Morocco

Our ship docked in Tangier Morocco, which is a short hop across the Mediterranean from Gibraltar. There are many ferries, an easy day trip from Spain and, therefore, pretty touristy. Nevertheless, if you’ve never been to Morocco, it’s a great place to get a taste of the culture.

Years ago, we did that day trip from Málaga, so we decided to trundle up the coast to Tetouan, which is about an hour’s drive away. Great place—some tourists, but mostly local people wandering the Medina with you. The Medina is the old market. It’s a labyrinth of narrow paths between shops selling everything from food to fancy underwear. People stop at a vendor, pick up a sandwich and eat standing at a counter. We saw many people eating a sandwich of bright red/pink something, bearing a faint resemblance to a southern red hot dog. Didn’t give it a try!

The following 4 pictures show some of the interesting paths, arches, old timbered ceilings and window from an upstairs apartment.

Arabic architecture fascinates us. Two of the most interesting features are shown in the next picture: a carved wooden ceiling and carved plaster walls.  This was taken at the School of the Arts. This school provides training in the “ancient arts”, such as wood carving, plaster work, embroidery and pottery. The school has 2 main functions: to keep the skills alive and provide a career for children who are poor or have not made the grades to get into college.

The following 4 pictures show the sequence of making a plaster carving. After making plaster, you pour it into a mold.

Designs to carve are on paper, which is then traced on the set plaster.

Carve away what you don’t want.

And the result is amazing.

We’re now on our way to the Canary Islands and Cape Verde Islands, where we hope the weather is warmer! It has been consistently in the 60s since Barcelona and we want to stop wearing long sleeves and long pants. I know I’m getting lots of sympathy from the folks “up north”!