Visiting Morocco was not only my first time to Morocco, but also my first time to the continent of Africa! I was so excited to explore this new place and it was one of my favorite trips in a while because it was totally different. I only spent time in Marrakesh and hiking up the gorgeous Atlas Mountains, and know there is so much more to see.
When I arrived, I was dropped off literally in the middle of the bustling street markets in Marrakesh. Donkeys were pulling pallets full of bananas and mint, guys on scooters were wizzzing by and the noise from the chatter was distracting. I made a left and then a right into a small street and then it was silent. We knocked on a wide and short black door and we entered an oasis. It was our Riad (hotel). There are hundreds of Riads, this is definitely the way to stay!
As you enter, you must duck because the doors are short. But then once you are inside its magical. Most Riads are set up with the rooms along the outside and the middle area open with a pool and big chairs to lounge in. The architecture in teh Riad and everywhere in Marrakesh was amazing. Every detail of every shape and color was true to the typical Moroccan style. And most of it was original. Hundreds of years old.
If you have visited Morocco before you know the food is to die for. I mostly ate in the Riads, its like getting a home cooked meal. Plus food in restaurants wasn't as good as the Riad and there are only tourists because locals either go to a locals only spot or they cook at home. The tagine (meat slowly cooked in a clay tent looking pot) and the salads (cooked vegetables with spices) were so delicious. The famous 28 spices is made with many of the foods and its really inexpensive to get at the local market and take home with you. I lived on this for 5 days and could eat more!
The street markets were a maze of foods, clothes and hand made leather. Everyone approaches you so be aware but not scared, they just want to sell you their goods.
The most striking part of my visit was the way people live (at least in the small areas I was in). Its so raw. People are literally cutting meat and hanging it right there. They are carving wood and leather right there. They are arguing on the streets because there is no other place to do it.
The other facet of Moroccan life which is hard not to notice, muslim religion is ingrained in everything. The women are fully covered up. Yes, in 100 degree weather they are wearing black burkas. The call for prayer goes off at 5:00 am (loud horn and call with speakers from the mosques). If you stay remotely near a mosque be prepared to be woken up. If you are not muslim, which I am not, its totally annoying! And finally, women are not allowed to do many of the things men are. Some people have told me Morocco is very moderized in its thinking, however I disagree. Until women have the same freedoms as men in this country, to me they are still light years behind their true potential.
My time in Morocco was fun and eye opening. I am hoping to explore more of Morocco and Africa soon.
