My experience in this African-Spanish city is extremely limited. It's possible that things have changed in the past 50 years. But it's in the news, so I thought I'd try to get a column out of it
I have been to Ceuta more times than I could count. Many of my friends were born there and we have gone to visit their families. I also go sometimes when I want to go to Tetouan or Chefchaouen. I have had great food there and have been to a couple beautiful beaches. The people were always friendly.
Definitely not going there now but it is only because of the unrest and not the city. Melilla is also nice to visit.
Margaret, you've made me want to give Ceuta another chance. Thanks for your descriptive comments. But like you, I'll wait until after the present situation dies away.
Just checked out your book! It looks great. Reminded me of when I hitchhiked from Granada to Algeciras to go to Morocco about thirty years ago. I always mean to write that story down!
You're the only person in my acquaintance (digital as it may be in your case) to claim to have been to Ceuta; the closest I've ever come myself is Seville (which is closer than I realized after looking at a map but still not close enough to matter by any reasonable measure). Anyhow, my only relevant comment has to do with the "GeoCities refugee" vibe coming off your counter-narrative link. I can't imagine you invested a lot of effort in your search, but if that was your best outcome then...dayum. Still waiting for my paradigm to be shifted away from "Godforsaken geopolitical hellhole."
This is the funniest bit, “Please note: To avoid being murdered in my sleep by angry rogue Ceutanos, I offer you this counter-narrative.” And the link.
I shall consider myself forewarned! Different circumstances and topography entirely, but I had a similar experience in Malaga. I sometimes wonder if my recollections have treated that city unfairly. Not sure if I'll ever find out!
I’ve been in Ceuta too. But here the question is the how several tens of thousands gathered at the very same day. Were they watching tv and suddenly thought ok let’s go… no way just people from the surroundings suddenly decided that move
A confluence of circumstances, it seems, George. A misinterpretation of a recent Spanish Supreme Court decision, lax border security in Morocco due to a holiday, and a viral social media rumor—they all came together. That's as I understand the situation.
Ceuta is a duty free port. People can avoid the 21% IVA ( sales tax) in Spain. Strict limits are allowed going back into Spain. Some smaller local Ceuta tax may apply.
You paint a better verbal picture of Ceuta than most news articles---what a place to be stranded!
I understand about the ferries not running--when we were in Tangier in 1987, waiting to take a ferry to Spain, we were told that the ferries had been canceled for many days prior due to rough seas. At least, our ferry did make it, so we could continue our schedule, but my seasick prone spouse barely made it---standing on deck, with a neck patch, turning green.....not exactly Mr. Hercules!!!!!
I have been to Ceuta more times than I could count. Many of my friends were born there and we have gone to visit their families. I also go sometimes when I want to go to Tetouan or Chefchaouen. I have had great food there and have been to a couple beautiful beaches. The people were always friendly.
Definitely not going there now but it is only because of the unrest and not the city. Melilla is also nice to visit.
Margaret, you've made me want to give Ceuta another chance. Thanks for your descriptive comments. But like you, I'll wait until after the present situation dies away.
Just checked out your book! It looks great. Reminded me of when I hitchhiked from Granada to Algeciras to go to Morocco about thirty years ago. I always mean to write that story down!
And I would read that story! If only to compare notes...
Yes, I would wait a bit. Sad to say.
You're the only person in my acquaintance (digital as it may be in your case) to claim to have been to Ceuta; the closest I've ever come myself is Seville (which is closer than I realized after looking at a map but still not close enough to matter by any reasonable measure). Anyhow, my only relevant comment has to do with the "GeoCities refugee" vibe coming off your counter-narrative link. I can't imagine you invested a lot of effort in your search, but if that was your best outcome then...dayum. Still waiting for my paradigm to be shifted away from "Godforsaken geopolitical hellhole."
So good
This is the funniest bit, “Please note: To avoid being murdered in my sleep by angry rogue Ceutanos, I offer you this counter-narrative.” And the link.
I shall consider myself forewarned! Different circumstances and topography entirely, but I had a similar experience in Malaga. I sometimes wonder if my recollections have treated that city unfairly. Not sure if I'll ever find out!
I’ve been in Ceuta too. But here the question is the how several tens of thousands gathered at the very same day. Were they watching tv and suddenly thought ok let’s go… no way just people from the surroundings suddenly decided that move
A confluence of circumstances, it seems, George. A misinterpretation of a recent Spanish Supreme Court decision, lax border security in Morocco due to a holiday, and a viral social media rumor—they all came together. That's as I understand the situation.
Sure, just a bunch of tens of thousand people doesn’t surge from under the stones
Ceuta is a duty free port. People can avoid the 21% IVA ( sales tax) in Spain. Strict limits are allowed going back into Spain. Some smaller local Ceuta tax may apply.
You sound like someone who knows where to find a bargain!
Nice to meet @margaretgypsy and learn more about Ceuta for a future visit. So glad you kept your old diaries!
And, the situation is extremely sad to observe from afar.
You paint a better verbal picture of Ceuta than most news articles---what a place to be stranded!
I understand about the ferries not running--when we were in Tangier in 1987, waiting to take a ferry to Spain, we were told that the ferries had been canceled for many days prior due to rough seas. At least, our ferry did make it, so we could continue our schedule, but my seasick prone spouse barely made it---standing on deck, with a neck patch, turning green.....not exactly Mr. Hercules!!!!!
You are indeed the only person I know who has been to Ceuta
Told ya!