How to spend one day in Tangier, Morocco

This year, I left for the very first time the European continent. Even though it wasn’t that far away from Europe, I immediately recognized the differences between the European and the African continent.

I booked an organized tour from Tarifa (Spain) to Tangier (Morocco). So early in the morning, we took a bus from Estepona to Tarifa, from where we took the ferry to Tangier. After 40 minutes on the ferry between two continents, we finally were in Africa.

Camel Farm

The first thing we did, was visiting a camel farm, where we could sit on the camels. I was very excited, because I’ve never done this before. Our guide told us, that we should give them 1€ for sitting on a camel, which isn’t very much. But he also told us, that they will try to deal with us for more money. The owner of the camel on which we sat was very friendly and took pictures of us. It was very funny the way the camel stands up.

Medina of Tangier

Before our visit to the market, we went to a man with a snake, a cobra. He did a few things with the snake and afterwards, you could go to him and he put another snake on ones shoulders.

Market Hall

I was really shocked about the way they sell their food, especially their meat products. They don’t have their products in a fridge, they sell it like this, sometimes they even sell it from the floor. I think the market was the biggest difference between Europe and Africa that I noticed.

Restaurant Mamounia Palace

Around 12 o’clock, we went to a restaurant named Mamounia Palace. First, we got a soup, I don’t know which one it was, but I didn’t like it. Then we got a few spits and couscous. After the meal, they offered us a mint tea and a cookie. I think their way of eating is something you need to get used to.

Carpet marketeer

After the meal, they showed us a real carpet marketeer. They explained everything about the carpets and their quality etc. At the end, you had the possibility to buy some carpets.

Herbalist

The last thing we visited was an herbalist. Two man showed and explained us their national products such as saffron arganic oil, make up products etc. At the end, we could buy things from there. I bought saffron, mint tea, oil and an eye liner. I simply couldn’t resist to buy something.

Something I noticed there, is that woman don’t have many rights there. As a law student, I was really shocked that they really take only the man’s words serious.

How were your experiences you left your own continent for the first time? Share your experiences.