13 -Tangier, Morroco
Tangier is a fascinating Moroccan city to visit. It has many of the things that travellers love--a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, unspoiled beaches Tangier is an uncontrolled mix of north Africa, Spain, Portugal and France. It is located in northern Morocco, and was under joint international control until 1956. Tangier is separated from Spain by the 20 miles of the Strait of Gibraltar
THAT IS TRUE... BUT THIS IS OUR ADVENTURE!
We arrived at the port for our trip and bought tickets for the ferry and for a tour. We kept asking for a sticker, or something that would indicate we were with a tour. We were given an answer in Spanish but the "it's ok" sign was given and we got on the ship. I had remembered Carol's words "Spain never looked so good" as she returned from her trip from Tangier, and I was really getting more and more apprehensive as each passenger was on a different tour with the Germans, or the group from Portigal.
We walked off the ferry expecting to find a group, line or area for people with tour tickets. ( Fred had done his Rick Steves homework and knew how this worked.) Well, we got off and there was nothing, I will say that I was kicking myself because I had given up Granada to go to Morroco and now it looked like this adventure was going to be over and back in one fell swoop.
We were approached by a gentleman our age who asked in English if he could help us find our tour. He showed us that he was a certified guide of Tangier, and he said he was happy to help us. Each guide he asked had no idea who we were and none of them were assigned to us ( I think we were the only two who were not with a bus tour from other countries and the tour company just let us hang),
This gentleman asked if we would like a tour anyway and assured us that he was "legitamite guide". He said the price was $50E for the two of us ( Rick Steves had said to expect 65 for a private tour) and so off we went with a new young guide who provided a nice van and told us to get in. He was so absolutely wondetful. A man of about 40 with a degree in tourism and spoke 5 languages and his English was excellent. He started right out by telling us the history of the city and it's rulers. We drove to many sights that were great for pictures and general knowledge. ( Two people can get in and out of a van very quickly, so we were getting to see a lot of things) Tangier is made of up 4 major areas based on the peoples who lived in an assigned section until after WWI, Spanish Architecture in the Spanish section, English, French, Portugese. Very interesting architecture. Now everyone lives wherever they want to. They pride themselves on being truly international and everyone Jews, Gentiles and Arabs all living peacefully together.
The new King is very progressive and has a plan for his nation as did his father before him. He wants 20 million visitors by 2020. He is making huge concessions to businesses so that jobs are readily available to the people of Morocco. The Port and is being rebuilt, not only cruise ships but pleasure yachts, ferries and a new area for fishing vessels. The city governor is appointed by the king and not elected by the people. It is a job given by qualifications and not popularity and the 5 year term is renewable by being successful and keeping the population happy. It comes with one of the most beautiful homes and a view to die for. ( we are hoping that the photos from this spot will be our Christmas card moment).
All children go to school starting at age 3 until they are at least 17. They learn Arabic and French in elementary school and Spanish in middle school. All students leave high school with a minimum of three languages. They receive a small stipend to attend college. (Your college placement for career is based on successful scores in school)
He took us through the markets, and maybe because it was Sunday and not as full, but nobody really bothered us. We had only two vendors come and ask us if we wanted anything. He did take us to an artisan market, and I am sure he got a cut of whatever we bought, but frankly, we were there and able to look as we please, barter on the things we wanted without interruption. I kept waiting for the "catch", but it didn't come.
We next went to a public oven. They showed us how people bring their bread, dried beans, other things that need to be baked or dried. The room was tiny, I am sure this is not on a general tour, because you couldn't fit. Each neighborhood has a public oven.
Emil is a practicing Muslim and talked about his faith and how proud he is of the fact that Tangier Muslims are so progressive ( unlike the Muslims we hear about in the news). He explained that women in Tangier do not need to have their head covered, it is a personal choice, You do pray 5 times a day, but not always as the exact hours of traditional call to prayer. They recognize jobs snd other responsibilites.
The flag of Morocco has a green 5 pointed star on a field of red. One point for each basic faith of Islam.
1 - Believe in God, (Alla) and Mohamad as a prophet.
2 - Pray 5 times a day (for 5 minutes think about and talk to God)
3- Once in a lifetime make it to Mecca
4- Fast during Ramadan
5 - Save 2.5 percent of your earnings to give to the poor each year. Not to an agency where the funds get watered down, but to the actual people who need it... maybe a less fortunate family member or neighbor. But get to know an help the poor around you. (If you have no debt - get out of debt)
We were most interested in 5 and had never heard of that.
It was time for lunch and we got to try so many wonderful Moraccan dishes. (I thought Fred would surely have problems, but we both did great, and really enjoyed each of the many things we tried. Soup, Bread, olives, eggplant relish for the bread. A very savory Pastery used at Muslim weddings ( this was my favorite) and finally Fred had a rich stew and I had cous cous.
Emil then checked to make sure we each had all our documents and got us back to the police verification station so we could get back to the ferry and Spain.
No, we didn't get belly dancers and camel rides, but we had a wonderful, wonderful history lesson and certainty a different perspective from what we hear daily on the news. We really enjoyed this cosmopolitan city and would return again in a moment if the opportunity presented itself.
Moroco (12 Minutes)
We are only taking a day trip to Tangier. We take a boat over in the morning and return that afternoon. This
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVZhk6x_E_c
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