This was the first train without individual compartments so not such an easy opportunity for the railway-conman to corner tourists. The first hour or so was an uninspiring mix of shanty towns, dull flat landscpe & the occasional eucalyptus plantation. Later there were hills, orchards & olive groves.
Tangier was a very pleasant surprise as there was little evidence of its unsavioury & seedy past, although I'm sure its there somewhere. There was far less hassle from locals as in Marrakech & the taxis were staggeringly cheap - a ride to Cafe Hafa was 50 cents & the taxi had a broken meter but he said it would be about 50 cents, a ride from there to the sea front was 80 cents. Compared to Marrakech where every 20 diram ride started with a quote of 50 & you had to argue it down.
The faded elegance of the French colonial architecture is very appealing & although a bit ramshackle the city was surprisingly tidy & litter free. The medina was as confusing as people had suggested as there were many blind alleyways that forced a backtrack & increased the disorientation but it was fabulously colourful with less tourist tat than Marrakech.
The beach & seafront walkway could easily have been in Nice except the beach was better. The beach side was lined with disco/nighclub venues which didnt get going until around midnight. Outside of hotels beer was hard to find but a great place on the seafront was 'Beer & Tapas' which is exactly what it was with great beach & sea views.
Tangier is on the up, a mix of Europe & North Africa & seems to have shaken off its sordid historical image. But if, like an American girl's blog I've just seen, you're expecting a twee, colourful Arabian Nights experience - you'll be disappointed & sadly out of pocket.
Tangier was a very pleasant surprise as there was little evidence of its unsavioury & seedy past, although I'm sure its there somewhere. There was far less hassle from locals as in Marrakech & the taxis were staggeringly cheap - a ride to Cafe Hafa was 50 cents & the taxi had a broken meter but he said it would be about 50 cents, a ride from there to the sea front was 80 cents. Compared to Marrakech where every 20 diram ride started with a quote of 50 & you had to argue it down.
The faded elegance of the French colonial architecture is very appealing & although a bit ramshackle the city was surprisingly tidy & litter free. The medina was as confusing as people had suggested as there were many blind alleyways that forced a backtrack & increased the disorientation but it was fabulously colourful with less tourist tat than Marrakech.
The beach & seafront walkway could easily have been in Nice except the beach was better. The beach side was lined with disco/nighclub venues which didnt get going until around midnight. Outside of hotels beer was hard to find but a great place on the seafront was 'Beer & Tapas' which is exactly what it was with great beach & sea views.
Tangier is on the up, a mix of Europe & North Africa & seems to have shaken off its sordid historical image. But if, like an American girl's blog I've just seen, you're expecting a twee, colourful Arabian Nights experience - you'll be disappointed & sadly out of pocket.