By then, we had been in the continent of Africa for two days, and had explored the city of Casablanca and Tangier. Though I broke my right eyeglasses, I was still pretty much able to enjoy the trip. Although, I can’t deny it was pretty distracting seeing the world through a broken glasses. On Day 2, me and my friends explored Tangier from dusk till dawn. We went to CTM Bus Station in the evening to catch an evening bus to Chefchaouen.
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From Tangier to Chefchaouen
We arrived at CTM Bus Station around 6pm, while our bus was scheduled to depart at 8 pm. So, we just waited out there for two hours. However, the bus station was somewhat remote from the city center. We did not have meal option we’d like to eat. My advice, eat your breakfast/lunch/dinner before going to the CTM bus station in Tangier. Eventually, a friend of mine offered to go to a night market about 10 minutes away and she bought us some salad and fries to eat.
The bus ticket from Tangier to Chefchaouen costs 50 MAD for direct route and varying from 55 -65 MAD for indirect route. It takes about three hours to reach Chefchaouen. The bus stops at several points in Chefchaouen, so make sure you know where your accommodation is, and ask the driver in advance the suitable stopping point.
About Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, whose nickname is blue pearl or blue city, is famous for its all painted-blue wall around its city perimeter. It is believed that the blue color will chase away mosquitos. To maintains the blue color, they repaint it every two years. Other belief that following in Jewish traditions, the refugees painted their buildings blue as a reminder of the God’s power above. Chefchaouen was originally built as fortress in 1471, as protection against Portuguese.
It is to be noted that Chefchaouen is a center of marijuana plantation region in Northern Morocco. That’s why it is heaven for some tourists who tries to smoke hashish (marijuana). Some sellers will try to sell the marijuana product to tourist, and some of them may be persistent. It’s important to stay calm and politely refusing.
Safety at Chefchaouen
We arrived at 11 pm and no idea where to stop. However, we asked to be dropped at the old madina, which was a good decision. From there, things got more sketchy and desperate. We were tired and no idea where our hostel was. We got no wifi and no one to asked. Then came few people (who apparently drunk) approached us and asked us where did we want to go. All of us politely avoided them, but one man kept talking and offered taking us to our hostel. The longer we talked, the scarier we became of him. Then, we tried to navigate the direction by ourselves, while the old man kept following us.
Finally, we found a store that was still open and the owner helped us and told us that the old (drunk) man could help us find the direction with a cost. With his guarantee, we were taken to our hostel and the receptionist helped settling the final cost with the guy. But of course, after some word-exchange in Spanish. My advice, never take night bus to Chefchaouen, unless you travel in group, and you get your accommodation address figured out perfectly. It’s because the road in Old Madina is very narrow, and hard to navigate. Not to mention some men trying to take advantages of lost visitors.
Also, please be careful with touts anywhere in the city. Some may offer low-quality accommodation on extra cost to get their share, and some may bring you to their home to offer stash of marijuana. It is best to say no at the beginning. (source: wiki voyage)
Our time at Chefchaouen
When the morning came, we were happy to take a stroll In chaouen Madina. The madina afterall, is the main attractions of Chaouen. The narrow street and beautifully painted walls are a gift to sore eyes. We passed through the alleyways, trying our best to remember every nooks and turn so as not to get lost. Our destination was a lookout point near hotel Atlas (that’s what they say) where the whole madina can be seen. Things would have been perfect if not for the rain that poured the city all day long. However, the drizzle didn’t scare us away, but we could not finish our hike to the said lookout point.
On the afternoon, we went to CTM Bus Station, ready to catch a bus to Fes. Although Chaouen to us had been a rough start, it was ended on a beautiful remark. We couldn’t wait of what waiting for us at Fes. So far, not a day goes by without a “surprise” 😉
