Glance into Morocco
Morocco has long been on my bucket list, specifically the old city of Marrakesh. The idea of a city completely frozen in time with vibrant color, food, and people always beckoned me. The city was far more enchanting than I could have imagined. With insane views and textiles unlike anything in the world, I will never forget my stay in Marrakesh during June of 2023.
After a chaotic layover consisting of last minute flight changes and sprinting through one of the world’s largest airport in Türkiye, we had finally arrived at the beautiful Casablanca train station to ride to Marrakesh.
The railway in Morocco was not only the most cost efficient way to travel the country, but also had delightful staff and accommodations.
The streets of the city were filled with cars and horse drawn carriages alike. Between nike clad teenagers egging on their four legged companions to older men flicking their cigarette while honking their taxi horn at the travellers ahead, the city seemed exhumed through the blending of time.
Check in at Riad Bellamane in central Marrakech was a dream!
We were greeted at the door with a smiling face, fresh mint tea and cookies while they talked us through a map of the city. Translations were available in French, Arabic, English and Spanish.
The majority of our time spent in Morocco was in this beautiful home. The best way to think of a Riad is a bed and breakfast, but with more privacy! The outside walls are heavily blockaded from the main streets, and inside felt like stepping into a true oasis. We had the luxury of a fresh traditional breakfast every morning, and even a sunset private dinner one night. Below the Riad was a hammam spa where I was able to undergo a full treatment. I cannot recommend this stay enough!
https://www.riadbellamane.com/en/
The following days were spent weaving throughout the souks of old Marrakesh, with the help of our printed and digital maps (thanks Apple).
While some of the younger people were eager to offer a helping hand, we had been previously cautioned to be weary of their advice. We noticed on multiple occasions that the younger locals would simply direct you the wrong way for a heafty “tip”. It is worth mentioning that not everyone was like this, and aside from those standing on the street to “help out” most of the locals were gracious with weary travellers such as us that were in unfamiliar territory.
Per usual, my favorite part of exploring the city was being a quiet bystander while locals went about their daily lives. Don’t worry, anyone who’s face was pictured gave full consent prior too. It is not an uncommon occurrence for them to ask for my information so I could send them the photo later on. I ecstatically obliged to every request.
While some of these images were taken in the winding souks of the Red City, a vast majority are taken in the main square where tourists and locals roam, Jemaa el-Fna.
Halfway through our trip, we opted for a change of pace to drive a few hours out to the Agafay Desert to stay at a locally owned camp.
The Agafay Desert Camp met every expectation.
Once again, we were greeted with fresh mint tea; however, this time we were walked through the traditional process of how it is made. After being shown to our tent, we had the afternoon to roam the property before one of the most entertaining dinners I have attended to date.
The opportunities seemed to be endless, from camel and ATV riding (although in Texas we call that “trail riddin’), to swimming and grabbing a soda and hookah at their overlook cafe. We seemed to have the desert to ourselves aside from the occasional herd being shepherded to their next destination.
https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/night-under-agafay-desert-s-stars-t441388
After a good rinse to get the dirt off our clothes and shoes, we headed back to Marrakech to explore more gardens, museums and markets. The city seemed to have endless things to see and learn about! Not to mention the thrift shopping! I have two Moroccan pillow cases currently on my favorite reading chair at home, and I love having such a gentle reminder that my trip was in fact not fiction.
The stark contrast between the walkways and the interiors of these businesses was like stepping into a different world every time.
While stepping through the doors and gates of some was full of small corridors full of lux items, others were vast communities of their own. They were full of entire orchards and tombs and places of worship. The views were striking, and the phenomenal preservation of both artifact and culture brought a whole new life to this trip.
Morocco is a place I feel I could visit over and over again. If traveling - here are a few tips to ensure a great trip!
The culture of this country is very conservative - wearing loose fitting clothing that covers your skin (especially your legs) is an easy way to show the locals that you respect the place they’re sharing with you.
While this country is vast and has nice cool weather on some beaches and snow in the mountains, it is primarily a warm climate. The best way to stay comfortable is to stick to cotton blend clothing and you can pop in any cafe for a quick glass of water for very cheap! I try to not bring my personal bottles with me when traveling so I have the excuse to interact with more locals and support their businesses!
Tipping is customary in Morocco, and many people in the main squares of the popular attractions will expect tips for any advice or pictures. The best rule of thumb here is - if you don’t want to tip, don’t interact with a vendor.
My last and most important tip is this: We are just travelers in an environment that does not owe us anything. Stay respectful to the culture you are a tourist in, and always ask before taking a photo! Memories are the most beautiful when they were captured with kindness. Thank you for reading about my adventure! Tag #RememberTheAdventure in your next travel post so I can read all about yours!
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
Amelia Earhart
