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Our five hour tourist visa to Tangier, Morocco sped by something akin to a non-stop thrill ride. I guess I shouldn't be surprised when culture shock hits straight on, that familiar love/hate relationship, the dance of emotion when experiencing a new and very different people and place

So many conflicts-
the thrill of new, the shock of unknown.
the sweet and savory delightful scents of spices and cooking, the sudden and unexpected putrid odor of garbage.
the charm of street vendors, the absolutely overwhelming experience of being accosted without ceasing.
the desire to buy goods and support local merchants and businesses, the frustration of bargaining and haggling and never feeling like we know what is just.
the curiosity of staircases and alleyways and turns and corners, the panic of being completely disoriented.
the tastes of native food, the wondering of what you might be eating.
the marvel towards ancient tradition, the questions of "why" lingering for those of  not familiar.
the surge of energy as the day begins, the utter exhaustion as it finishes.

All that, and still, I'd be return again in a heartbeat.

(please click here for more photos from Tangier, Morocco)