Morrocan Odyssey Day 6

Morocco Day 6: Tangier

This morning we left Chefchaouen heading toward Tangier, on the northwest corner of Morocco where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. The drive was only 60 miles, but it still took us 4 hours!  The drive took us past huge nests of African Storks that seemed to make their nests in any high spot including minarets and cll towers.

As we approached the coast we passed the Strait of Gibraltar, a mere 8.7 miles from Europe.  We were lucky that the weather cooperated for us and we had a good (though hazy) view of the Rock of Gibraltar.

When we reached Tangier, we drove around the city a bit (because we hadn't had enough bus time) and stopped at the Cape Spartel Lighthouse.  Cape Spartel sits about 1000' above sea level at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar about 7 miles west of Tangier.

About 100 yd from the lighthouse is the point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet.  This is the most northwestern point of Africa.

We finally reached Tangier and were able to depart from our bus.  We began a walking tour of the kasbah (or Citadel). The Kasbah dates back to the Roman and later Portuguese occupations, but it took on its current form during the 17th century under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail of the Alaouite dynasty. 

Main Entrance to the Kasbah 

Bab is "gate" in English

Bab Al Bar or "Sea Gate" overlooking the Atlantic

After leaving the Kasbah, we entered the medina.

Mo decided to play dress up  with Fez and Oud, Moroccan lute

A local Imam was happy to allow us to take his picture, especially with women!

Domed structures signified healers or holy men

Suzanne was thrilled to find weavers

We finally reached our Riyadh for the night deep within the souk and were served the ever present mint tea.

Our riyadh was in an old bank building that had previously been a wealthy person's residence.  The rooms faced a central courtyard, but this courtyard had been covered allowing the ground central courtyard to be used as a restaurant. I think that this is from where Hyatt got their idea for a hotel. 

Tomorrow we see more of Tangier then take the high-speed train (only 1hr 20 min) to Rabat.