Tangier is situated on the north west tip of Africa, in Morocco just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain but poking out into the Atlantic. Sailing out later in the day we could see the Rock of Gibraltar back down the Strait. Unfortunately, it was a bit hazy and murky and not a clear view of the coast.

Our tour here took us first to the top of hills surrounding the port, this is the ‘modern’ Tangier and reflects the great interest Europe and the US had in the city. Positioned where it is makes it a strategic point for entry into the Mediterranean Sea. The Romans were also here long before recognising the same advantage. The area on top of the hills is sort of segmented into various quarters; the English, the Dutch, the French, the American etc. Quite a few, each trying to exercise influence over the locals.

There is an English Anglican Church, in a garden setting that was constructed with ‘help’ from Queen Victoria. It is built a bit like a mosque. Numerous graves of English residents amongst the garden. One is of a chap who was a great friend of the locals, but is now thought to have been a British spy (according to the guide). A bit James Bondish.

Tangier was also a playground for the European and American elites in the last half of the 1800s and into the 1900s. Winston Churchill frequented Tangier as well as Marrakesh. Our guide said Churchill was so frequent here, as well as in most other parts of the world, that he left his initials behind ‘WC’. Well.

Our tour took us down through a gate in the walls into the Kasbah. The guide was full of interesting tit bits. The Kasbah was not the ‘market’ type place depicted in movies but the residential and administrative area for the local elites, the rif raf was kept out. They resided in the old town, or Medina, where the markets were located.

So, we strolled down through the maze of narrow alleys. Many white washed walls, colour blue dominates, and flower boxes, a mosque here and there.

Leaving the Kasbah and entering the Medina was where the fun and games started. Retail harassment on a grand scale. Hard to escape, but Allthego and Homealone were stoic. No pieces were acquired to adorn mantelpieces or walls!

At the end we were relieved to pause in the Hotel Continental overlooking the port, taking in the views and the amazing mosaics in the hotel’s side rooms and hall ways. Quite amazing work.

Back to the ship for a well earned period of recuperation, there was no urge to return ashore. Great experience in this port.
The Blog continues to be in Blog time we are now about a week behind what is real time, cruising down the Irish Sea having been in the Scottish highlands out of Glasgow a day ago.