Morocco is located in the northwestern corner of Africa, just across the Rock of Gibraltar from Spain. That close connection to Europe has served Morocco in many different capacities, for example as an escape route for Jews, Muslims and other persecuted peoples during the Inquisition. And currently, a starting point for millions of Moroccan migrant workers who spend several months a year earning a living in Europe.
What is so beautiful about Morocco is that the culture of medieval times is still intact. For example, the city of Fez is about 1,220 years old and is home to the oldest functioning university in the world. It also has the largest car-free area in the world (because the streets were built for donkeys and are too small for cars!). In every imperial city, you’ll find donkey carts, horses and buggies, and the occasional camel too!
Most of the men dress in the traditional Arab “djellaba”, which is a kind of coat worn over normal clothing. Many women wear a similar garment called a “kaftan.”
Except in the High Atlas Mountains, it rarely falls below freezing point. And so, if you experience winter in Marrakech, you will see orange groves full of fruit and centuries-old palm trees, while in the background the High Atlas Mountains are covered in snow against a cobalt blue sky. It is unbelievably beautiful!
A trip to the Sahara desert should be on everyone’s agenda, as the camel ride through the dunes at sunset is truly unforgettable, something you will relive throughout your life. I never met a camel I didn’t like!
Perhaps you have never tried Moroccan food? Like tagine, bastille or couscous? Along with a wide variety of breads, olives, and fruit, I find this kitchen to be fresh and delicious…they really know how to make a satisfying meal. I think I gained about 5 pounds on our 2 week trip! And of course, a delicious mint tea!
I have to recommend one hotel in particular, just outside of Marrakech. It is called Kasbah Omar and it was SO beautiful and so peaceful! It’s nestled on a mountain, in the middle of a Berber village, so you’re really into the culture…and I found the Berbers to be very fun loving, all smiles and eager to learn English. The rooms were just splendid, and the staff seemed to be waiting for us to order another orange juice, or wine, or whatever we needed! And what a VIEW! wow! Also, we took a traditional Moroccan bath while we were there, it’s called a hammam, and it was just lovely.
One thing I realised, a bit late, was that if I wanted to bring a little gift for the kids, a bunch of toothbrushes would have been perfect. Next time!
It’s impossible to pick a favorite thing about Morocco: the endlessly flowing wine, the delicious food, the beautiful accommodations, the soulful people, the delicious tea, the snake charmers in Marrakech, so I won’t!
But I will recommend a top tier travel agency that specializes in customized private car and driver tours in Morocco. It’s called Distinctive Travel International (www.distinctive-travel.com) and these people do a great incredible worked! I didn’t have a care in the world while I was there; they thought of everything! Clean, reliable, friendly, polite, fun, and great with kids. I couldn’t say enough about what a great job they did for our vacation!
So if you want to travel to a completely different place, I HIGHLY recommend MOROCCO!
