In the early hours of Friday morning, after an incredibly uncomfortable 8 hours on a night bus, we arrived at the port of Tarifa. After some breakfast and a quick attempt at a freshen up, we boarded the ferry to Morocco. All the exhaustion and frustration from a poor nights sleep and hours of waiting around evaporated as we pulled into Tangier Ville. The excitement and anticipation for my first African adventure took over and so did my camera, so prepare for a long and fairly picture heavy post. (No seriously, brace yourselves). // En la madrugada de viernes, llegamos a Tarifa para cruzar el estrecho de Gibraltar hasta Tánger en Marruecos. Fue mi primera vez en África y estaba llena de entusiasmo para explorar. Hay muchísimas fotos, entonces preparate!

First stop on our activity filled weekend was Cap Spartel. The most northwestern point in Africa, it’s where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. It served a lighthouse, stands about 300m above sea level and has the most amazing view of the sea. // La primera parada en nuestro viaje fue Cap Spartel. Es el punto más noroeste del África y donde el océano Atlántico se encuentra el mar mediterráneo. Era un faro y es 300m sobre el nivel del mar. Tiene las vistas del mar increíbles. 

Under Cap Spartel you’ll find the Caves of Hercules. Walking down into the caves gives you another beautiful view of the ocean, but solely from the Atlantic side. The strong waves literally sound like rolling thunder. I don’t know what it is about nature and I at the moment, but every time I’m surrounded by nature, I have these profound moments of peace. Like in La Pedriza, looking out to the sea and hearing and seeing the power and beauty of the waves, I just felt peaceful, happy and massively grateful.

The caves themselves are a combination of natural phenomena and human craft. It was discovered in C19 and it is a site which acts as proof for the Neolithic civilisation in prehistory.  It was also used by the Berbers to make wheels, which they then used to trade for oils. The Atlantic ocean has carved an opening that looks like the continent of Africa. (Right in the bottom left hand corner, you can just about make out Madagascar). It’s honestly so humbling to see what beauty has come from both man and nature, working together somewhat, over the years. In terms of Hercules, the legend is that Hercules slept in this cave before doing his 11th labour. (I have no idea what that is/means. My knowledge of Hercules is literally the Disney movie with the gospel singing Muses). // Fuimos a la Cueva de Hércules que tiene una mezcla de talla natural, gracias al océano atlántico, y la talla de hombre. Se sirvió como una prueba de la civilización neolítica en prehistoria. Además los Berebers lo utilizaban para fabricar las ruedas. En cuanto a Hércules, según las leyendas, duermió aquí antes de su día de labor.

Moving downwards towards the beach came the highlight of the trip for many people: CAMEL RIDES. According to our guide, Mohammed, a camel can go for 25 days without water. // Después, fuimos a la playa para el momento culminante para la mayoría de las personas: CAMELLOS. Según nuestra guía, Mohammed, un camello puede sobrevivir hasta 25 días sin agua.

Last stop of the day was the Medina and Kasbah in Tangier. From what I understood, a Kasbah and Medina are pretty much the same thing, but the Medina is normally within a Kasbah as the Kasbah acted as a defence against enemies. Either way, both have very narrow, winding streets. The ones in Tangier seemed more residential and full of locals just going about their day to day lives. I enjoyed this part as it was far less touristy and gave us a glimpse of authentic Tangier for the average person living there. That being said, it’s not very picturesque so I have barely any photos. // La última parada del día fue la Medina y Kasbah de Tánger. Yo entendí que una Medina y Kasbah son básicamente la misma cosa, pero la Medina está dentro del Kasbah porque el Kasbah se comporta como una fortaleza contra enemigas. De todas formas, los dos tienen las calles angostas y serpenteantes. Pareció que los que frecuentan la Medina y Kasbah son los locales que me gustó. Parece más auténtico y me da una vista a la vida cotidiana de los que viven en Tangier. Sin embargo, por esta razón, no son pintorescos entonces no tengo muchas fotos.

One very interesting thing I learnt at an Argan oil shop was the way in which Argan oil is actually made: ff you’re eating, I advise you stop. So apparently, it’s made from a seed that is eaten by goats. The goats digest what they can and then throw up what they can’t digest from the seeds. The goat chun is then hand cold-pressed to make Argan oil. I was just as grossed out as you probably are now, but that didn’t stop me buying a body lotion and a solid musk perfume. // Algo muy interesante que aprendí en una tienda de aceite marroquí es la manera en que la fabrica. Las cabras comen las semillas, y digerir lo que pueden. Vomitan los restos de las semillas y esto esta utilizado para crear aceite marroquí Yo sé, me dio asco también, pero al fin y al cabo, yo compré un leche corporal y un perfume.

After an activity filled day on almost no sleep, after dinner everyone was exhausted so went to bed early in the hope of getting a good nights rest for the second and final day of adventures… // Después de una noche sin dormir y un día lleno de actividades, nadie tuvo ganas de hacer nada por la noche. En vez, nos acostamos para preparar para el proximo y ultimo día de aventuras…