Morocco is a country that requires a bit of patience for formalities and customs that tend to drive type A American personalities a bit crazy. Clearing into the country was the beginning. We arrived mid afternoon at the marina visitor’s pontoon, where they took our lines, secured the boat, and then we began the dance of marina paperwork, immigration paperwork, and customs paperwork. After being shuffled around a couple of offices, we were sent back to the boat and told to wait for more officials. A couple of hours later several men boarded the boat (the commandante in full uniform), took our flares and drone (both of which are not permitted in the country and are held till we leave). Everyone was very polite every step of the way, it was just a bit of disorganization and a lot of waiting for no clear reason. Ironically in that time we were given the Wi-Fi password and gate key cards, but no information whatsoever about the marina, town, or country. I can figure out anything with an internet connection, so once we had Wi-Fi I got to work.
I found directions to a phone store where we could buy a local SIM card for better internet access (only $10 for 10 GB!) and a local supermarket for provisioning. After that we were desperate for a drink, only to remember that Morocco, a Muslim country, does not serve alcohol in most establishments. Luckily Tangier is a pretty modern city, and we were able to get a couple of beers and some appetizers at a club just above the marina. Off to plan our Moroccan adventures!
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