Tangier...Really???

I have not been to Tangier but have been to Fez and absolutely loved it. It was not Paris or London but then I was not looking for that. I accepted that I was in Northern Africa and happy to experience a different culture and lifestyle.That's why I went.
I certainly envied how simple the Moroccan way of life seemed felt sorry for how hard they had to work. We had a great time visting the bazaars and markets etc. While not the cleanest of places, I preferred not to be judgemental and would certainly go back to Fez at the earliest chance. I did not hear great things about Tangier to begin with anyway so was not interested in visiting.

I'm not sure what to make of your rant - whether you are against poverty and dirt or the fact that you had a bad tour.

I only passed through Tangiers on my way to Fez and other towns in Morocco. As for Tangiers, it isn't Europe - it is on a different continent with a different culture. It is what it is and may not have all the history of Europe. It all comes down to what you were expecting when you went there. Next time, head inland to Casablanca, Marrakech and Fez - though, if you are hoping to avoid the dirt and poverty you should stay away. This will also mean that you can write off lots of places in Asia and South/Central America from your travel itineraries.

Adventurous travellers enjoy a more exotic experience. And while there are "nicer" areas in Morocco, a day trip to Tangiers is a good way to "get your feet wet". It's exciting to go to a place with such different culture, architecture, and food. And Tangiers being a short boat trip from Spain makes it more accessible than other "exotic" locations. I haven't had the privilege to go yet but I've thought a lot about how I would like to one of these days.

Interesting thoughts. But my family, including daughters 16 and 12 at the time, LOVED it (there are few opportunites to get snakes wrapped around your neck where we live). It made us all want to come back and spend a lot more time going farther into Morocco. While Tangier was indeed gritty, it was absolutely the most extreme place we'd ever been and we loved it for being so gritty and exotic. We really felt like we were far, far from home. For just the cost of a ferry ride from Spain (about 60 Euros RT back then), we experienced a much different culture and way of life than we could have without going on some expensive adventure. Seemed like quite the bargain to us.

Tangier is to Morocco as Tijuana is to Mexico. Both are "border towns" that thrive on the fact that they're jumping off points for people leaving, and a lure for those who want an exotic "quickie" experience beyond the comforts and familiarities of the more developed world. If all you ever see of Mexico is Tijuana (or Juarez, or any other border town), you're probably not going to get a very favorable impression. Same for Tangier. Morocco (like Mexico) is a large, diverse country with lots to see and experience, and anyone who just crosses the border to one of these border town tourist traps and doesn't venture further will end up with a very skewed, nonrepresentative (and probably not very pleasant) time.

Lots of great things to see in Morocco. Just not so much right there where the boat drops you off for all the touts. Same is true for Mexico (in fact, the analogies between Mexico and the US, versus Morocco and Europe are quite numerous...lots of the same issues with immigration, work, cultural issues, food, etc.).

Chris,

Funny, honest post.

You went to Tangier and had a visceral reaction. Sometimes, a dump is a dump - and you just need to call it what it is. Sounds like you had an open mind and aren't making a general judgment about Morocco/Morroccan people as a whole. Moreover, I don't see you telling people flat out "don't go to this place". You even provide a recommendation to avoid the cheap ferry tour.

To answer your question "Why?" and "Is this really necessary?" I'd say, Welcome to the Wonderful World of Travel, where many things simply defy explanation.

Even in my home town, Seattle, I routinely see people in Chinatown/Pioneer Square brazenly smoking meth out in the open. These two areas have so much potential, but it's like the Mayor and Police don't even care. Can't we just try to clean it up, a little bit?? How about Vancouver - Hastings Street ?!?! - ridiculous.

Morocco is a great place. Having driven thousands of miles through it (at least five thousand), from east to west and north to south, I know a little of it, but it has not yet divulged all of its secrets to me.

While it is not my favourite city, Tangier is not really any better or worse than any other of the big cities. It certainly has its grubby side. What were you expecting? Were this your first glimpse of Africa and you were not aware of the fact that this is the third world, I could understand your surprise.

Believe me, there is worse than that - and there is better. Just accept it for what it is and enjoy it! It wouldn't be worth visiting if it was the Epcot version!

Roger Bruton

http://www.fermedecandeloup.fr