Casablanca to Cape Town to Cairo: Day 3

Day 3: Tangier, Morocco

Tangier. The name itself conjures images of a bygone era, a place where the lines between East and West blur, where gypsies, artists, and dreamers converged. We’ve been lucky enough to wander its labyrinthine streets, to lose ourselves in its souks, and to drink mint tea in its historic cafes. It’s a city steeped in history, a city of contrasts, a city that has captured the hearts of countless travelers.

Stepping foot in Tangier was like stepping back in time. The medina, with its narrow, winding streets, was a maze of color and sound. The air was thick with the scent of spices and leather, and the call to prayer echoed through the streets. We wandered aimlessly and stumbled upon hidden gems like the Tangier American Legation Museum, a beautifully preserved 18th-century building that once served as the U.S. diplomatic mission.

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Kasbah Museum were another highlight. Their eclectic collection of works by Moroccan and international artists offered a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. We also paid our respects at the Tomb of Ibn Battuta, the famous 14th-century explorer.

No visit to Tangier is complete without a trip to Café Hafa. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, this iconic café is the perfect place to while away an afternoon, sipping mint tea and watching the world go by. We spent the afternoon there, overlooking the ocean, the sounds of the wind and waves providing the perfect soundtrack to our reverie.

We also explored the Phoenician Tombs and wandered past the opulent Palais Mendoub, a former royal palace that now houses a cultural center.

We had planned on having dinner at Le Salon Bleu, a renowned restaurant with stunning views of the Mediterranean. However, upon arriving at 8pm, we discovered it was closed for the evening. "This is Africa". Undeterred, we continued our exploration of the Medina. As we wandered through the narrow streets, we stumbled upon an authentic Moroccan restaurant, Dar Harruch, off-the-beaten-path, tucked away in a quiet corner.

Tangier is a gateway to Africa, a taste of the continent's vibrant culture and history, wrapped in a mysterious, almost mystical aura.