Tangier, Morocco.... with mom and the older two kiddos

One thing the kids have been waiting to do with grandma is make a trip to Morocco.
After my last trip to Tangier in May, I have been wanting to take the kids but have been telling them that we will wait to go with grandma.  Tangier is amazing.  It is a perfect place to travel (with kids) for a day or two to see a different culture, how people in a different country live, and the differences between us all.
Steve was not able to go (did not get authorized in time) so he stayed behind to watch after Liam all day and Mom, Aydin, Morgan and I left around 9am to make the 11am ferry to Tangier.  

Leaving Spain:

 Arriving in Morocco!!  We are in ANOTHER CONTINENT!!

Aziz was waiting for us at the ferry terminal and took us all around the outside of the city of Tangier.  We went all around the houses of the rich and famous, through the national park, and to the top of the continent where we could see both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans.  

 Second but most important stop of the day: CAMELS!!!

Morgan was first to get on:

 Aydin really did not want to get on one today- too bad his mom is a beast and made him :)

 Mom swore she was NOT getting on the camels today- little did she know she was NOT getting a choice.  We were not making the trip all the way to Morocco and not getting her on one.... like I said- I am a beast and was NOT taking no for an answer.  

It only took 3 men to get her on.... they were pushing her towards the camel and before she knew it- she was on top of one holding on for her life.... and ready to kill me.

 And here they are!!  All on camels for the first time- in their 3rd continent together.  Riding a camel in Africa is a must!!

After the camel ride, we stopped in for a once in a life time (ok once a Muslim year) sheep market.  In the Muslim culture, they celebrate two major holidays: Ramadan and Sacrificing of sheep.

A few weeks before the actual sacrifice, they set up a market for people to buy their sheep.  In Tangier, they transformed a whole section of the town to house the sheep- in bars, grocery markets, cafes, and stores. It was awesome to be there for this time to see this take place.  Something we probably will never see again.  

How they transport their sheep once they buy them (well most people).

Of course they need to sell hay to feed the sheep.  I am not sure this is a safe way to transport the hay but then again I am sure they are not following the same laws we do.

Dont have a truck to take your sheep home??  

No worries..... hog tie him and throw him in the trunk of your car!!  

After the sheep market, we stopped for lunch and then headed straight to the Berber market.  Berbers are villagers who live outside of Tangier.  They come down into Tangier to sell their goods on Sundays.  

Next to the Berber market is the English Church- we went inside to look around before heading into the Berber market and Tangier market.  

Inside the English Church walls:

No modern technology for them....

Inside the Tangier market:

After the market- we walked around town and made our way to the Kasbah

 Anyone home?

 I loved this door and light- little did I know this lovely place belongs to AZIZ!!  I took my pictures, walked some more, and then ended back here- to Aziz's Bed and Breakfast!!  It was absolutely beautiful!!  

From the B&B roof

 We then began walking back into town/market.  

It was beautiful outside.... and Aziz said when it is a nice day- people like to air out their rugs.  These rugs were huge!

 Morgan running around.... having a good time.

We of course had to stop and buy cookies to take home... and the kids some cake.

Aziz then took us to a rug store (a different one than the one I went to before) and looked at many different types of rugs.

We then stopped at the local oven.  This was the second oven we stopped at today but the first guy was less than thrilled to have 'tourist' in his business.  This wonderful man is always so welcoming... he even stopped to take a few pictures.

Walking back to the car.... to head home.

The first US Embassy in Morocco was in Tangier... many years ago.  It was also the first country to recognize the US as its own country.  The Embassy has moved to the capitol of Morocco.  

The Embassy building:

On our way back to the ferry- we made one last stop.... for ice cream.  It was SO good!!

Although it was a very long day, it was perfect!!  The kids had a great time, Susan loved it, we brought home tagines, ate great food, and had once in a life time experiences.  

I am so grateful for the opportunities we continue to have while living in Spain and look forward to the new experiences that will comes next!!