11 MAY 2017.DAY 5 : TRANSIT TANGIER.,SPAIN.

11 MAY 2017.DAY 5 : TRANSIT TANGIER,MPROCCO TO TARIFA,SPAIN.

This is screenshot of Map of Day 5 of our Spain .

Screenshot  map, above, gives limited information. "Interactive Map" gives much more information. For interactive map go here
OR go to this link https://goo.gl/dVJata

 With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.

To navigate through this map use the left vertical panel on the map :
1. The size of this map can be increased or decreased as with normal maps.

2. The panel gives contents of the map which are self explanatory.Placing the cursor  on any item,say Port tangier in this panel will highlight Port Tangier in the interactive map.

3. Click on Port Tangier in panel it will open an information window in the interactive map giving information about Port Tangier. If photos about that place have been uploaded they will also show in the information window.

4. Similar action can be repeated for information on all other places given on interactive map.

DAY 5 TRANSIT FROM MOROCCO TO SPAIN.

The day was more or less a transit day.

Got up as usual and as per normal practice before breakfast did photo shoot of our hotel and views in nearby localities.Fortunately we got a room which was facing the sea front and part of Tangier harbour,so we had wonderful view from our room.Night view from our room of sea front and part of Tangier port is given below . To see more photo of hotel surroundings and day 5 album go to https://goo.gl/DQCGGb

Night view from our room.

After breakfast checked out and boarded the coach around 0900 hrs,which took to Tangier port.Had to pull the stroller for quite a distance to reach the immigration office and from there to the jetty to board ferry Tarifa Jet for tarifa in Spain.
Reached the port around 0915,from there to immigration. Even though the queue was not too long,took almost one hour.After immigration went to board the ferry at the jetty.quite a distance to pull the stroller.Those with big big suitcases had tough time.
The Ferry was looking good as if it was not too old.From the jetty the access was to the hold of the ferry which was strictly for the luggage, cargo , light and medium vehicles.After depositing the baggage we climbed a staircase and reached passenger lounge.Seats on that level had good occupation with all the good seats already taken.Climbed another stair.this higher level had a restaurant and sparse occupation.Seeing this a co passenger commented this seems to be prime or first class hence so many empty seats . they turned back and went o lower level.I checked with restaurant staff and was informeed that this was also normal class Prime and first class seats were on the next,top level.So Priti and I occupied a good window seat . There was drizzle and rains so water had collected on the window which spoil ed view to some extent . Ferry was quite nice and comfortable.Apparently the ferries keep plying between Tangier and Tarifa as lot of people from each side do a lot of trips between Morocco and Spain for business or pleasure or for routine jobs.
I had thought that this strait being the only connection between Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea we will see plenty of traffic and ships,Contrary to what I thought we hardly saw any ships . May be that was due to bad visibility through the rain.But whenever the rains stopped we had good view of the sea around us.Journey from Tangier to tarifa took about two and half hours.Reached Tarifa around 1245 hrs.Some photos from the ferry ride from Tangier to Tarifa.For more photos and album of the day go to or to web page https://goo.gl/DQCGGb        

View of Tangier from on board Tarifa Jet.

 Selfie on board Tarifa Jet.

Light House on Palomas Island .Spain. Northern coast of Medirerrian Strait.

View from on board Tarifa Jet.

Reached Tarifa port around 1245 hrs.The Port of Tarifa (Spanish: Puerto de Tarifa) is a commercial harbor for fishing and passenger boats, located in the Andalusian town of Tarifa. It is managed by the Port Authority of Algeciras and is the closest European port to North Africa and on the main shipping route to Tangier in Morocco and Ceuta.

Interesting tit bit about Tarifa,as told by Anuj an old sea dog.The word "tariff" was derived from the name of the port Tarifa . It was so because the pirates located at Tarifa used to collect ransom and tax from all passing ships . The amount so paid came to be known as "Tariff".

Cleared the immigration and got out of Tarifa Harbour.Our coach for Spain and Portugal trip was waiting . got settled in the coach and set course for Seville in Spain our first stop of Spain itinerary.

Journey  from trifa to Seville is about 250 KMS and took 3 hours.The route passes through undulating plains , farm lands.Saw some towns at a distance. A fairly picturesque route.Reached our hotel Melia Lebreros in Seville around 1500 hrs.Checked in and went for lunch to Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant.After returning to hotel called it a day Some photos of Tarifa Port and route.For more photos and album of the day go to or to web page https://goo.gl/DQCGGb

Building Tarifa Port and Immiegration Offices.

Castle of Tarifa,near Tarifa Port.

Tarifa Harbour.In the background Ferry Tarifa Jet,which brought us to Spain.  

Village of Las Cabezas de San Juan.Enroute Tarifa to Seville.

Hotel Melia Lebreros.Seville.We stayed here.

Tomorrow is Day 6 .

We do sight seeing at Seville.

10 MAY 2017.DAY 4. PART TWO - TANGIER, MOROCCO.

10 MAY 2017.DAY 4. PART TWO - TANGIER, MOROCCO.

This is screenshot of Tangier Map.

It shows places of interest we saw​ In Tangier .

Screenshot  map, above, gives limited information. "Interactive Map" gives much more information. For interactive map go here.
OR go to this link https://goo.gl/aXFjmf

 With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.

To navigate through this map use the left vertical panel on the map :
1. The size of this map can be increased or decreased as with normal maps.

2. The panel gives contents of the map which are self explanatory.Placing the cursor  on any item,say Royal Palace Rabat in this panel will highlight that item in the interactive map.

3. Click on Royal Palace Rabat in panel it will open an information window in the interactive map giving information about it. If photos about that place have been uploaded they will also show in the information window.

4. Similar action can be repeated for information on all other places given on interactive map.

DAY FOUR.

After finishing lunch in Rabat at Dar Rabatia we left for Tangier .

About 12 to 15 odd KMs short of Tangier city we went to see our first place of attraction, Cape Spartel Light House .

Cape Spartel Light House .

Cape Spartel Light House.

Cape Spartel is the most North Western point of mainland Africa.Where as most northern point of Africa continent is in Tunisia ,which is Ras ben Sakka, Tunisia.

The cape rises 1000 ft above the sea level and Cape Spartel light house is based on the cape . There is a view point close to it where a restaurant and few shacks selling nick knacks and coffee etc are located.Below the view point a rock by the sea shore is painted in multicolours. It is said that longitude passing through that point is dividing line between North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. 
Caves of Hercules is also located beat the cape.Neither did we see them nor did we know about it at that time. After spending some time at Cape Spartel we proceeded to Tangier proper. Next stop was at Petit Socco . For more photos of Cape Spartel Light House spot and album you have to go to.  

Petit Socco

Petit Socco or "Souk Dakhli".It maens Little Square.

Reaching Tangier we were dropped at a through fare and then entered old area of tangier where houses and humans were crowded.We had followed a bit of clear space with semblance of a park.This was Little Square.There is also Big Square called Grand Socco as well.This is also called Place du 9 Avril 1947,and shown as such in google maps. it is located about 200 to 300 odd meters south west of Petit Socco.

From Grand Socco and Petit Socco lots lanes lead to the old Medina.

From Petit Socco we entered one of the lanes and after walking may be about half a kilometer thoroughly lanes closely packed houses and crowded street were taken to a Crafts shop by our leader.Shop was really very big and the variety and the diversity of the products really mind boggling.

For more photos of Petite Socco spot and album you have to go to. 

MEDINA 

Display of goods ,one of the shops in in Medina.

As do most of the Kingdoms towns, Tangier has its own Medina, containing a pair of picturesque markets.  

Most of Tangier Medina (Ancient city)  is still in very good condition. The narrow winding streets are lined with houses of all kinds of styles, indicating that people from with various financial backgrounds both lived and worked here. In Tangier,the Medina itself is quite big. There are many commercial centers too, mostly aimed at tourists. 

Other parts of the Medina are dedicated solely to housing. There are some very pretty houses here with typical bright coloured doors and decorated gates, surrounded by colourful rosebushes.
Once you walk through to Medina from Petit Socco,you'll immediately enter a maze of narrow twisted streets and be overwhelmed by the powerful aromas drifting from the spice stalls. Shopkeepers stand outside their stores and try entice you inside; they'll try to haggle you over their products, always good naturally, although sometimes very persistently!.
If you're looking for authentic Moroccan goods you should head off to the souks. They're literally teeming with energy. You can find everything here, from embroidered shirts to djellabas and leather goods to hammered brass.
Always remember to bargain. You'll be surprised how much you bring the price down. If you speak a little French, it will be a lot easier, plus, the shop owner will have more respect for you. Even if you don't get an amazing deal, bargaining with a Moroccan shop owner is an experience you won't forget in a hurry.
In some of the nicer buildings, the shops have a fixed pricing system, but they can charge up to 4 times the price for the exact same goods you'd find in the other shops! You can haggle the price down, but only a tiny bit.

For more photos of Shops and album you have to go to. 

Borj al-Hajoui Terrace.(Terrasse Borj al Hojoui) 

Borj al-Hajoui Terrace.At the end of the famous Ru  de la Marine.

After the hustle,bustle and the crowded Medina market we came to a terrace like projection .It was :  

Borj al-Hajoui Terrace

At the end of the famous Rue de la Marine there is a kind of balcony known as the Borj al-Hajoui Terrace from where locals and tourists enjoy one of the best views of the city. 

The Terrace Borj al-Hajoui is a kind of terrace that invites relaxation and tranquility after going through the stress of the Medina. In addition, the full and panoramic views of the harbour are probably the best in the whole city from where we can see the old fishing boats, anglers and even the big cruisers who come from Europe to spend a few hours in the city.

For more photos of Borj al-Hajoui Terrace spot and album you have to go to. 

By this time dusk had arrived and we went to our Hotel Rif Beach & Spa.

 Hotel RIF Beach and Spa.Tangier we stayed here.

To see ALL photos of Day Four , Rabat AND Tangier go to or paste this URL in address bar https://goo.gl/toKCYa.

10 MAY 2017.DAY 4. PART ONE.- RABAT MOROCCO

10 MAY 2017.DAY 4. PART ONE.- RABAT  MOROCCO.

This is screenshot of Rabat Map.

It shows places of interest we saw​ In Rabat .

Screenshot  map, above, gives limited information. "Interactive Map" gives much more information. For interactive map go here.. OR go to this link https://goo.gl/dEiFuJ

 With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.

To navigate through this map use the left vertical panel on the map :
1. The size of this map can be increased or decreased as with normal maps.

2. The panel gives contents of the map which are self explanatory.Placing the cursor  on any item,say Royal Palace Rabat in this panel will highlight that item in the interactive map.

3. Click on Royal Palace Rabat in panel it will open an information window in the interactive map giving information about it. If photos about that place have been uploaded they will also show in the information window.

4. Similar action can be repeated for information on all other places given on interactive map.

DAY FOUR.

This was going to be our last day in Morocco.Also going to be a long day.As per plan we had to see Rabat AND Tangier before we leave Morocco For Spain.By a Ferry boat fr om Tarifa in Morocco to Sevelle in Spain.

Started from Hotel Les Almohades.,Casablanca round 0800.The road was quite good.

RABAT

As we entered Rabat we saw a procession Marching along with banners . reminded me of our protest marches in India . Local guide informed us that it was indeed a protest march organised by teachers who were agitating for better pay.Passing through Rabat City got the impression that it appeared to be a well planned and developing city.Finally reached Rabat Palace 

Royal Palace Rabat.

Royal Palace of Rabat.

The Dar al-Makhzen as The Royal Palace is called locally has been the official Residence of Kings of Morocco since 700.Present building was constructed in 1864.
At the time of independence from the French in 1956 and even today,there were/are many properties and palaces of the Kings of Morocco.However Royal Palace at Rabat was selected and declared as the Main Official Residence of the Royal family.This Dar al-Makhzen should not be confused with Royal Place of Tengier which is also called "Dar al-Makhzen".    

Tourist visitors are given entry through the  "Ambassadors Gates"a of two massive entry & exit gates in the boundary walls surrounding the Palace Property.

Ambassador's Gates.

Before the security check gate there is parking and from here one has to walk up to the Royal Place.The way is fairly long through extensive gardens of french design with plants and species of varies plants and trees.For the first time I saw huge "Birds of Paradise" like flowers on a palm like tree.

Vast Palace Gardens.

Vast Palace Gardens.

Vast Palace Gardens.

Vast Palace Gardens.

"Birds of Paradise" flowers on a palm tree.

Finally we approached the Palace proper.There is very vast and large paved parade ground with decorative fountains and Cannons on display.Visitors are not allowed inside the palace.In fact they are not allowed to even cross the parede ground and aproach closer to the palace gate.We had to be satisfied with photos of the gate taken from a distance.

On both sides of the palace gate there are three guards . On the extreme right a guard from the Army , in the center from Police and on the left in white uniform from the personal guards of the King .

Besides the Royal Palace there is accomodation for King's personal guards , his important retainers.Also a Royal School / college for the children of the staff and the Royals and a Mosque.    

In front of the Gate of Royal Palace.

Cannon and fountains.

Decorative fountains and water body.

Mosque and the School.

With this visit to Royal Palace was concluded and we went to the next attraction . In fact two of the Rabat attractions,Hassan Tower and pillers of incomplete Mosque and the  Mausoleum of Mohammed V are colocated in the same area with a common Guard Post of Mounted guards.

 Hassan Tower and Pillers of incomplete Mosque.

Hassan Tower and pillers of incomplete Mosque.

Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur was the Sultan of Morocco from 1160 to 1199.He wanted to build grand mosque with tallest minaret in the world. Work on this grand paln was commenced in 1195.

The minaret was raised to a height of 44 mtrs (140 ft) of intended height 86 mtrs (160 ft).Instead of stairs minaret had a ramp.The ramp was meant for the muezzin to ride a horse to call the devots to the prayer. 

The mosque walls and 200 odd towers were also partially completed by 1199.

With untimely death of Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur in 1199 the work on the project was stopped and was never taken up by the following generations.

Hussain Tower is colocated with Mausoleum of Mohammed V . These two form two of the important tourist attractions of Rabat.

It was declared a World Heritage site in 2012.

Selfie at Hassan Tower and pillers of incomplete Mosque.

Hassan Tower and pillers of incomplete Mosque.

Hassan Tower and pillers of incomplete Mosque.

Hassan Tower and pillers of incomplete Mosque.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V 

Musoleum of Mohammed V

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is a historical building located on the opposite side of the Hassan Tower on the Yacoub al-Mansour esplanade in Rabat.

SpectacularArchitectural Marval 

The Mohamed V Mausoleum is another attraction in Rabat that is worth the visit. It is not only a perfectly preserved example of the Alaouite dynasty’s architectural style, but it is the final resting place of three significant members of the royal family. Here visitors and locals are able to pay their respect to these leaders and marvel at the detailed and beautifully designed mausoleum. It is both a tomb and a mosque and is one of the few holy places that are open to the public.

King Hassan II commissioned the construction of the Mausoleum of Mohamed V for his late father, Mohamed V, in the year 1962. Construction of the Mohamed V Mausoleum was completed in 1971. Sultan Mohamed V ruled over Morocco for two terms. The first was from the year 1927 to 1953 and again from 1957 to the year 1961. He is remembered and noted for his efforts in the fight for Morocco's independence. Both his sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah, were buried alongside him. It took the hard work of approximately four hundred men to build and complete the mausoleum that now stands as an architectural and historical masterpiece.

The Mausoleum of Mohamed V is located in the Yacoub Al Mansour Square and stands across from the Hassan Tower, another building that was commission by King Hassan II. It is easily recognizable by its white walls and green-tiled roof. The interior has been finished in white marble and granite floors and walls and a beautiful granite block with a headstone indicates the final resting place of the great king. The sliding doors and ceiling have also been carved in breathtaking motifs and designs. Spectacular chandeliers light up the room that is complete with red carpets on the stairs and flags. Throughout the entire mausoleum guests will see traditional artistic techniques combined with a touch of modern design; the design is as it was envisioned by its Vietnamese architect and creator.

This spectacular site and popular attraction in Rabat is an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. Visitors will not be disappointed as it is truly a final resting place fit for a king.(Morocco Channel)

Mounted Guard Post for Hassan Tower and Musoleum of Mohammed V

Close-up Mounted guard.

Guard at the enrtance of Musoleum of Mohammed V

Tombs of Mohammed V,King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah

Beautiful and intricatelly carve and inlaid dome of Musoleum of Mohammed V

Beautiful and intricatelly carve and inlaid roof of Musoleum of Mohammed V

Beautiful and intricatelly carve and inlaid walls of Musoleum of Mohammed V

Decorative huge brass lightshades on both side of the stairs.

Kasba of Oudayas,

One of the gates of Kasba of Oudayas,

Kasbah means Citadle of a North African city containing original city, rathe to call it a village would be more appropriate.

A very unique tradition we found in north African cities and quite a few Europian cities, was that the old structures,houses etc of original old habitations in many cases almost devoid of any population were preserved and maintained in top condition.The streets therein are also in maintained in clean,spick and span state by the Government of the countery/city. This was done purely to make them a tourist attraction.We found that this formula works almost always.

 It is located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river opposite Salé. The edifice was built in the 12th century during the reign of the Almohad Caliphate (AD 1121-1269). When the Almohads had captured Rabat and destroyed the kasbah of the Almoravid dynasty in the town, they began reconstructing it in AH 544 / AD 1150. They added a palace and a mosque and named it al-Mahdiyya, after their ancestor al-Mahdi Ibn Tumart. After the death of Yaqub al-Mansur (AH 595 / AD 1199) the kasbah was deserted.It was granted World Heritage Status in 2012.

Intircate and beautiful geometric designs on house walls. Damaged now due to being very old.

Typical doors and door knob in Kasbah of the Udayas Rabat.

Beautiful and well maintained Gardens of the Kasbah.

Beautiful and well maintained Gardens of the Kasbah.

On the way out of Kasbah saw these ancient mortars at one of the gates Kasbah.

This was our sight seeimg of Rabat was over we went for lunch at Dar Rabat Restaurant for lunch.Best Moroccon lungh cooked in tagine(earthen cooking pot) we had during our Morocco tour. 

After lunch left for Tangier.

Entrance to Restraurant Dar Rabatia. Had lunch here.

To see ALL photos of Day Four , Rabat AND Tangier go to or pste this URL in address bar https://goo.gl/toKCYa

Next blog on Tangier.