged ahead. The sight was somehow magical. Not so much because of the skyline but, mainly, because of all

Alley seen from Pension's Mauritania rooftop
it meant: A-F-R-I-C-A. So close and so far away...

'Africa on a Shoestring' under the arm, we started our walk to the hotel. On the map, a few twists and turns and there we were in the heart of the Medina (old town)! In the street, things weren't as straighforward.

Dodging the innumerable 'helpers' (aka hustlers) we stumbled across Adil, the carpet seller. He gently led us to the Petit Socco (small market square) where we got rooms at Pension Mauritania. Next thing, paying Mr. Magic Carpet a visit, of course!

Walking down the long and narrow alleys of the Medina, we were struck by the endless rows of shops which by far outnumbered possible buyers. We ...