Tangier to Chefchaouen

Setting off on the TGV train to Tangier at 9 O'clock we had plenty of time for breakfast at the hotel. It was not as fresh as the previous day, but OK. Back to the station across the square, it was a double-decker train, we were on the lower deck it was comfy, and there was plenty of space.
Once in Tangier, we were going on a mini bus tour, we headed to a supermarket to pick up a picnic lunch, bread, cheese tomatoes and jambon, along with some tasty greengage. We went to a park overlooking the sea, it was wooded and obviously a popular place for locals and tourists. There was an abundance of cats, mostly looking very healthy. One tortoiseshell was particularly cheeky getting up on the bench beside us and eventually onto the table, ignoring us flapping and shooing at it.
We drove out to the coast where you can easily see Spain, and Gibraltar is just along the coast opposite. Then, we made our first trip into a Medina, we wandered along the outside, where the shops were mostly touristy, then found food, spice, and nut shops. The spices and herbs looked great, some I didn't recognise. We brought some huge, juicy dates and some walnuts still whole although shelled.
Getting out was a little tricky, but James followed his nose, and we came out near to where we had entered. Picking up an ice cream on our way. There was an abundance of fake trainers and shoes, lots of jewellery, clothing, and leather goods, as well as pretty cups and gifts with mosaic designs.

After this, it was back on the minibus for the 2 to 3 hour drive to Chefchaouen, the blue city. We were travelling up towards the Atlas mountains to the Rif Mountains. The hills became higher and more rugged and rocky, and the fast-moving clouds were below the hilltops. It had been windy all day, but we were surprised how fast the clouds were moving. There were several dams along the way, with long lakes before them. We past lots of crops but couldn't identify them from our perch in the vehicle.
Eventually, as the road climbed and twisted, we were aware of coming into a wealthy area with miles of ornamental road lights on either side.
We could see some blue buildings and there were blue railings as well as the lights, the town was very busy, full of people bustling about. We came to the hotel and unpacked the bus, making our way inside to be given a glass of tea and a strange biscuit that was neither sweet or particularly savory but had sesame seeds in.
The hotel was very brightly, painted in Moroccan style, each room being different. Ours was very red and felt a bit like a film set!
When we walked into town we realised why it is called the blue city. The alleyways were higgledy pigledy, up steps and down and were painted many shades of blue a lot being soft baby blue.
We ate in a square with many restaurants in it opposite the Castle. We had a Mez type to start olives, babagonoush, bean dip, and bread. Followed by shrimps in garlic butter for me and a chicken dish for James. We had mint lemonade to drink which I had drunk in Costa Rica. Last night and tonight there was no alcohol at the restaurant.
Our room was comfortable but noisy as it was on the first floor overlooking the street. But we both got to sleep, with most of the weighty duvet piled up between us!Read more