A day of adventure today as we left Spain to travel to Morocco. There was a little tension as we had to book our ferry and train as we travelled. There was absolutely no issue with bookings and staff were very helpful at every stage.
We had an early breakfast near our hostal.
We wandered through the quiet alleyways to the port.
We left on the 9am ferry. All Moroccan immigration checks were carried out on the ferry, which was very efficient and one less step to complicate our arrival. A comfortable trip, which we spent chatting to a couple from Minnesota.
The castle at the TARIFA port, now used as a processing centre for African refugees.
Disembarking passengers from the ferry, armed with polystyrene iceboxes for fish purchases.
First view of Tangiers. Taxis to the left. I was all prepared for a haggling session but the first taxi driver accepted my 3€ offer and we were delivered to the train station in 5 minutes.
The Mosque
The unprepossessing train station. New one under construction next door. No queues or complicated process for purchasing tickets. We were able to buy our seats to Casablanca (19€), with dirhams we exchanged at the adjoining cafe - a rushed transaction and thoroughly illegal but served our purpose.
A 5 hour journey in a 6 seater compartment.
Dry landscape, heavily littered with rubbish. Here are some clay pits as part of a pottery factory.
Salt pans
Casablanca- the economic capital of Morocco. The largest city with 6 million residents.
Our hotel - The Moroccan House
Our Arabian Nights inspired room.
Meal at a local restaurant with Marianne and Verner, from Seattle, whom we met on the train.
Moroccan dishes, including tagines.
The city becomes alive with foreign tourists and the male population.
Great day - none of my anticipated crises happened!
M&M
1 comment:
Your time in Spain looked so enjoyable, hopefully Morrocco will be the same. Maybe just notch the temperature down a little!.....JulieJ
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