To the other side…

It is quite simple to get to Africa, actually, once you’re in the southern tip of Spain. Its getting TO the southern tip of Spain that is the difficulty.

As for me, I’m happy to be back in Africa… this time in Tangier, Morocco.

Its a good introduction for my sister into an Arab country. Its still VERY European and cosmopolitan: I mean, the dual-languages are Arabic and French.

So, if you are looking for a good introduction into Africa and the Arabic-speaking world, Morocco would be a good place to start… ’cause its no Cairo or Muscat, I assure you.

Its probably why the city is the way it is… the European touristas flock there and the city welcomes them. Even a little bit too much so. The “faux guides” are EVERYWHERE. The hawkers and panhandlers are NOTHING compared to these pushy “guides.”

My sister commented: “Maybe they don’t know it, but their city would be so much more enjoyable without them.” These “illegal guides” literally try to force you to let them lead you places… being very nice and speaking very good english. But then they expect quite a hefty payment. And if you refuse to follow or let them lead you, they start to act offended claiming that you’re “racist” or “I’ve never seen such a rude European” …of course, myself being an American.

For future travelers to Morocco, your best weapon against them is confusion. Talk fast, talk with a weird accent, say a bunch of different words from different languages thrown together… their “good english” is quite rehearsed and they might know 10 different languages. Also, they’ll act like they know where you want to go – to the Khasba or some certain hotel. One of the best ways I actually got one of them to leave us alone was I stopped… and literally stood there until he got tired of me and left… maybe 1 minute or so.

Anyways, they’re a pain…

…but otherwise Morocco is truly awesome. Its somewhere I feel like I will likely visit again and again if I can.

Its a simple city. A surprisingly organized city. And the medina – which I had heard was SOOOOO confusing – I was taming our section before the end of the first night.

And all of this is just a little short 45min ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Stay tuned, I’m gonna be here a while…
-Noah D.