After months of preparation and anticipation, we finally embarked on our first major worldschooling journey on February 7th. We left Toronto on a direct Royal Air Maroc flight to Casablanca, where we took the sleek Al Boraq high-speed train to Tangier—a journey that seemed to fly by in a blur of excitement, exhaustion, and, in my case, feeling a little under the weather. Packing up our home and making sure everything was set for this adventure had been overwhelming, but the moment we arrived in Tangier, I felt something I hadn’t expected: a profound sense of calm.

Tangier, often called the “Cape of Africa,” is a city with layers of history and culture. It’s the northernmost city in Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, and it has long served as a gateway between Europe and Africa. Its significance is not just geographical but also cultural. Tangier has been home to explorers, artists, and writers from all over the world. Most notably, it’s the birthplace of the legendary traveler Ibn Battuta, a name that holds special meaning for anyone on a journey of exploration.

Who Was Ibn Battuta?

Ibn Battuta was one of the greatest travelers in human history—a 14th-century explorer who set out from Tangier and spent nearly 30 years traveling the world, covering more than 70,000 miles. His journey took him across North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, India, Southeast Asia, and even China. He documented his travels in “Rihla”, a travelogue that gives us a detailed account of the cultures, landscapes, and people he encountered. His curiosity, resilience, and adventurous spirit resonate deeply with the idea of worldschooling.

For us, worldschooling is a way of learning through experiences, new cultures, and real-world connections. Ibn Battuta’s legacy reminds us of the value of being open to the unknown and learning through travel. He didn’t just study maps or read about distant lands—he lived them. And that’s what we hope to give our children: a life where the world becomes their classroom.

Settling into Tangier

It’s been a week now since we arrived, and while the transition hasn’t been entirely smooth, we’re finding our rhythm. The first few days were a bit of a blur. The kids struggled to adjust to the new time zone, especially with blackout blinds that tricked us into sleeping in way too late. I confess, the tiredness and jet lag hit hard, but there’s something comforting about being here. It’s hard to describe, but there’s a different kind of safety I feel here—a calmness that I can’t quite put into words. Perhaps it’s being in a Muslim country, where the call to prayer is a familiar sound, or the welcoming nature of the people.

Tangier is a blend of languages and cultures. Arabic and French dominate, but in this touristy coastal city, you’ll also hear snippets of Spanish and English. The people are kind and warm, making us feel at home despite the unfamiliar surroundings. We’re just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, and it’s become part of our daily routine to take a stroll there. Our little one loves the ponies and the battery-powered cars near the promenade, while the older kids soak in the cultural nuances and new experiences around every corner.

The weather has been perfect—sunny and pleasant, with just the right amount of sea breeze. The food has been a highlight, too. We’ve tried the famous tajine and already fallen into at least one tourist trap in the Medina. Still, it’s part of the experience, and we’re learning as we go.

Adjusting to Our New Reality

We’ve rented an Airbnb for a month here, but we’re not sure if we’ll stay the whole time. For now, we’re focused on adjusting—both to this new environment and to the slower pace that comes with long-term travel. After the rush and stress of leaving home, there’s something beautiful about giving ourselves the time and space to just be. The kids are finding their groove, and I’m reminded that settling into a new place takes patience, especially with little ones in tow.

Not everything is perfect—our middle one is feeling a bit under the weather now—but we’re taking it slow and letting our surroundings work their magic. Tangier is showing us that worldschooling is not just about grand adventures or checking off destinations on a map. It’s about finding joy in the everyday moments, learning to adapt, and realizing that the best experiences often come when you least expect them.

Here’s to the next chapter of our journey. Wherever it takes us, I’m grateful for this beginning—for Ibn Battuta’s inspiration, the calm of Tangier, and the chance to show our kids that the world is a vast and beautiful classroom.