There was a sense of romance and mystery filling my senses at the same time as I landed at the Tangiers International Airport in Morocco. Our flight from London had been delayed due to bad weather and as we approached the airport there was thick cloud shrouded by the late night air of romance. Why all this feelings you might ask?

After watching the classic movie ‘Casablanca’ numerous times in my younger years with my parents, the image of Bogart kept flooding through my mind and my expectations of Morocco were that of some 40 odd years ago.

I was not ready for the surprise that was about to greet me at this modern yet rustic airport. Situated on the northern most tip of the African continent, the city of Tangier (my destination for this month) is just a half hour away by fast high-speed ferry from the popular tourist destination of Algeciras in Spain.

Malaysians need visa to enter Morocco and they can obtain it at RM 93.00 per person. The weather during the fasting month of Ramadan is between 18 degrees to 28 degress Celsius, which allowed us to travel light with no need of heavy jackets. Taxis at the airport will take you almost anywhere you want to go. Getting around the town in a taxi is cheap and metered. Prices are almost like back home.

Staying at Morocco

Better to book your desired accommodation in advance using the Internet as hotel prices can be expensive for the Asian traveller as it is all stated in US Dollar or Euro.

There are dozens of small boutique type hotels in and around the centre of town or otherwise known as the Medina. Some have amenities like TV, Swimming pool, Wi-Fi and so on and there are the smaller ones with just an exquisite antique styled room in typical Moroccan style with a family like atmosphere and hospitality. Prices range from as low as US$50 to US$150.

For me I decided to take my holiday in typical 5-Star fashion and stayed at the top end Les Jardines de la Koutouba hotel, which was just walking distance away from the Medina.

After settling in our room, it was time to explore the famous Medina, which is filled with hundreds of little stalls and shops offering all that Morocco is famous for, old world Arab mixed with a tinge of sub-European colonisation. It somewhat reminded us of Petaling Street some 10 years ago when it was rustic and disorganised.

The Medina in Tangier is filled with traditional craftsmen with handmade craft heritage dating centuries ago, Islamic art and artists, poets and all kinds of artifacts looking ancient with modern tourist prices. Stallholders will call out to you to come and look at their pottery, carpets, carvings, and musical instruments. Do not linger unless you intend to buy, keep smiling and say no. Take your time to look around as many of them carry the same items and the prices vary as the day progresses.

If you get thirsty make sure you get bottled water and if you want to try the local tea get a bottle of water handy as the famous ‘mint tea’ is strong. One gulp is not advised instead sipping is preferred.