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Published: October 19th 2010
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Rain, rain, rain. Ready to leave the city of Tangier and explore more of Morocco that is off the beaten path of tourists, the group headed to Chefchaouen.
As we left our hotel we found Tangier completely and utterly flooded. It looked as if water pipes had suddenly busted throughout the city, but the locals went on with normal life in ankle-deep rain water (even in their soft leather shoes). The narrow streets had turned into canals and even the stairs were now waterfalls. Without a rain jacket, I threw on the only hooded attire I brought which was a cotton sweatshirt. I was soaking wet and freezing cold in approximately six minutes.
It was a long three and a half bus ride to Chefchaouen, but at the back of the bus I was surrounded by good company as my closest friends from CEA were all along for the adventure. Good company and a dry seat were all I needed. These travels have indeed shown me that really, one only needs the basic necessities in life. And it IS possible to live out of a backpack (for a short period of time).
We knew we had arrived in
Chefchaouen when we spotted a city on a hill that was BLUE. Yes, blue. Nestled in the beautiful Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is easily spotted by the blue walls throughout the medina. Because our tourgide was more interested in taking us shopping than telling us the history, I'm still unsure as to why the entire town is painted in different shades of blue.
We trekked in the rain through the beautiful town. I attempted to take photos under a friend's umbrella as the group meandered along. We escaped the rain in a cute little Arabic restaurant on a hill. More couscous and mysterious meats. All was tasty but I especially enjoyed the mint tea they always serve for dessert!
After lunch the rain had finally ended and we were able to walk (still soaking, of course, since my sweatshirt had not dried one bit in the two hours that had passed) through the blue streets to shop. All of the Moroccan goods are authentic, cheap, and beautiful. Let's just say I came back to Spain with a lot more than I left with. It reminded me of the old days of backpacking...My backpack was pretty stuffed by the time
I hopped on the ferry back to Spain.
The guide took us to yet another carpet store. This store did have more than the one in Tangier, though. Wool jackets, iron lamps, and lovely paintings on top of all of the gorgeous Moroccan tapestries. It was a wonderland.
The visit to Chefchaouen was much too short. Because of the rain we could only do so much and I definitely felt limited because I was there with such a large group. Next time I go to Morocco (if there is a next time...) I would definitely go back here. It was fabulous. A really great, but short, trip.
Just the blue background sets the tone for perfect photos. The people also fit in so well with this town. Wearing their typical white dress against a blue background really made me want to come back on a perfectly sunny day for one purpose--photographs.
If I return to Morocco maybe next time:
I will be aware that...
...I will feel uncomfortable because of my blonde hair.
...I will feel uncomfortable because I am a woman.
...I will need to be with at least one
man at all times without feeling scared.
I might not be shocked when...
...a 4 year old girl comes up and starts pulling on my clothes as she looks back at her mom for reassurance. I'll understand she is in "training" for a life she may never be able to escape.
...a 6 year old boy follows me around begging for me to buy a pack of gum.
...the street vendors follow me blocks and blocks away from their own store, just because they need to sell something for the day.
Perhaps I'll be back, Morocco. Perhaps. But hopefully next time it won't be so shocking.
This was a very eye-opening trip and I'm so, so glad that I experienced all that I did, SAFELY. I learned and I saw. And now I'm more intrigued than ever by Islamic cultures. Now I am sitting at home over a week later feeling quite sick to my stomach. My guess is that this is thanks to something I ate/drank/touched while in Morocco. It is a very different world over there. Very different indeed.
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Hi
Hiya, Will be in Morocco from 4th to 19th Nov. Tangier, Tatouan, Chouan, Fez, Rabat, Casa, Essaouira, Marrakech, Agadir, Ourzazate, Marrakech... Could you please provide me with any contact details/suggestions in relation to cheap place to stay in Tetouan/Chechaouene (my email: artrathmines@gmail.com). Thanks in advance, ARt