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By Amanda Mouttaki
I’ve called Morocco home for the last four years, and spent nearly a decade before that visiting regularly. The first time I arrived, I was a young girl intrigued by the promise of something completely different than the world I had known. Little did I know this country would become a major part of the rest of my life. Morocco is a place of contrasts and extremes. It’s a destination that challenges what you know, or what you think you know, and almost always leaves a lasting impact.
I think people are most surprised to discover the variety of experiences available in Morocco. This country is so much more than sand dunes and camels! In fact, the desert is a very small part of Morocco. You can ski in the mountains, go on amazing hikes, surf in the Atlantic Ocean, or dance the night away in clubs across the city. But, you also can have amazing experiences with Moroccan people, and it’s those experiences that make Morocco a special place to me.
I’ll never forget one Ramadan at the end of the fasting day, when my husband and I were walking to our car. An elderly man passed by and took my hand pressing a date inside and whispering a blessing to me. This simple gesture and the look in his eyes was what will always stay with me. It also was representative of the country as a whole; sharing what you have with a stranger passing by.
Morocco is full of small surprises like this. However, I’ve often heard travelers are very wary of even interacting with local people because of “horror stories” they have heard. My advice is don’t be so wary that you miss the chance to have a very meaningful experience. There are good and bad people everywhere and if you are overly cautious you really will miss having genuine, authentic experiences.
Any opportunity you have to meet with locals, whether that’s being invited to a home for a meal or tea, or simply witnessing life happen, is a chance for you to experience something more than the surface. The first time I came to Morocco, my sister met a young man in the souk of Marrakech and asked him to meet us later. He brought along a friend who I happened to have a strong connection with. We’ve now been married for twelve years thanks to that chance encounter and willingness to be open and share a cup of tea with his family.
Women who are traveling to Morocco have extra concerns and questions, especially when it comes to safety. This is understandable as there is so much in the news about this region of the world. But, fear not! Morocco is a very safe place, no more dangerous than Europe or North America. If you plan to visit here are a few things to keep in mind to make your trip more enjoyable.
- Being street smart in Morocco is the same as in other countries. Opt for a cross-body bag to protect your valuables and keep them close at all times.
- It is very rare that a man will ever physically touch you. However, you should expect to experience catcalling. The best way to deal with this is to ignore the person. However, if you feel threatened find the nearest police officer and report the incident.
- Clothing is always a hot topic. The reality is you can wear whatever you want in Morocco – and you will see a wide variety of clothing choices. It is advisable to stick to more modest styles and avoid wearing short shorts or skirts, belly-baring shirts, and strappy tank tops. The reality is the less you wear, the more attention you will attract.
- If you are lost, instead of asking a young man on the street, step into a shop or ask a woman for directions. Loitering young men are usually looking to make some quick money “helping” tourists. But, shopkeepers and women out and about have no ulterior motive.
One last bit of advice to add to your travel arsenal is to learn a little bit of Moroccan Arabic to help you make your way. It’s true many people in Morocco speak French but the further you are outside of the cities, the fewer people you will find who do speak French. Plus, knowing a little bit of the local dialect goes a long way.
Source: gogobot.com