To most Europeans the word is associated with Hashish, rugs, green tea, spicy food, brass works, but more negatively- graft, prostitution, disappeared tourists, rape and illegal immigration. Tell a European that you are planning to travel to Morocco and they will strongly caution you against it, most probably providing you with a livid tale of someone that got arrested, raped, or detained for no reason by the police.
Many people begin their Travel in Morocco by landing in Tangiers.
While this is the most convenient way of entry for those coming from Europe, it is also the one most likely to give you a skewed vision of Morocco and its people. Tangiers is Morocco sin city, it is as much a reflection of Morocco as Times Square is a reflection of the United States. While for some Tangiers is a hell and for others it is an adventure, for all it leaves an indelible impression. Tangiers is a port city, and like any other, here is where one finds the slickest grifters, vilest pimps, rudest people, and greatest poverty. They will say and do anything to get you to follow them.