Have you been to Morocco yet? They have the most amazing food! The best couscous you will ever try! You can find the coolest things at souk markets! Make sure to try the tea! Maybe consider bringing back an authentic rug! Oh, but you really shouldn't go alone if you're a girl... Good luck going as a blonde American! Be careful with your purse, pickpocketing is notorious there! Make sure to cover yourself up whenever you go outside. The people will definitely take advantage of you because you don't speak their language...
I had always heard mixed things about this country. From the photos, I knew I had to see the vibrant markets, experience the incredible mosques and taste the delicious food in person. From the stories I had heard however, I was hesitant about going as a woman, being American, and not speaking the language. So, what was I to do? Well, life has a funny little way of manifesting certain things to you when you least expect it.
When I first moved to Madrid in 2017, I rented a room in five bedroom apartment before arrival. I knew two of my four housemates going into the year, but the other two were a mystery. As I rolled (dragged really, after ten flights of stairs do to lack of an elevator in our building), I was faced with my two other new housemates: a nice young girl from New York, and another lovely young girl from, you guessed it, Morocco.
My new Moroccan friend and I hit it off during the first week of living together. We had such fun times in Madrid and made endless memories right in our living room. But when she suggested that she, my other housemate and I spend the Easter holidays traveling around her country visiting her all favorite cities staying with friends and family along the way, I couldn't believe it. Not only was this the answer to all my questions, dreams and concerns about visiting Morocco, but I was going to be able to do it with two of my newest best friends, and didn't hurt that one was fluent in Arabic.
Come along as I revisit our journey:
Tangier → Rabat → Kenitra → Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakesh → Rabat
Tangier
We landed, received many strange looks, and exited the airport to be slapped in the face with rain, humidity, and a slight chill. Not how I had originally imagined this iconic beach town, but I was still ready to go. The weather definitely didn't hold us back. After warming up with the biggest, most beautiful homemade plate of couscous and some classic hot mint tea with family, we ventured out to explore. We roamed the winding, crisscrossed streets (admittedly getting lost a few times), shopped through the traditional souk markets in the center of the city, and even managed to walk along the beach one afternoon when the sun peaked out where we encountered some very cute faces. We stayed at the Hotel Rembrandt, a lovely hotel with welcoming and accommodating staff and whose location made it easy and safe for us to walk wherever we wanted to go- from the well known beachfront street Boulevard Mohamed VI to the labyrinth of the old town, commonly referred to as the medina. Each city has a medina where you can find the popular souks, beautiful fountains, architecturally impressive mosques, and cozy cafes. I loved seeing older couples sitting at small tables at restaurant terraces, facing outward watching us watching them as we walked by. Everyone drinking tea or coffee. People walking up to us on the streets offering to sell us things, and my friend kindly replying 'no' in their native language, much to the vendors' surprise as she walked alongside two blonde Americans. The constant aroma of spices, the vibrant colors of the city often restrained by small tiles in a mosaic, the influence of the nearby Spanish culture, the dynamic of city mixed with beach, the narrow nameless roads- I was loving Morocco.
Rabat
We left drizzling Tangier and headed to the country's capital Rabat by train. The train was a very interesting experience, as it was crowded with people of all appearances and social classes, but luckily I was traveling with a native, and she managed to score us a private cabin. We arrived in Rabat, and while it didn't feel much different, I could definitely understand the vibe of a capital city. My friend was eager to take me to a part of the city that she knew I would love- Kasbah des Oudaias- and she was absolutely right. This historic part of town had picturesque white buildings, bright blue alleyways, waterfront restaurants, and the souk market definitely did not disappoint. Wandering down the tiny, curvy streets, sparkling gold and silver tea sets catching your eye on every corner, having to duck under the extravagant array of rugs hung above you, fresh fruit juice being squeezed in the moment, and the coolest pieces of art and clothing you will ever see. I made sure to snag some authentic pashmina scarves and a pair of traditional Moroccan house shoes called babouche. To end our first day, we went up to The View Hotel rooftop for some drinks. Ok, I get the name now. Wow, talk about the most amazing panorama of this city! Buildings, lights, life everywhere you look! We enjoyed tasty cocktails while watching the sun go down on this bustling city.
On the other day we spent in Rabat, we made it a point to see two of the most popular attractions in the city- the Hassan Tower which was the beginning works of Yacoub al-Mansour's vision of a grand mosque but was unfortunately abandoned after his death, and the famous Mausoleum of Mohamed V right next door. Both of these sites are impressive with their architecture, minute details on facades, flawlessly smooth marble floors, and the rich history behind the structures. This entire area had a holy aura about it. Everything was so beautiful and made us feel so small. I could've stared at those mosaics all day.
Kenitra
Just thirty minutes outside Rabat is cozy town of Kenitra, which happens to be where my friend is from. This stop on our journey was so special because we not only got to witness but actually experience the authentic Moroccan lifestyle. We had some of the most amazing meals cooked by her mom, one-on-one Arabic lessons with her dad at the dinner table, and a tutorial on how to make Moroccan tea from her grandmother. Her family took us all around to their favorite spots, and I have never felt a warmer welcome. Her family adopted us as family during the stay, and we created such a special bond. And, I even got to visit an authentic Moroccan hammam- I was washed, exfoliated, and moisturized by the friendliest staff at my friend's favorite hometown spa Eden Spa. That was quite an experience! After our time in Kenitra, I think we started being confused for locals ;)
Casablanca
Although this was a quick one-day stop on our Moroccan road trip, it was beautiful and necessary nonetheless. Not only is it famous for the iconic 1942 film, this modern, ever evolving destination is more than just the country's largest city. Being Morocco's chief port, Casablanca is a huge economic and business hub. There is so much life here- I swear the city doesn't sleep! The bars and restaurants were so entertaining and energetic, I almost didn't even notice the constant secondhand smoke engulfing me because yes, you can still smoke in bars here! Although we had a wonderful time out and about living the Casablanca nightlife, we made it a priority to see Hassan II Mosque, Africa's second largest mosque, before we headed on, and brilliant it was! You can literally see the minaret from miles away! It only became more grand and breathtaking the closer we got. And, we were fortunate enough to witness the Moroccan military marching across the grounds for an assembly which was quite a spectacular site. While the mosque is clearly enormous, the details are minute. The iron designs on the doors, the intricate tracery on walls and arches, and of course the kaleidoscope of mosaic tile work behind fountains. This casa blanca definitely made an impression on us.
Marrakesh
Our last stop, and some might say the best for last. Marrakesh (commonly referred to as Marrakech due to the French and Spanish spelling) is a highly sought after destination for tourists. Something about this city calls people from all over the world. A busy city full of different faces, vendors of spices, trinkets, or fruit everywhere you turn, street artists and beggars, 5 star hotels and restaurants right beside hole in the wall cafes, this city is an anomaly. I changed my mind every minute throughout our stay. I thought I knew how to describe it, then some new sight, smell or sound would flood my mind and change it. Hearing the Muslim call to prayer multiple times throughout the day made me think of the city as traditional, but the new, stylish fashion and art exhibitions made it modern. Walking through the streets, I found the city to be dirty and run-down, yet reaching the rooftop of a pristine bar overlooking Jemaa el Fna Square, I could never imagine a more beautiful sight. The Jemaa el Fna Square, is a popular attraction for visitors, and after experiencing it, I understand why. Snake charmers, live music, men with monkeys on leashes, women braiding hair and performing henna tattoos, people serving fresh smoothies and dishing out bags of nuts, spices and dried fruits, horse and carriages riding foreigners around to see it all, so many sounds and smells! This is the best place to people watch- there is always something intriguing to catch your eye that refuses you to look away. This bustling plaza is right in the heart of the medina, which means directly next to the souk market. You could spend hours in Marrakesh in general, but especially in this part of town. I highly recommend getting lost here, which is much easier than you might think.
Overall, my Moroccan road trip was one of the coolest adventures of my life. I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to travel with one of my closest friends to her hometown and see the truly authentic version of this spectacular country. The scenes, language, food and people were some of the most exotic, foreign cultural aspects I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand. It was humbling to not know anything about this country upon arrival, but after our ten days, I gained an immense amount of knowledge that I will carry with me until the next trip back to this incredible place.
Comments