Weekend In Tangier

On a clear day, one can see Gibraltar and Spain from Tangier.

 My own fascination about Morocco started from reading Fashion and Home Magazines where Designers talked about their exotic holidays in the country. They explained how Morocco inspired them to create products for their Collections. In Morocco we discovered that their architecture, their streets and many different products for the Home and Fashion were full of  colour and designed according to their own Islamic traditions. Morocco is a country full of design inspirations.  No wonder the Hermes family, the late Yves St Laurent have holiday homes here in Morocco. For sure, they obtained lots of design inspirations in this creative and colourful country. 

From Malaga, Spain, our tour group travelled by Bus to Tarifa, Spain where we boarded a Ferry for the 45 minutes crossing along the Mediterranean Sea to Tangier, Morocco. This journey reminded me of the story written by Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist where a Spanish Shepperd boy named, Santiago, dreamt of travelling to see the Pyramids in Egypt. Santiago lived in the hills of Andalusia in Southern Spain.He dreamt that a treasure awaits him in the Pyramids. In order for him to discover his treasure there, he had to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Tarifa,Spain to Tangier Morocco then cross the Sub-Saharan dessert to reach Egypt. In the story, Santiago sold his flock of sheep in order to fulfill his journey.

 I captured a photo of this craftsman working in his workshop. 

Unfortunately, upon arriving in Tangier, Santiago was robbed of his money in the Souk (market).  In order to survive and so determined to realise his dream, he offered to help a Crystal merchant to clean his crystals. Santiago worked for the Crystal Merchant for one year to earn some money for his journey. During his stay there, he learnt patience and perseverance. When he was ready to leave, the Crystal Merchant gave his blessing and let him go so that Santiago can fulfill his dream.


Santiago learnt that The Soul of the World is nourished by people's happiness. And also by unhappiness, envy and jealousy. To realize one's Personal Legend is a person's only real obligation. 
All things are one. 
And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.      

Shopping in Morocco was so interesting. Everywhere was so colourful and so many different textures of carpets, caftans, bejewelled slippers, scarfs, bags among many other things. Here is a Merchant wearing the traditional Moroccan caftan and slippers. 

We learnt that there are different types of Moroccan carpets. The important thing is to bargain, bargain and bargain! 

Here is a beautiful shop full of Home accessories. There were Moroccan lanterns, Jars of all sizes, mother of pearl boxes and trunks, chairs, tables  and jewelleries. All designed in the Moroccan style.

From the Shops to the Streets, we saw Moroccan arts and crafts. Lots of colour everywhere.

During Santiago's journey across the Dessert, he met an Englishman, his soulmate Fatima and The Alchemist who taught him about the Language of the World, love.
Santiago asked The Alchemist, Why do we have to listen to our hearts? The Alchemist explained, Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you'll find your treasure.

Here is a traditional Moroccan door lined with traditional tiles and exquisite lanterns.

In Tangier, there were many Mansions overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. 

A glimpse of  Moroccan interior design in a Restaurant. The lanterns and arches are so beautiful.

Hercules Cave(Grottes d'Hercules)  is a mythical cave where they believed Hercules stayed. It has this key hole shaped like the African Continent and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Strong waves from the Atlantic Ocean slamming onto the cave was a spectacular sight. 

There were several Snake Charmers around the City. Live music accompanied the Snake Charmers. I was not charmed by it because I am frightened by snakes. But here is my not so close up photo! 

Here are the Camels!  For 1 Euro, you can ride the Camel around the Dessert Sand. 

I am still dreaming of Morocco. Next time, when I come back I would like to see the Sea of Sand Dunes just like what Tammy, from her blog Edgymix Travel For Fashion, experienced during her current trip of a lifetime across the African Continent. I would also like to visit the Atlas Mountains, have lunch with a Berber family, visit more of the Souks, Palaces and Yves St Laurent's estate Jardin Majorelle.

   Throughout Santiago's journey, he listened and followed all of the advises from the wise men and women that he met in the Dessert. His story is about the faith, power and courage we all have within us to pursue the intricate path of a Personal Legend, a path charted by the mysterious magnet of destiny but obscured by distractions. 
Santiago shows how along the way we learn to trust our hearts, read the seemingly inconspicuous signs, and understand that as we look to fulfill a dream, it looks to find us just the same, if we let it. 

I hope you will get a chance to read the adventure of Santiago in The Alchemist.

Have a wonderful and fulfilling  weekend!