Driving out of the dock and into Moroccan traffic, you are assailed with the aromas of Africa. We cleared the first roundabout and then pulled over into a large open space to do a quick gear check and get our bearings. A few moments later, our friendly helper from the boat came trotting over. He was knocked off for the day and headed home when he saw us stopped roadside.
We were unsure whether to leave Tanger Med this afternoon and push on to Marrakech or simply stay overnight and acclimatise. Ahmed's recommendation was to stay at a nearby hotel called the Intercontinental where we would enjoy "comfortable beds, nice food and a most enjoyable experience". How could we refuse an offer like that? Ahmed clambered on the back of Gary's bike and we set off for this "most enjoyable" hotel.
The Intercontinental is perched precariously on a cliff overlooking the fishing harbour. It looks like something from a 1950's movie, with all staff wearing bow ties and exuding old world charm. There is a fine line between charming and obsequious. The staff walk this like exceptionally well, and none have fallen fully into the Manuel (Fawlty Towers) model.
We inspected our rooms and found them more than satisfactory, with huge soaring ceilings, stone-tiled parquetry floors, and a view that encompasses much of Tanger.
We have invited Ahmed to join us for dinner in the medina this evening so that we can find out a little more about Moroccan people and culture. It promises to be an interesting evening.
