Polski
The delicate scent of mint and rose oils, with the gnawing stench of cat excrement and burnt oil in the background. Entering Morocco, the division between enthusiasts and enemies of Moroccan culture becomes apparent. The growing popularity of the African Orient is linked to easily accessible flights and relatively cheap sightseeing. However, few people realize what traveling and living in Moroccan culture is really like. The following text and photos from Morocco come from Natalia, a young journalist and GentleWoman reader who combines her passions with extraordinary energy – this time she takes us on a journey to Morocco.
Table of Contents:
- The contrasts of life in Morocco
- Morocco and the culture of trade
- Security in Morocco
- Prices in Morocco
- Woman in Morocco
- A trip to Morocco – yes or no?
The contrasts of life in Morocco
A trip to Morocco is sure to change previous perceptions of Africa. The desert’s rugged landscapes are only a small part of what the country really hides. Going to the coast, especially around Agadir, you can experience an atmosphere similar to that known from European resorts. The beautiful beaches and ideal weather conditions are a surfer’s paradise. The coast also offers less active recreation like strolling along the promenade, catching the sun’s rays on sandy beaches, and sipping drinks in exclusive bars in the evening. A stay in this area is likely to meet expectations and will more than likely appeal to visitors.
Marrakech is sure to provide an intense cultural experience. The city is bathed in orange colors, and its main attraction is the old Medina, where the historic heart of the former royal capital beats. The Jami al-Fana, or market square, can leave visitors stunned. Trade plays first fiddle there, and locals do anything that will make them a profit. An example of this is the trained monkeys and snakes that traders say are an attraction for tourists. Traffic on the streets is unusually heavy, and traffic regulations there are unfamiliar. There is a high probability of finding yourself in a traffic jam involving donkeys, between which beggars will stroll, hoping for cash. Locals describe Marrakech as the most chaotic and unsafe place in the tourist part of Morocco.
An obligatory point when traveling in Morocco is a trip to the desert. It is said that a night spent in the desert is worth the extra kilometers that have to be traveled for this purpose. The journey begins with camels leading tourists to a real Moroccan encampment. On site, huge, decorated tents and a hot Tajin await visitors. There is an opportunity to take amazing photos at sunset, watching the camels stroll by from afar. A popular attraction is surfing the sand dunes with breaks to sip traditional Berber whisky tea. Before bed, campers join together for a magical bonfire with live Moroccan music.
The north of the country is the landscape that most surprises visitors. On the way to the city of Fez, the views change drastically. During the journey , one can experience the Mediterranean climate through a green landscape bathed in bright sunshine. The onward route offers an intense cultural experience through Moroccan villages, where indigenous people still live in stone houses. Soon after, the landscape changes to the suburbs of a large city. In between, a trap is left in the form of monkeys, which are a tourist attraction. When traveling to the northern areas of Morocco, be prepared for variable and cooler temperatures.
Morocco and the culture of trade
The greatest boast and at the same time the bane of Moroccan culture is the highly developed trade. It is what ensures the prosperity and fills the days of the locals. You can find everything from pottery to live chickens in the markets called souks. An interesting place is the backs of the aforementioned souks, where artisans there make leather accessories, shoes or clothes with their own hands. It can be useful in Morocco to know how to haggle, because this is what the sales there are based on. Unfortunately, Moroccans very often see tourists as walking wallets and greatly inflate their prices. Market squares are filled with traders who dishonestly try to make money. A popular method is used by women with henna, which involves painting a dot on a tourist’s hand. They do this despite objections, then demand money for it. In such places, it is advisable to keep your eyes open and always politely refuse.
Security
For a trip to Morocco you need to be specially prepared. The first rule is – trust no one. Moroccans very often offer assistance that comes with a fee. This is popular behavior, especially with young locals. They inform tourists that the road is closed by ongoing prayers. In this way they drag tourists into further alleys and extort money. It is very important to thank them culturally for the help offered and ask them to leave. When choosing a lodging, you should indicate that the host should go out to pick up guests, he should describe his appearance and give his name and distinguishing marks. In this way you can verify the identity of the person who offers his assistance. Without this procedure, it may turn out that someone else wants to lead the tourist to his property. Of course, you should not treat every person you meet as a potential threat.
Prices
Morocco is the perfect place for a huge experience at a low price. The most expensive part of the trip is the flights. Direct travel even in the off-season is not among the cheapest and does not enter the definition of budget flying. By choosing flights with a connecting flight, you can save even a few hundred zlotys! When planning a tour of Morocco, you should get a car, and its rental is much cheaper than in Europe. It is worth remembering to choose rental companies with positive reviews, preferably in larger cities. Accommodation even in Marrakech in a good standard is the cost even less than PLN 100 per night. A very popular option are riadу – or Moroccan guesthouses. These are private houses converted into mini-hotels. They are characterized by courtyards with gardens and pools in the middle of the building and a roof terrace with views of the medina. The price of accommodation usually includes a Moroccan breakfast. In the low season, prices are absurdly cheap, and you can even look for a place to sleep overnight. Attractions in Morocco are mostly free or the cost is low. A big problem for the country and tourists are people who stand in front of the entrance to free places and pretend to be security guards collecting the fee.
Woman in Morocco
Morocco, despite its liberal attitude, is a predominantly Muslim country, so the social behavior of Moroccans may differ from European standards. The people there represent different lifestyles. Older women live by the rules in which they were raised, while younger generations draw much from European patterns. There is much talk about dress among women. On the street you can find people dressed in hijab, as well as in short, colorful dresses. A large number of tourists do not pay attention to unwritten rules and treat fashion very individually. It is advisable not to draw attention to the male sex and provide mental comfort. This can be done by dressing more modestly. The masculine culture of Morocco can be seen when visiting a restaurant or bar. When going to an establishment, there is little chance of meeting another woman there. According to the recommendations of the authorities, you should avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the old districts of cities, and it is best to travel to Morocco in the company of others. Regardless of the country and the religion in it, all safety rules should be observed.
Yes or no?
When embarking on a tour of Morocco, don’t set your sights on relaxation. Regardless of the form of sightseeing and the places chosen, it is likely to be a challenging adventure. Cultural differences, although beautiful at times, can cause fatigue and irritation. This country is a constant chaos in which one must learn to function. Some people love it, others hate it. The key to learning about yourself and your preferences is to travel and explore the world. It is worth awakening curiosity and visiting Morocco before it becomes a popular tourist destination among Europeans.
