Tangier, Morocco: Rocking and Rolling into the Millenium 11

We arrive in the port of Tangier, at 12 noon on a gloriously sunny day. Often referred to as the "Gateway to Morocco," Tangiers is situated on a bay on the Mediterranean, with a fine view of the straits of Gibraltar and Spain's southern coastline. The port is busy with sounds of machinery, dockworkers, longshoremen and salesmen displaying and hawking their wonderfully colorful wares.

Morocco, in my imagination has always been a place of mystery, intrigue and danger. [Shades of Casablanca and Humphrey Bogart in a pristine white suit and hat] We are cautioned by the cruise staff to leave our credit cards and purses on the ship and our money well hidden on our person. We are also warned to stay together and avoid streets that are not busy, because of pick-pockets, muggers and purse snatchers. This further fuels my imagination. So, it is with some trepidation and a delicious sense of danger that we disembark and head for our tour buses. The adventure begins.

We leave the rather seedy harbor area and drive through the bustling streets of Tangiers. We pass the wealthy residential district of Marche aux Boeufs, and along the new mountain road edged with elegant villas. Our guide points out a particularly beautiful one, owned by the daughter of the late General Franco. These mansions are quite magnificent with gorgeous gardens, and ornate gates. Many are owned by foreigners.

We continue along through, forested hills covered with a uniquely Mediterranean variety of pine tree. They were planted by volunteers. In the mountains of Morocco there are large forested areas of oak, juniper, cork, cedar, fir and pine. On the south coast there are stands of Argon, unique thorn trees. The fauna includes rabbits, squirrels, gazelle, wild goat, wild boar, panther, baboon, fox, and the horned viper.

Soon we come upon long golden ocean beaches and the blue sea. We continue along till we reach Cape Spartel, on the Atlantic coast, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean meet. The lighthouse there was built in 1860, and is the most northwestern point of Africa. We take pictures and bargain with the vendors who have set up shop in the parking lot. They have carved goods. Jewelry, leather, caftans and galabayas to name just a few of their wares.

We continue our tour backtracking then arriving at the Ahlan Village Hotel, where we are greeted by Berber horsemen, with rifles.. They race off and shoot their guns in the air ,a welcoming greeting I suppose. I hope! At the door Berber women in colorful traditional dress meet us with smiles.

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