Excursion to the North

Saturday morning, we departed for Chefchaouen, the “blue city” in the north of Morocco positioned on a hillside in the Rif Mountains. Northern Morocco has always had a rich history with Spain, dating back to the late 15th century when Spanish Muslims and Jews were expelled under Ferdinand and Isabella. Today, the language, cuisine and architecture all reflect this unique Spanish vibe. Driving through this mountain range, the amount of tiny villages, massive peaks, and green, lush valleys are truly overwhelming.

We arrived at Chefchaouen at noon, ate lamb couscous and local salads for lunch, and went to visit an NGO called ADL. ADL is an organization that is responsible for generating and facilitating development projects in northern Morocco, something that the Moroccan government has generally failed at doing. This NGO often aims to attract Spanish investors for development projects in order to create jobs, an endeavor which they believe will keep Moroccans from coming to Spain for work, although this cause-effect relationship is often disputed. 

After our meeting at the NGO, we explored the tiny, curvy, windy, hilly medina that was literally carved into a mountainside, with caves and tunnels. I bought three paintings, traditional wool hats for my dad and brother, and a half-length jellaba (wool overshirt which northern Moroccans wear). I also smoked a peace pipe with natives on a peak in the Rif mountains, but that’s a story for later... Chefchaouen is the most definitely the most beautiful and unique gem of a place I’ve ever visited, and I hope to come back to do research for my ISP in April, insh’allah. 

Sunday morning, we journeyed ever further north to Fneidiq, the Moroccan border town to Cueta, one of two Spanish enclaves in the northernmost part of Morocco. At Fneidiq, we observed the border to Cueta which is a hotspot for smuggling European goods into Morocco. Neither Moroccan or Spanish border agents stop this smuggling because it is vital to the economies of this region. In Fneidiq, there is huge market that sells European clothes, accessories and toiletries at extremely low prices. I bought Nutella for my host family. Near Fneidiq is Tetouan, a Mediterranean resort town where King Mohammed VI vacations at each year. 

After leaving this area, we travelled 10 miles east to Tangier to observe the Tan-Med development initiative. Starting in 2007, this major port was constructed to facilitate development in the North by increasing Moroccan exports. It is now the largest port in Africa and a second, larger port, Tan-Med II, will be operational by 2015. 

My first adventure in the North was absolutely phenomenal; I got many ideas for my ISP and also was able to explore one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.