Thoughts from Morocco (Finally!) | EverydayAdventure

I can’t believe that it’s been four months since I got back from Morocco. I had so many pictures, video clips, and thoughts that I didn’t even know where to begin. Going through over 4,000 photos and videos is just totally overwhelming, but I managed to do it.

I edited a video together of my favorite clips from my time in Morocco, which you can see below. A picture is worth a thousand words, and I think this video covers just about everything that happened there. It’s a little different style than I usually put together when I vlog, so I hope you like it.

Some thoughts:

This was the first time that I went by myself to a place where there were huge stretches of the trip where zero locals spoke English. Everyone was very friendly, and I never felt unsafe, but it can be difficult to feel like such an outsider. This is the first time this had ever happened to me. It added to the adventure, and I’m grateful for that. The first day that I was in Casablanca by myself, I was incredibly nervous and had a hard time getting around.

This was also my first trip to a predominantly Muslim country. No one was unkind to me, but there is still an expectation to dress modestly and defer to men. I was treated differently depending on whether or not I was with a man, and if my hair was covered. In the more tourist-y areas, this wasn’t an issue, but in places that were less accustomed to tourists, there was an expectation of how women should dress and act.

I also didn’t do any research before I went. Whoops. I didn’t realize that most people speak French. This was a total benefit for me. There were times when this saved me from getting terribly lost, and also helped me with shopping. In the areas where French is less common, they speak Berber. In these areas, our tour guide, Abdullah, was totally invaluable. He spoke Berber, French, Arabic, and English, and he made this trip a thousand times better. He was worth every penny. I highly recommend getting a guide, especially if you’re straying from the city, or want to explore the markets in Fez. You will get lost without one.

This was also a large culture shock. People there are just poorer. Fancy multi-course dinners with alcohol (hard to get in some places) would be less than $25. You could get a full meal from a street vendor for $2. We met several people who had nothing. They lived nomadic lifestyles, and had no money, only 50 sheep. They’re still incredibly friendly and generous of their time, their homes, and their hospitality. It doesn’t matter how poor these people are, they would always invite you into their home for a glass of mint tea.

Overall, my Moroccan experience was really excellent. I had an amazing tour group for part of the trip. Group travel is hard, and I’m lucky that I met so many great people. It’s not somewhere that many people travel, and I think that more people should go. It’s certainly an experience, but a good one.

I’d love it if you’d check out my video, because it really is easier to visualize than describe. J

Where should I travel to next? I’m looking for somewhere unique, that not everyone visits, and beautiful. Let me know your thoughts!