("Bajarse al moro" is also the name of a 1988 play about these Spanish teenagers who go to Morocco in the 80s. I just bought it and am really excited to read it!)
I went to Morocco via ferry this past weekend. I visited Tangier, Tetuan and Chefchauen, and in case you know nothing about Moroccan geography, Tangier is the only "city" of these three, and Tetuan and Chauen are villages in the Rif Mountains.
Now, this was a trip of many firsts: first time to Africa, first time in a third-world country, first time in an Islamic country... and I'd have to say that despite less than ideal bathroom conditions (i.e. a hole in the ground), a slight drinking-tap-water scare (don't worry, no diarrhea for me!), and a lack of free time, I was rather pleased with the country itself.
Firstly, Moroccan food is delicious. The dishes I had (especially cous cous) were incredibly flavorful and filling. Also, the attitude about eating was great: They just put a giant plate on the table and everyone digs in.
The country has some beautiful sights. Particularly surprising to me was the green countryside. There were trees and grass covering rolling hills, which is not something I'd normally picture in Africa. My favorite city was Chefchauen, with its faded blue and white buildings left over from the Jews. There was running water all over the city, too. And when I say running water, I don't mean pipes and plumbing; I mean literally waterfalls leading to water running down the street and washing the citizens' feet.
Above is a picture of a part of Chefchauen with watefalls and people avoiding walking in the water. I don't have too many other photos of the city and people because they don't like having their picture taken, which makes sense. I wouldn't want to have tourists gawking at me and taking pictures like I'm an animal in a zoo.
I'm glad I went on this trip. It was loaded with new experiences; it was definitely very weird to look up at a sign and not even recognize the alphabet, let alone what it is saying. Also, there were people trying to sell you things around every corner, from hashish to mandolins to freshly plucked chickens (still had their heads on, thank God). I bought a wool rug for 10 euro, after an embarrassing attempt to haggle in which he pulled out his receipts to show me it costs him 8 euro to make it.
Oh, and I made a new friend:
It occurred to me that my comment here was completely NSFW and thusly was sent to you via e-mail.
ResponderEliminarI am still jealous of your continent-carousing, and of your camel. He looks suitably snooty.
ResponderEliminar