Yesterday Debbie Jamison Horres and I stood at the lighthouse at Cape Spartel under a brilliant sun, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea—a symbolic crossing point of worlds, histories, and civilizations. Ships as far as the eye can see spread across the cobalt blue waters waiting to enter the Strait of Gibraltar. From there, we traced the rugged northern coast of Africa, waves crashing against ancient cliffs that have witnessed centuries of explorers, traders, and dreamers. Along here we explored Hercules Cave and I was briefly transported to the time of myth and legend. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was a kernel of truth in the myth – there usually is.
Back in the heart of the city, we wandered through the labyrinth of the Tangier Medina—a sensory tapestry of color, spice, texture, and life. Every turn revealed something unexpected, from hidden doorways to bustling souks echoing with the rhythm of daily Moroccan life. Check out our video of the Medina. We also visited the historic American Ligation, the oldest American building outside the US. We learned about Operation Torch in which the US liberated Morocco from the Vishy French in WWII. Did you know that the leader of Morocco was the first country to recognize the fledgling US in 1777?
We stepped even further back in time at the Phoenician Tombs, carved into stone and overlooking the sea—a reminder that Tangier has always been a crossroads of civilizations.
A highlight of the afternoon was mint tea at the legendary Café Hafa, perched above the water. Simple, perfect, timeless. Sitting there, it was easy to imagine the Rolling Stones, Beatles and the Who chilling here in the 60’s and 70s.
We ended the day with an extraordinary dinner at Villa Mabrouka—once the home of Yves Saint Laurent. The setting in lush gardens, the history, the cuisine—each element elevated the evening into something unforgettable.
Then a return to the Fairmont perched high in the cliffs overlooking the city.
Tangier is not just a destination—it is a feeling. A threshold. A place where continents meet, cultures blend, and the past and present coexist in a kind of beautiful tension. We have been surprised at how modern Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier are and how seamless the old and new intersect.
And we are only just getting started.
On to Chefchaouen, the Blue City
Song of the day – Tumbling Dice
Always choose love.
And peace.
Love wastefully.
May peace be with and upon you.
Namaste
Debbie@livewelltraveloften.com
Www.farthertogether.blog
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