Tangier, Tetouan & Ceuta

Throughout the month of August we have decided to make short weekend trips throughout the country to get our feet wet!  Becky, the other wonderful Olmsted wife here in Morocco, made a great point about Morocco being such a great country for an Olmsted scholar to really get to know their region.  It's small size allows you the opportunity to easily and affordable travel to cities multiple times.  With that same idea in mind, we have decided to hop in the car, see the beautiful and widely various landscapes, and get an idea of where we would like to return and spend more time.

Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, fell in the month of August this year, so all of the cities have a different feel than they normally would.  During Ramadan, people fast during the daylight hours to help teach them things like patience and humility.  Many stores are closed and almost all restaurants are only open after the sun sets.  This doesn't always make for the best traveling atmosphere, especially with hungry kids, but we have found it to be a little less crowded and well worth the drive...

...especially when the kids are on their best behavior...asleep. ;)

We began our weekend in Tangier, which is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.  This city has a rich history due to its location.

Tangier was made an international zone in 1923.  The cities exotic reputation and multicultural community attracted many famous writers, musicians and artists.

We haven't quite figured this one out, but we know the markings on the wall have something to do with the political elections....tally marks, maybe?

The Tangier American Legation is the first American public property outside of the US.  It commemorates the historic, cultural and diplomatic relations between the US and Morocco. 

The next day we hopped in the car for a longer than expected drive to Ceuta, Spain.  Yes, Spain still occupies some land in Africa, and we were able to drive there to spend the afternoon with the Spaniards!

Crossing the border was chaotic and yet a little too easy.  The boys and I never had to get out of the car, but Jamil was stuck out in the crowds trying to figure out the system.

The Straight of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.  It separates Spain in Europe from Morocco in North Africa.  The shortest distance across is less than 9 miles!

The Rock of Gibraltar is said to be one of the pillars of Hercules.

Since we were no longer in Morocco, we were able to sit down at a restaurant during the daylight hours.  Jamil was obviously pleased with our huge shrimp appetizer.

Gabriel loved watching the boats come in, and we were delighted that he was entertained during our nice meal!

Our meal was made extra special by the guests a few tables over who were singing loudly, clapping and banging the tables.  The waiters and other guests were not phased by the free entertainment, but they were all clearly enjoying just another ordinary afternoon in Spain.  The boys and I could not stay in our seats, so we got up to clap, dance and join the fun!

Ghita was catching a ferry from Tangier to Spain, so we met up that evening for the fast breaking meal, the Iftar.

We decided to drive back along the coast as we made our way south to Tetouan... partly because we got a little lost, but mostly because the drive was so beautiful to Ceuta that we couldn't imagine taking another route.

It was very interesting to see the Spanish influence in the architecture, language and culture in general.

Gabriel quickly caught on to the idea that there would not be very many restrooms along the road, and he doesn't quite understand the idea of holding it just a little bit longer.  When he needs to go... he needs to GO!  Honestly, I think he enjoys being one with nature... that's my boy for you.