I say a peak because we were only here for two nights. Enough time, however, to realise we will return. This intriguing port town is an hour’s ferry ride across the Med from Spain.
Our first taste of Morocco did not disapoint.
I, of course, had imaginings of Sheltering Sky – the film – and more recently The M Train, the book by Patti Smith.
Patti had visited Tangier to interview Paul Bowles and mentioned a cafe, Paris De Café. I searched the Medina (the walled old city) to no avail.
Morocco has been influenced by both French and Spanish occupation. The French established a Protectorate in 1912 and in 1923, Tangier was declared an International Zone. Semi-independent and administered by the Sultan of Morocco, Tangier attracted a wild crowd during those years: socialites, artists, speculators, sexual deviants and various eccentrics. Expats made half of the population and Tangier was also rumoured to be a safe haven for spies…
There is a strong Cafe culture in Morocco, mostly for men.
This cafe (above) part of El Morocco Club is a welcome retreat for western women.
The Club is infamous and a retreat for the Expat Community, and odd celebrity.
Our next stop in Morocco was a drive away. We ordered a Grand Taxi x 6 to cater for Anon legs. Surely one of the oldest Mecedes in the world.
Our last view of Tangier outside the Kasbar and Medina.
Then what should loom into view in the rear view mirror … Cafe De Paris….Ah well, Patti ,next time.
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Comments 8
So happy you love the country I call home for almost 10 years now. And it was actually Tangier who sparked it and kept me coming back.
Do not feel intrigued for entering a men’s café. Although you might be the only one, it is totally accepted.
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Thank you Marlene, I will remember that and make myself at home in the cafe’s when next I visit …. which I hope will be soon X Lorrie
Oh what wonderful memories ….. and so hoping we can return there one day. I loved Tangier – the limited amount I saw of it as I had inflamed knees and found the steep streets a bit awkward.
But I totally fell in love with the small boutique hotel we stayed in, and the wonderful couple that had been painstakingly restoring it – and of course the amazing traditional food prepared by an ancient mother …… and end of the day gin and tonics served in glasses so big you could almost swim in the G&T.
Magic visit, far too short. Even if you are not planning on travelling around Morocco, but planning on a Trip into southern Spain, jump the ferry over and spend some time Tangier. You will not regret it.
How lovely to visit such an exotic place. Images are beautiful, the colours, people & architecture.
This is a beautiful reminder of when I was in Morocco a couple of years ago. Thanks for the images.
Image one is overwhelmingly beautiful – the organic red dress, the blue walls, the furtive energy, the light! I’m not brave like you guys – but love to watch – thanks
Stunning shots – wow – this is definitely on my travel to list now…
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Wait till you see Fes…..