Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Wednesday, May 1, 2019: Day 15: Tangier

Our tour does not start until after lunch. Being May 1, it is a worker's holiday so the Kasbah Museum will not be open. Instead, we will visit the Cap Spartel & Hercules Caves...where Hercules allegedly rested during his labors. This will add an hour to our tour and we will hopefully get back in time for our reservation at the Thomas Keller Grill at 6:30 pm.

The tour broachre says the following:

Tangier is a fascinating Moroccan city to visit -- it has a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, unspoiled beaches and friendly people. The movie was actually based on life in the city of Tangier; not in Casablanca. The Tangier you will see today is still an interesting mix of North African, Spanish and French cultures.

Travel by air-conditioned coach to the top of the kasbah (fort) and begin a comprehensive walking excursion through one of Tangier's most historically and architecturally interesting areas. The Kasbah is spread across the highest point of the medina (Old Town), and your guide leads you on the uphill walk while pointing out special buildings and suggesting good vantage points for photos. At the top, you'll find yourself in an area that is largely-unchanged since the Roman times. The Kasbah was the traditional residence of the sultan and his harem, and is now one of the most fashionable residential areas of Tangier -- it is a quieter quarter than other parts of the city.

The Kasbah Museum is newly renovated and focuses on the history of the neighborhood. You're sure to enjoy the traditional courtyard, the various displays, and the large mosaic works of art on display. We won't be doing this!

Wind your way back down the hill as your guide leads you into one of Tangier's most colorful and bustling areas -- the Grand Socco (souk or market). The great souk has traditionally been the cornerstone of life in Morocco and it remains a busy place -- especially when Riffian peasants come to market. It forms the link between the medina and the new city.

Walk to the American Legation Museum which traces the history of the relationship between the United States and Morocco. As Morocco was one of the earliest countries to recognize its Independence, the US established a legation here in Tangier in 1821. It is the only historical monument to have remained in American possession since the very birth of the American Nation. Among a number of displays, there is a letter from George Washington to Moulay Abdellah.

Before you return to the ship, a refreshment is served at a local hotel.

We are meet pierside at 12:45 pm.




































 


















































Sarah's mystery fruit









Street with eight synagogues, only two are still functioning




















We got back to the ship about 5:00 pm, about one hour earlier than expected. We had plenty of time to rest and clean up for the Thomas Keller Grill at 6:30 pm. The meal was good. The service outstanding. It is obvious to both of us that people, upon originally boarding the ship, reserve multiple nights at the Grill. We got the last one available.

No comments:

Post a Comment