Iberian Voyage 11 - Tangier, Morocco

Saturday April 13

Slept great. Time on our phones changed correctly by itself and my alarm rang. The Red Group left on a bus at 8:30 am. Look at that blue sky!

The bus driver drove us around this block because it is the King’s residence. 

Soon we left the bus and started on our walk. 

For those of my friends who love cats: there were plenty here. And very cute. 

First glimpse of the Kasbah. It’s the old walled city. 

Oh yes, lots of steps up and down, cobble stones and very narrow streets. 

Here and there were places to get water. 

This is a place were a famous painter got his inspiration … but I forgot who it was. 

It was lovely to be surprised around every corner with something new. This guy seemed to be always in my way when I wanted to take a photo without people and I was suspicious. After a while I discovered though that he was an “assistant” to watch out for us because pocket thieves are not uncommon. 

A lovely view. I can see our ship, the Clio. 

Joana got some fresh bread everybody needed to try. 

Slowly the shops were opening. We had been too early for shopping but it had been easier walking. 

We got some “free time”. It took me only a few minutes to find a place to buy two new shawls labeled “Pashmire” but I don’t believe it because they were too cheap. So what though. I like them. 

Time enough to find a place to get a beer where we are supposed to meet. The waiter didn’t really speak English but we finally figured out that he only had beer without alcohol. Just fine. 

Bit more walking. Our local guide was determined to find a door with two knockers. It used to be a tradition that they were mounted in different heights, one for ladies and one for gentleman. They made different noises and a female was supposed to open the door for a lady and a male for a gentleman. 

Then we arrived at the Hotel Continental! OMG, truly a posh place. We were led upstairs. 

We were seated and each offered a glass of hot tea. We were told it was mint tea and healthy for the stomach. I could not find even a hint of mint and found it difficult to finish. 

Surprise, surprise. We heard native music and a belly dancer performed for us.  

Then it was time to leave. 

Our bus picked us up right at the bottom of that hotel and took us to a different part of Tangier. 

We had lunch at the Darna Association (Darna translates to “our house”). It’s a safe haven for those who have been cast out of their families and communities (for example women if they wanted to divorce their husbands or abandoned children). We were supporting the cause by having lunch there. 

It was a simple meal but tasty. 

Afterwards we were shown around to see what the women are being taught to be able to support themselves. 

Back on board there was “Afternoon High Tea” at 4 pm, Gala open bar at 6 pm followed by the Port Talk and Gala Dinner at 7 pm. 

I am afraid that this culinary trip is not totally good for me (smiling). We are being so spoiled. 

After dinner we were asked to join the trip leaders for the “Andalusian Night”, also a lot of fun. 

And wouldn’t you know it … we found the one and only towel art in our cabin. 

Oh no, it is almost midnight and in the night the 2 hours will adjust the other way again. With other words … not much sleep.