Oh the Joys of Africa

• Lenahoff's Profile
• About this blog
• Entry from Tetouan

Trip Start Nov 09, 2009 Previous
Entry Trip End Sep 15, 2010 Next
Entry

  Tetouan, Morocco
Saturday, November 14, 2009

Today we ventured into the famous market in Tetouan. The initial entrance into the city was full of excitement when Gavin (our driver) had to turn the truck around in the most impossible side street. Imagine this giant overlanding truck trying to pull a U-ey or an "Austin powers" in the most tiny African street full of cars parked in the middle of the road and construction going on all sides, it was intense. We got within two inches of a parked car. I couldn't even believe it was possible but Gavin seems to have some serious driving skills.

In Tetouan we hired a guide to show us around the city and take us to the local market where we saw the most mouth watering foods imaginable. Huge bowls of fresh olives, freshly baked breads and every fruit and vegetable imaginable. I could see why locals from the previous town recommended we stopped. Unfortunately we were then dragged to our guides recommended shops where we spent two and a half hours listening to shop keepers try to sell rugs, oils and spices. The most time was spent in the rug shop where we were all separated into groups of four and taken to separate rooms where they laid rug after rug in front of us and asking if we wanted to buy them. I was lumped into the “Canadian group” since I’m the only American. Though in retrospect I think they were trying to single us out because Americans are notorious for buying excessive amounts of things and spending exuberant prices. This whole process took about an hour, it was ridiculous. The rugs were actually quite beautiful but all of us are spending months and months living off a truck and room is sparse as it is. The next shop actually had bench seating and was almost like a demonstration where the sales guy tried to sell us various lotions and potions as well as some lovely spices. He was quite vulgar for a person from a predominately Muslim area but I think he was catering to our English speaking group. They actually gave out free massages to demonstrate the massage oil. It was pretty hilarious watching the volunteers be instructed to take off their shirts and let some random guy massage them in front of the group. Other audience involved demonstrations involved a green lipstick looking thing which was placed on all the girls’ hands to see who was the hottest. It wasn’t me. (oh darn)

Tetouan hotels Slideshow Share

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

Morocco

Morocco

Morocco

Previous Entry Next Entry