We left Granada for Tangier. We took a ferry and crossed the Straight of Gibraltar, passing the rock itself.
The first day in Tangier looked nothing like the Morocco I had pictured in my head. The city was much more modern then anything I expected. The city was under construction with a large number of new hotels and high-rise buildings being born. Though, driving into Tangier there was a beach with a roaming camel, which seemed very surreal.
Outside my hotel window
That first day ended, brining forth my image of Morocco. I traded modern Tangier for old Tangier. I traded city streets for narrow walkways. I saw hallways with meat and cattle heads. Those images make up a typical Tangier grocery isle. We meandered around the maze of small hallways and venders to a large open white tiled room.
Before even entering one knew what was to be expected. The smell of fresh fish poured out as we entered into the masses purchasing all types of fish, shrimp, shark, stingray, and other water creatures. A man called for our attention, showing off a large shark lying on the floor as his friend began to chop off its fins. Many venders stood smiling and calling at us in any language they thought we might speak. Most of the time these moments were greeted by me staring for a bit while they went on about something that seemed exciting, if I just knew what was being said. My best response was a head nod and disjointed smile. Most people seemed to be loving life in that large room with all of its organized chaos.
Tangier will forever be remembered for that very first cup of warm mint tea.
your photos are amazing!!
ReplyDelete