OUR DAY TRIP TO TANGER, MOROCCO
We took a ferry over from Algeciras, Spain. The EuroFerrys site has more info, timetables, prices. The port is very easy to navigate and all directions are in 4 languages - Spanish, Deutsche, English, Arabic. Even a little French. You can buy ferry tickets upon arrival at the port, though you may have to wait in line. We did hire a guide, as suggested, since we had the 2 girls with us. Cost for rd trip ferry, guide, lunch was 24,500 pstas total for 2 adults, 2 kids ($150 or so). We booked through TourAfrica upon arrival at the Algeciras Port. Tanger is NOT a hospitable place for women and girls travelling alone. People are friendly, but a little aggressive in selling their goods. Pickpockets / petty thievery are problems. We all stayed very close to Jeff and our guide at all times. Renee, especially (her hair?) drew a lot of stares and comments! We were a little uptight about being there. We didn't get too many pictures, and didn't feel comfortable dragging around the video camera. It's very poor there. We all felt very appreciative of our wonderful, comfortable lifestyle. BUT - if you are not timid, there is much to see and do here. Get another perspective on Morocco HERE and check out a more "official" site here.It's interesting to note that there are schools there for Italian, French, Spanish, English children. Large populations of diverse populations have led to sections in town for each group. For example, the Americans live in "California." There is also a Saudi area, sporting huge villas in walled complexes. A luxurious house can be had there for about $150,000!!!
Yes, we got to ride camels!
Typical wares for sale.
Some street vendors wearing typical hats from the region. They have pom-poms on them.
Lunch was part of our guided tour. Our guide couldn't eat with us - it was Ramadan, a period of religious fasting (sun up to sun down). There are at least 4 religions acknowledged here - Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish. We ate several courses - a thin, sweet and sour soup; next, shish-kebabs; then cous cous and chicken; followed by mint tea and baclava for dessert. Served by Moroccan men, and we had live "native" music!
Part of the traditional market. Unfortunately, the snake charmer wasn't there for our visit. It was off season ... not enough tourists.
Our very friendly, and helpful guide. Kept the street vendors from hassling us too much. *** Warning - if you hire a guide, you WILL be taken to their favorite rug merchant. (I guess they get a cut?) At the least, you can learn about rugs.
Finished touring, and heading back to Spain. The ferry is huge and the lounge(s) are quite nice, and comfy. There are restaurants, casinos, duty free shops, even a small prayer mosque on board. Convert your money to Moroccan Dirhams on the ferry (10 = $1 or 16 - 1 psta in 12/99). Ride is about 2 hrs to Tanger, Morocco. The girls loved the bongo drums we bought.
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