tangier

Tangier was a totally different vibe. Way up in northern Morocco, just across the water from Spain, Tangier felt more relaxed and familiar—almost like a mix of Andalusia and Morocco. It has this European feel, but still very much its own identity. The Medina is smaller and felt more like a neighborhood where people actually live. We went during a long weekend (a puente in Spain), and I was just excited to set foot in Morocco—and in Africa, for the first time.

There were so many little things I loved about Tangier: the scent of citrus and flowers, the older men playing chess in the squares, the hills that reminded me of Granada, and the locals chatting in Arabic, Spanish and a myriad of other languages.. We visited the fish market, browsed street vendors, and tried all sorts of food: pastilla de pollo, lamb and chicken tagines, couscous, shrimp with preserved lemon. The portions were generous, the flavors rich, and the prices super affordable.

We had mint tea while people-watching in Petit Socco and stumbled upon a family-run restaurant where no one spoke English or Spanish. We just pointed at the dishes that looked good, and whatever they brought out was amazing. We loved it so much, we went back the next day.

We also stopped by Boutique Majid—a three-story shop full of rugs, jewelry, lamps, and antiques. It’s the one Anthony Bourdain visited on Parts Unknown. There’s even a photo of Majid with him inside. The store felt magical, like every corner held a story. We wandered all the way up to the terrace and looked out over the Medina rooftops.

Because we didn’t bring a debit card and had a limited amount of cash, we ended up slowing down—which, in hindsight, was a blessing. We ditched plans to go to Chefchaouen and just stayed present. We found hidden tombs, walked to the beach, and spent time people-watching. I even saw a one-eyed dog barking at horses on the sand. That kind of stuff sticks with you.

I loved Tangier for its proximity to Spain, the closeness to the sea.