Tangier was quite the surprise. A very international city, with a mixture of history and modernism in a multicultural setting. Languages, wow! Arabic and Berber, French and Spanish, some English and assorted other European and African idioms as well. The first step in communicating here is to determine what languages you have in common.
Our Airbnb was just blocks away from Bab Kasbah. Bab means gate, so it is the Kasbah entry gate. We enjoy being in the gritty neighborhood as opposed to the tourist area. Street cats and kittens are everywhere. Some are adorable, yet some are mangy and others appear to be near death. There are some dogs as well and they have ear tags if they have been vaccinated.
The culinary experience has been very exciting. Moroccan mint tea is found everywhere. It has a base of gunpowder tea and is always served hot in a glass with fresh mint leaves and sugar. Tajines are one of the main national dishes and usually consist of chicken or beef with couscous and vegetables in a tajine clay pot.
Pastillas are delicious meat dishes swrapped in a filo type pastry topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Blue Mojito (virgin) at Cafe Hafa and decor of Palais Zahia hotel restaurant.
The supermarkets have beautiful arrays of spices and olives. Many locals purchase their food from small, neighborhood markets and the Medina.
The doors and architecture are unique and captivating. Bab Kasbah (gate to the Kasbah) and a side view of the fortress.
Door from James Bond movie, Spectre (above left).
Plenty of history everywhere you look and panoramic views abound.
View from La Maconda restaurant in the Kasbah
Enjoying mint tea at Gran Cafe de Paris, where a scene from Bourne Ultimatum was filmed.
Yes, we even saw Barbie here. Only 35 Dirhams or $3.50 USD.
We took a wonderful walking tour with Majid on our 14th wedding anniversary. He took us through the winding medina giving us intricate historical and cultural details. We learned about Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan Marco Polo of the 14th century. Majid was once named as the #1 guide in Morocco. He guides members of the US Embassy when they are in town as he speaks multiple languages. We signed up for a 3 hour tour, but we had to ask him to stop after 5 hours as we were worn out. He even bought Robin a rose to celebrate 🌹.
El Morocco Club
Cafe Baba- Rolling Stones hangout.
Tangier was very unique, different than we expected. The people were warm and welcoming and we felt very safe even in the grittier areas. We learned a lot about the history and culture of Morocco. We don’t plan to return here, but are glad we had this wonderful adventure.
Randy and Robin's Roving Retirement 