We finally arrived into Tangier, Morocco today.  We were 3.5 hrs late arriving.  Half of the excursions were canceled due to logistics.  Lucky our tour, Tangier Highlights was not canceled.

Tangier is one of North Africa’s oldest cities, founded by the Phoenicians over 2,500 years ago. It later became a Roman city called Tingis and thrived as a key Mediterranean port. After the Arab-Muslim conquest in the 8th century, Tangier became part of the Islamic world. In the 15th century, Portugal seized it, and later it passed briefly to England in 1661 as part of a royal dowry. England abandoned it in 1684, and Tangier returned to Moroccan rule. From 1923 to 1956, Tangier became an International Zone, attracting diplomats, spies, artists, and adventurers. After Moroccan independence, the city rejoined the rest of the country and remains a vibrant mix of African, European, and Arab influences.

Everyone was in a hurry to get off the ship today. Our excursion took us around the city where it is an interesting mix of North African, Spanish, and French cultures.  Many different building styles spanning hundreds of years. 

Our first stop was to Cap Spartel, a promontory covered with rock roses and cork oaks projecting into the waters of the two seas. It looks toward the setting sun and is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean. A very old lighthouse is here. 

Next stop is old Medina. The story of Casablanca is set near the real Old Medina and city center.  The Old Medina of Casablanca is a maze of narrow alleys, bustling markets, and faded whitewashed walls near the city’s busy port. Once enclosed by ancient ramparts, it carries the spirit of old Morocco, where fishermen, traders, and families have lived for generations. Today, the Medina area feels both worn and lively — a place where the smell of spices fills the air, artisans sell handmade goods, and glimpses of the past linger behind crumbling facades. Unlike the glamorous image from the film Casablanca, the real Old Medina is gritty, authentic, and alive with everyday life.

We stopped in a restaurant in old Madina and had some Moroccan green tea, and some great cookies. Nana was missing her grandchildren so she borrowed one for a little bit from a nice couple that was visiting here from Canada.

Then back to the ship for 6 sea days. I know you will be going through withdrawal with no blog posts. Don’t worry I will have a blog on top visits for the second half and another one on the total trip…… and then the quiz for our second half that I expect everyone to try. There is a lot happening on the ship, Nana has a Ukulele concert. She has also entered into the talent show and I am working on a special musical grandchildren video that will play behind her…….so more to come.