Dear Diary,
//Marrakesh, Morocco
Don’t ask me how but my last post was deleted. So as a quick recap, we landed in Morocco! Adi says it’s the Italy of Africa with all the Vespas and motorcycles flying by, which I find the perfect metaphor for this country. I am convinced the greatest danger to this country is getting run over by a Vespa because you’re often sharing a road or sidewalk with them. Honestly, I was most shocked by how many women drove (and how relentless they were at it). Lastly, my first impressions had me shocked at how many stray cats exist in the city. I would be flabbergasted if the cats of Marrakesh didn’t already have their own Instagram page.
I was reminded again and again how glad I am to live in a country that has air conditioning in 100 degree weather. But alas we do not let the heat tear down our ambitions to visit every nook and cranny of the colorful souks. The 2nd day we started off the day by visiting Bacha Coffee. Now I know better than to join the masses when I see a huge queue of girls with iPhones and matching sets, but too many good things was said about this place not to try it out. And thank goodness for that! This coffee place is a museum of arabica flavors. Pick any country in the coffee belt and they will most likely have something from there! After a quick nap, because one must do like the Moroccans do, we headed off and got lost in the souks. This is where this sort of backpack traveling really bites you in the butt, because the room for souvenirs is highly limited. Anything you can think of, you can probably find it. Spices, textures, “original fakes”, yup you name it. The best part is when you see a little old man working in his workshop to build the pieces he so desperately hopes catches the eye of a consumer.
But the real winner of that day is this little food place that literally has no name. Because trust me if would I would share it with the world. Yesterday, Adi and I were walking around the town and saw locals surrounding it. We bookmarked it and made a promise to go back to it today. Hidden on the outskirts of the souks, it has a very simple menu. Nobody speaks English and it was only due to this kind gentleman that ordered for that we were able to get what we did! He ordered the chicken, bean dish, harissa, roasted garlic, and some olives. Simple, but well done. Overall this will go down as one of my favorite places I’ve ever eaten.
That night we went out to the main plaza, Jemaa el-Fna. If you thought Vegas was the city that never sleeps, then this plaza gives it a run for its money. Around 1 pm the plaza is relatively empty. Halfway through the afternoon , the merchants come and build up their tents EVERY single day. I’m talking full on duct taping every bracket and pole to each other. By sunset, there are over one hundred different food spots one after another. You can’t walk more than 5 feet without somebody trying to guess your nationality.
“Hablas español? Tenemos un pollo!”…. “Parle vous Francés???? Escargot..”
The options were limitless. Essentially the Cheesecake Factory on crack. On the outskirts, there were groups of snake charmers or little monkeys you can snag a photo with. Neither of these options intrigued Adi and I very much, so we had a snail dish and an egg sandwich before deciding we were exhausted!
Now, unfortunately the next day did not bring in the same level of excitement as the first as Adi got food poisoning! Fun fact, Morroco is the 8th most likely country you will get food poisoning in. Luckily enough, we were loaded on Pepto Bismal.
But not to fret because the next day he was back on his feet, and we were off to the Atlas Mountains. In Morroco, you have two languages and cultures coexist. One being the Arabic culture and the other being the Berber, the original inhabitants of the region. This group of people were originally nomads that let their sheep and goats guide their travels. From an outside perspective, I saw many similarities between the Berber and the Arabics. There was a strong emphasis on the family (particularly the children) and social relationships!
Anyway that concludes all the exciting parts of the trip!
Overall Thoughts on Morroco
Tips and Tricks:
You have to leave your drone at the airport and register it beforehand. Don’t try to sneak it in because there’s checks on checked baggages too.
If you walk through the streets, you’ll see a lot of “print your boarding pass here” signs. Before you start making fun of the old farts, Morroco requires you to have your boarding passes printed so they can stamp and verify them. Why? Who the heck knows.
I highly recommend the bus! If you get Line 11 or 12 vs 19, you’ll save $5 (which in Morroco street food is 2 meals)
Stay in a Riad.
Story from a friend we met on the trip: If somebody wants to guide you to your destination, don’t follow them. The Medina is a full out maze, and they will guide you astray and then ask for money.
Perfect amount of days? We felt the 4 days was perfect enough of us ! There is only so many palaces and souks you can go to where they all start looking the same …
Alrighty good night!
Daia
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