Sept 22 Tangier Morocco

 A late addition to the cruise itinerary because of Lisbon, we were unprepared for anything on our own. So we selected a Highlights tour to get the flavor. And this is our first visit to Morocco, but our second and third will come along in about a week.

Tangier in morning "golden hour."

Our excursion is two parts: driving to some distant places, then a walking tour through the city. This is the waterfront just opposite our boat.

Cap Spartel, the northwest corner of Africa where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet.

Plage Sol, an Atlantic beach

For the total tourist experience, take a camel ride.

We stop at Hercules Grotto, part of the myth of Hercules separating Europe from Africa by spreading them apart. It's famous because of one feature -- a hole in the wall...

... that overlooks the Atlantic. And, if you have the necessary imagination, the hole looks like a map of Africa. It's about 20 feet high and 10 feet wide.

After a drive back to the city, we transition into the walking part of the excursion.  As we walk to the city gate we pass a building where the DISH TV salesperson was dominant.

We enter the city through the Kasba gate.

Narrow winding streets. You need a guide (or a GPS) to find your way through these streets.

Excellent place for lunch or a drink.

Angel's Trumpet

There was a lot of elevation change, but our guide had selected a route that was almost entirely downhill.

We enter the bazaar area. People had their wares displayed along the street/path.

Time for us to "exit through the gift shop." We stopped at a store for local artisans. Although there were two other Highlights buses taking the same tour, we were the only group in this store. I wonder where those groups went. There were certainly enough stores to spread the wealth.

Also, we were encouraged to haggle/bargain/bluster for the best price. Cynthia spoke to a fellow tour member who was quoted a price of $30 for a miniature teapot. They joined forces, and after some negotiation got 2 for $10. And I'm sure the shop made a profit.

Next stop a spice shop -- prices not negotiable. Which was fine with us because the smell, pleasant but overpowering, forced us into the street to wait for the rest of the group.

Final stop, Hotel Continental for mint tea and cookies. The cookies were good, but I had Diet Coke to drink.