January 23–24: The ferry from Algeciras took us to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, and from there we headed straight into Africa! Although we had read a lot about the difficulties of crossing the border, our experience was actually very positive. Friendly border officers welcomed us in Morocco, and luckily, we didn’t have to unpack everything.

We reached Tangier, one of Morocco’s largest cities, which is not only an important trade hub to this day but also has a history spanning thousands of years. In ancient times, the city was a key junction on the trade routes of the Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs. Over the centuries, Tangier became famously known as a place where diverse cultures blended. In the early 20th century, it was granted a special status and became an international zone — under the control of several countries at once — and it became a favorite spot for many famous poets and writers.

What stood out immediately upon arrival was how modern the city is — and it’s one of the cleanest places we’ve ever been. As we drove through, we saw workers constantly cleaning, mowing the grass, and planting greenery everywhere.

We found a beautiful place to stay, with a rooftop terrace where we could relax and enjoy a stunning view of the city. The people were incredibly friendly, and they even take care of the street animals — in front of our accommodation, there was a food and water bowl set out for any wandering cats.

What really surprised us was how much later the day starts here. When we went for a run at 8 a.m., the sun was barely up and only a few people were out on the streets. Even at our favorite fish market, vendors only started setting up around 11, and it was busiest around 1 p.m. People generally come out more in the afternoon or evening — that’s when the cafés fill up with people sipping mint tea or coffee.

The food is delicious, though a bit less spicy than we’re used to (although many places do offer extra chili sauce). In Tangier, we had chicken tajine (cooked in a clay pot with vegetables) and a bowl of beans with marrow bone for lunch — the latter was especially tasty. For dinner, we sat down at a street stall where we had charcoal-grilled chicken served with olives. Ádám also discovered a popular local Nutella-filled crêpe.

All in all, Tangier is a beautiful city where, thanks to the kindness of its people, you instantly feel at home.