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Weekend In Tangier

41 comments
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! 
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41 comments

  1. Hi Pamela! I can get why designers find lots of inspiratio there! Must be a place full of colors and life, I'd love to visit that coutry soon too:) I unfortunatelly didnt read that book but I will now, you made me curious! Great photos, there are lots of things to do and see:) Kisses dear and have a great weekend! xo

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    1. Morocco is a fascinating country. More to see and do there, I hope to come back again. I hope you will enjoy reading The Alchemist. It's a great story.

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  2. This is a wonderful post...it sounds like you had an amazing trip! "The Alchemist" is such a great book....I love how you tied it in to your post. Have a great weekend!!

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    1. Thanks Sandy. We had fun there. Visiting Morocco was a different kind of experience.

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  3. Is it allowed here to be jealous, just a bit?:-)
    Beautiful photos, and just to say hello 'on ur land' too:)

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    1. Thank you for joining my blog and for your wonderful comments.

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  4. I really have to pay a visit to tangier, I love historical places!
    Don't Call Me Fashion Blogger
    Facebook
    Bloglovin'

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    1. Francesca, you will enjoy Morocco, not only the sights but the shopping there is magnificent!

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  5. So inspirational. I love the shot of the craftsman in his workshop.
    Connie*

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  6. Connie, that's my favourite picture too. It shows a glimpse of daily life in Tangier.

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  7. Hi, Pamela -
    Tom and I traveled to Morocco many years ago. That is still one of my favorite trips. We visited Casablanca (briefly), Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat. I loved the souks and bazaars. And Yves Saint Laurent's garden was spectacular.
    Cheers,
    Loi
    PS - I'll look up Muskoka!!

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    1. I wish to visit those cities in Morocco one day. I enjoyed the souks and the bazaars too. The country must be fun to visit. I bet YSL's Villa there must be really spectacular.

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  8. oh wow.. so beautiful.. I love all the colors and patterns.

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    1. Tangier has so many beautiful,products. They are very creative and self sufficient there. Thanks Hena.

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  9. Amazing place and pics!!! I would like to go!
    kisses!

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  10. Replies
    1. Morocco is a beautiful country to visit. Thank you Sorana.

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  11. Es precioso!!! unas fotos muy bonitas.
    Besos

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  12. I just posted last week about how magical Morocco seems to me - I could spend hours upon hours in the souks discovering beautiful things! The snakes on the other hand... scary!

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    1. Same for me too Elle. I enjoyed shopping in the souks.

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  13. Hi Pam, you are so lucky! Wish I could join you on yr trips ;-)
    Have you ever been to Cyprus?

    www.amadeusonthecatwalk.com

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    1. Hi Maya, no I haven't been to Cyprus. Traveling to Greece, the Greek isles and maybe Cyprus is one of my dream vacations.

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  14. I'd love to visit Morocco one day. Looks like an incredible experience. Have a beautiful week!
    LA By Diana Live Magazine

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  15. What an interesting and detailed post. I enjoyed reading about Santiago and of course your varied photos. The doorway lined with tiles and the lovely lanterns at each side of it is beautiful.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

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  16. Lovely photos you have here Pamela! First, you inspire me - now I want to go to Morocco! Second, I want to that crafted trunk in my bedroom and Lastly, I'm also a fan of Paulo Coelho - great author. Have you read 11 Minutes? I bet you'll love it. I hope you tried the Moroccan Tea? For me its the best, I have tried it when I was in UAE, a bit pricey compared to other traditional tea but worth it!

    Here check out my few shots of sea of sand dune when I went to desert safari in Dubai: http://www.thebexdoctorproject.com/2012/10/22/day-05-dubai-desert-safari-tour/

    Thanks for sharing your travel adventure!

    xoxo

    http://www.thebexdoctorproject.com

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  17. Scatti carinissimi (: Reb, xoxo.

    *Nuovo outfit sul mio blog, fammi sapere cosa ne pensi:
    http://www.toprebel.com/2013/02/my-paillettes-skirt.html

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  18. Beautiful pics!!! I havent read the alchemist...so it is pretty cool u told me what it is about :)
    (dont worry, was no planning on reading it either!)

    xoxo

    novelstyle.blogspot.com

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    1. I hope you will read The Alchemist. You will enjoy it. Thank you for your wonderful comment.

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  19. Does look very exotic! Wouldn't mind a visit myself.

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    1. Hi Trishie, yes Morocco is very exotic. A very interesting place to visit and lots to discover.

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  20. Replies
    1. Thanks Bex for your wonderful comment and for following on Bloglovin.

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  21. You have a wonderful selection of photos Pamela. Its lovely to see just how much enjoyment you get out of your travels. 1 Euro for a camel ride sounds like a bargain to me:)

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    1. Hello Paul, I love to travel and discover new things. It's really fun!

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  22. The view are gorgeous. Love the small little alley and the handicrafts

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    1. Morocco is a beautiful country to visit. Thank you for reading my post.

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I enjoy reading your wonderful comments. Thank you for visiting here.

Pamela lives in Toronto, Canada, currently working in Banking in the field of Credit and Finance. The Chic Delights blog has evolved into an on-line magazine about my experiences and inspirations on style, travel, people, lifestyle and current events. My features are not sponsored posts. The photographs and stories featured here are all from my own resources and experiences. [Pamela RG] (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-43Wqs-SmwEU/UggtnO60INI/AAAAAAAAQw0/HZa9oGRC8Bc/w200-h200-no/DSCN0550.jpg)