A Taste of Africa

After spending several weeks in Spain without traveling, I ventured off to another continent to get a taste of something entirely original and new--Africa. On Friday afternoon I left with my friend Alistair and headed to Tangier, Morocco, a port city right near the Strait of Gibraltar. We arrived in Africa to an entirely new scene and new culture: clothing, religion, food, architecture. A magnificent way to explore a new world and see something outside of Europe. We arrived to our hotel, Dar Jameel Guesthouse, and took in the absolute beauty that we found there. Everything was incredibly breathtaking. The inside looked like the Alhambra in Granada--patterned ceilings painted with pastel colors. It was the most impressive hotel I have ever seen during my time abroad--and our room was equally beautiful and spacious.

We spent plenty of time exploring the medina or old city. Lots of new things to see in the shops--slippers and sandals, tea kettles, leather bags, and a lot of other items that you don't find in Spain. We also went down to the beach--a surprisingly large, nice beach.

The sand was the finest and softest sand I have ever seen, another reason to love this city! The beach scene in Morocco was quite distinct--nobody in bathing suits, and not a single woman showing

any skin. There were some boys in the water, with regular bathing suits--but women do not wear bathing suits or bikinis or anything of the sort. There were many large groups of boys playing soccer in the sand, which looked like lots of fun. We ended up having dinner with an abundance of food. Salad, fish (entire body fried, including eyes), red spice sauce, bread, fries, kebabs. We enjoyed the new taste of food in Africa, and cleaned our plates. Later in the evening we ventured out for the traditional mint tea. I have never had something so delicious and refreshing. I look forward to trying it out once I arrive home--hopefully the mint in our garden will make just as great of tea!

On Saturday, Alistair and I headed to the airport to pick Sonya up. Straight away we went to the caves of Hercules, where legend says Hercules rested and punched the rock, forming the Strait of Gibraltar.

We had a tour guide and he told us stories about how men made the rocks to resemble Africa (seen backwards from inside cave, correct shape of Africa from the sea). It was interesting to say the least, with a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. After the caves, we headed towards Cap Spartel--a point with an excellent view. On our way there we stopped alongside the road and Sonya and I rode camels! It was quite funny and entertaining, and I think we are both glad that we gave it a shot, although we got ripped off a bit. That happened in most situations because they knew we were tourists so they charged us more...

I was thankful to have

the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean Sea--considering that I love to swim, especially in new places! Even though I wore shorts and a t-shirt over my bathing suit, I still had groups of people staring, because it isn't often that they see girls on the beach going for a swim. I, however, was covering up and not going to let the opportunity to swim slip by! It was lovely and I hope I have the chance to do it again. For dinner Saturday night we ended up eating at a random hotel. Delicious food. Bean soup, a sweet pastry filled with chicken (sweet & savory combo, surprisingly wonderful), and couscous with chicken and vegetables. It was all quite fabulous. We never had a single bad experience with food in Tangier. It was a refreshing change from Spain--I actually preferred the African cuisine over the Spanish one. More mint tea, then off to get some rest after a long day in the sun!

Sunday morning we feasted on our great breakfast at the hotel again, served in generous portions. We had freshly squeezed orange juice, mint tea, chewy crepes, warm bread with cheese and jam, and melon. We ate like kings while in Morocco--and it was the most marvelous and relaxing weekend ever!

I could go on and on about it, as I enjoyed it that much! I had been

worried initially about visiting just Tangier, as it is a small port city, with little tourist attraction. Other cities such as Casablanca or Marrakech are supposed to be more extravagant, but Tangier was incredible. And now I can say that I have been on three of the seven continents. Hopefully I'll have a chance to return to Morocco, as it was an impressive culture and beautiful country.

Now I have just over 3 weeks to spend in Madrid. I go to Amsterdam this weekend, and am planning to make it to Seville at some point before leaving for the States. I am now finished with classes and Reunidas exams, so I have time to explore and enjoy my hometown here in Spain. One trabajo final and exam left, but not until the 17th of June--so it's time to relax and enjoy the end of my abroad experience!! Bittersweet. I am excited to get home, and will be thrilled to see family! But I also know it'll be hard leaving Europe...it has been quite the journey!