Marrakech, Morocco
This year I visited Egypt, Morrocco, and Adu Dhabi all in one month to celebrate my birthday extravaganza. Morocco, Marrakesh has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. When I think of Morroco, I think of textiles, spices, prints, tea, and argan oil. So, you could only imagine my excitement to visit this country.
Where to stay
When I travel, I usually do not like staying in a traditional hotel. I stayed in a Raid in the medina of fez square, which is near the near the center of the souks and spice markets. I like Medina for its maze-like street, traditional culture, fountains, palaces, and mosques. It was a bit challenging because there are no street signs and it’s easy to get lost. Luckily my host was able to walk with me throughout the maze, and I was able to contact her when I was ready to come back. My host also arranged my tours, activities and provided me with transportation to get around outside of the Medina square.
Things to know
I like to think of myself as a safe and cautious traveler. However, I missed my flight connecting flight from Paris to Marrakesh, and I had to rebook to fly into Casablanca. This experience was probably the scariest part of my trip because I had to take a train from Casablanca to Marrakesh. There weren’t too many people that were helpful, mostly because of the language but I got the gist of it to make it to my next destination. To add some security to my travel, I purchased my train ticket in first class.
Once I arrived into Marrakesh, I contacted my host for directions. She was able to arrange a taxi cab, and that’s when my worries began to calm down. If you are ever in a case like mines, hide all of your valuable belongings. There was a guy on the train scouting for tourist to rob. I like to think there was an angel on the train because he informed me why a guy was walking throughout the first class cabin. Valuable lesson!!! Beware, be cautious and travel safely!!!
There are several souks in the Medina square, please watch out for scammers, for example, you may ask a local for directions to the market, and they will guide you towards their family market. Next, some locals may not help assist unless you tip them. The primary language is Arabic. However, French and Spanish common a language. Some of the locals speak English, but it is minimal. I suggest making a plan with your host to help you get around.
Things to do
If you are in need of a good relaxing massage, try a hammam bath, I promise you won’t regret it.
I enjoyed the Palace of Bahia and the Palace of Badhi.
Make sure you stop by the souks and the spice market. I recommend you to negotiate to get the best prices for products, spices and more.
Try traditional Moroccan Food and learn how to pour a Morrocan tea, it took me a few times, but I finally got the hang of it.
Visit the blue city: It’s about a 10 hr train ride to from Marrakesh to Chefchaouen. I suggest you can fly into Tangier which is about a 3 hrs away train ride.
Tips: Do not get into any taxi cab without discussing an agreed price.
Did anything funny happen: Yes! I went to the market to get some fresh argon oil. Next, the salesman said to let me draw a good luck symbol for your forehead. I said, “sure, what the heck, I’m in Morocco, what could go wrong?” Little did I know, the symbol on my forehead meant that I was ready for marriage and looking for a husband. I was trying to figure out why all of the men were asking for my hand in marriage. Lol.
