Why Morocco?

Donkeys, the work horses

... because you'll never forget it! Morocco is a land of colour, style, and culture. You can experience a truly exotic environment for a reasonable price. Wake up to the 'call to prayer,' donkeys braying or camels grumbling. And last but not least - the people. They are friendly, helpful and welcoming.

Gorgeous metal work

Fancy doorways

The hotels and guest houses all over Morocco have such character - it is difficult to find a 'cookie cutter' hotel. Lights are fancy wrought iron delights that sprinkle light across the ceilings and walls. Bright colourful cushions and poufs are in every room. Hand carved wood and inlaid tables abound. Craftsmanship is evident in every building and every piece of furniture. All of this is why I love Morocco. There is an attack on your senses everywhere, but it is not a destructive storm, just an overwhelming stimulation of your existing senses.

Markets and shopping

Ceramics for sale

No matter what you like doing, you can probably find it in Morocco. You can ski in the mountains near Marrakech, windsurf in the ocean, mountain climb, trek the Atlas Mountains for 6 days straight ending with the summit of Mount Toubkal or take a camel into the Sahara desert for a sleep-over. Your whole holiday will be unforgettable, a once in a lifetime trip. The Moroccans love to share their amazing food and culture and their spices and readily share legends and home-made cures. I love their carpets and the stories that they tell. You might run into a blue Tuareg nomad or an aged Berber herdsman, even if you stay in the larger towns. The women are quiet and are harder to get to know, but they are gentle and welcoming. And the food!?! Fabulous!

The shopping is unbeatable - spices, pottery, leather goods, engraved copper, silver jewelry, clothing, paintings or even ancient fossils. You can buy iron furniture with tile mosaics on the surfaces. You can even design your own furniture if you find the right company. But my favourite of all are the carpets. Thus I have a separate section about their carpets.

Copper work, Fez

You can wander the souks, or markets, until you find that perfect gift.... or taste the fabulous food for which Morocco has become famous. I have not met anyone that has NOT enjoyed their trip to Morocco (but of course there will be someone :)

Now - I must say at this point that if you are new at travelling, Morocco might be a challenge. There a number of people that have had bad experiences and were ripped off and scammed. Women are known to get harassed by men. The first time I went to Morocco I was younger and was harassed more.... everyone wanted to 'buy' me for a number of camels or goats. Ha! Ha! I am not taken in by that these days. It gets old really fast.

Night market, Marrakech

Nowadays I don't do small talk with men in the medina. I focus on the guide or my guide book and will only be really friendly when I am IN a shop and very interested in their product. Women alone can be harassed more and that is why I stay in my space. I have been harassed many times and in one case I was followed. I went on the offence and yelled at him to stop following me and he went running! Not everyone can do that.

Lanterns for sale

I have worn a fake wedding ring in the Marrakech medina, to make them think twice about bothering me. They noticed the ring

immediately and looked for my husband. Some asked if he will be coming... do I have to ask him for permission to shop? Am I shopping for him? ... It worked for me! These scary experiences are rare though and most of my interactions with the people have been awesome. On the train to Casablanca from Fez, a man with a family decided my friend and I needed to be taken care of. He told us to be careful and there were men that might try to steal from us. He and his family shared their meal with us and on arrival they waited until we were in a taxi before they left. You wouldn't see that in many other countries. It showed the goodness of people.

Alley stores in Morocco

I have many countries under my belt and have lots of tricks to stay safe.... and I am not so gullible anymore. That being said, I don't put myself into situations that could be questionable and do not go out alone at night - and all the other reasonable precautions that should be part of your normal behaviour. Friends have said I'm paranoid, and maybe I am - but it doesn't stop me from travelling and helps me get out there and enjoy the world and what it has to offer.;)

I travelled a lot in Morocco since I lived there as a teacher for two years. I visited it with a friend before I got the job and we back-packed around the whole country. We took the bus or train to get around and then booked tours if we wanted to go somewhere specific. Morocco is fairly easy to get around and buses and trains are reasonable.