Journey to the Sea: Meknes, to the Blue City, to Tangier

This morning the Horizons cohort and I hopped back aboard our ever reliable, and well air-conditioned bus. After spending nearly a week with our wonderful homestay family, and bidding farewell to the storied city of Meknes, the lime and white bus, bearing the name "Cedres et Palmiers Tours" once again became our vessel to a new adventure.

The mountains of Chefchaouen as seen from the main square.

Today's journey by road would prove to be our most daunting yet: nearly 5 and a half hours of rugged, mountain roadways. Luckily, we stopped in-between at some quite beautiful locations, including a quick stop at the quaint Motel Rif and a tour of the legendary Blue City of Chefchaouen. 

Yours truly on one of the medina streets of the "Blue City"

After a few hours of stunning ridges, mountains, and pastures, looking like something out of some fantastical literature, we came up on the Motel Rif, nestled within a small valley of its namesake, the Rif Mountains. Our driver, Hakim, parked, and I noticed a line of tourists forming around the counter’s espresso machine. Naturally, I had to get a drink that was quickly becoming a signature of mine: a double espresso. After nearly cutting in line a few times due to several language barriers, I reached the counter, fumbled with what Darija and French I had picked up, (just to discover the worker spoke perfect English), and got my coffee. Caffeine in hand, we completed the rest of the drive to Chefchaouen. 

Some of the greenery seen throughout the town, a view of the mountains in the background.

Hearing of the “Blue City”, I had no idea what to expect. But once we arrived, I was blown away by the dramatic natural scenery, striking colors of the architecture, and Spanish influence. The mountains of Morocco still seem so fascinating to a Midwesterner like myself, used to the highest elevation of my neighborhood being the basketball hoop in my driveway. 

We finally pulled into the medina, and feeling quite starved, went to lunch. I had a delicious goat tagine, served with quite the presentation. The dish came out in a small, clay pottery vase, and the lid of which was demonstratively removed by the waiter, then poured out to reveal a fragrant, and well-presented stew. 

After lunch we met our local guide, Abdul, and he led us on a tour of the history of the town, and down the steep, winding corridors of the medina. Thankfully, as the buildings were drenched in their signature shade of brilliant blue, the streets remained somewhat cool in the blazing Mediterranean sun.

We passed by luscious greenery, and a magnificent water feature that was quite unexpected up high in the mountains. 

After we finished up with the tour, we went back to the market for a bit of shopping, and I finally got my first souvenirs of the trip. Prices were very good for a big tourist town, and after everyone had rendezvoused back at the bus, we set off again to our last city in Morocco, Tangier. 

Once arrived in the city, I was struck by the scenery, brilliant white radiance of the buildings, and the sheer amount of people out and about in parks, restaurants, and cafes. I am incredibly intrigued by what I have seen so far, and I look forward to getting to know the city over these coming days. 

A part of the Tangier skyline, seen from our hotel rooftop.

Until next time, 

Indian P.