5 Reasons Why I Fell in Love With Morocco
One hour away from Spain, Morocco is one of the most diverse countries in Africa, boasting far-reaching desert, jagged coast, and soaring mountains. The country is also full of intriguing mix of medieval and modern cities. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you’ll find it an exciting mix of ancient and modern. The main cities of Morocco are Marrakech and Fes, and are well worth a visit.
Marrakech
When I first visited Morocco, I was amazed at the vibrant culture, unique architecture, and friendly locals. The historic heart of the country, the medina, is a fascinating blend of old buildings and modern urban sprawl. It’s the perfect place to spend a day or two wandering the winding streets. The city is full of bustling cafes, delicious local cuisine, and Berber women in traditional black lognaas.
The medinas are authentic and spice-scented, and the architecture is spectacular. Marrakech’s ancient Berbers used to trade slaves, ivory, and gold in the city’s souks. The city is home to ornate riads, old kasbahs, and lavishly decorated courtyards. There is something for every traveler, and there are so many reasons to fall in love with Morocco.
The architecture and color scheme are a major draw for photographers and Instagrammers. Marrakech’s clay buildings are painted in neutral and poppy hues, while the city of Chefchaouen has a sky-high blue hue. The intricate details of the architecture are a delight to the eyes. This combination of ancient and modern culture makes the culture of this country a delight. The people of Morocco are friendly, welcoming, and tolerant, and they have embraced modernization without sacrificing their rich culture.
The Arabic language is incredibly unique, blending words of Berber origin with classical Arabic. The language is surprisingly familiar to the English speaking world, yet it is remarkably different. The cuisine is also heavily influenced by the many cultures that have lived in the country. The Berbers contributed the staple dishes like tagine, which is a stew of meat and vegetables. The Arabs brought new spices and dried fruits, as well as savory and sweet combinations.
The Sahara desert
A trip to Morocco is not complete without visiting the Sahara desert. It is a beautiful place, full of vivid colors and a truly unique experience. The Sahara is also one of the only places where you can ride a camel. The desert is also full of Berber and Bedouin cultures. They have preserved their way of life and you can get a chance to interact with them.
The country is home to more than four dozen universities, polytechnics and institutes of higher learning. The country’s largest university is the Mohammed V University in Rabat. It also has branches in Casablanca and Fes. It also houses the Hassan II Agriculture and Veterinary Institute, which conducts social science research and teaches agricultural sciences. In addition to these universities, there is the Al-Akhawayn University, the first English-language university in Northwest Africa.
The mountainous areas in the north and central regions of Morocco have a continental climate. Summer temperatures in these regions can reach a high of 36 degrees Celsius, but winter temperatures can fall below freezing. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and hats. You’ll also want to dress comfortably. The Sahara is a very hot place, so bring lightweight clothing and plenty of water.
The medinas
The medinas are the historic core of Moroccan cities. Traditionally a jumble of small streets, they contain stalls, restaurants and shopping areas. Donkey carts and motorbikes are used to transport supplies from the souks and markets to the residences and shops. Wandering through the medinas is a fascinating experience. While tourists can browse through shops and enjoy the sights, locals and tourists alike can spend hours walking around and sampling the delicious and fragrant food.
The medinas are full of character, and the people are extremely friendly. Many Moroccans speak English, but their preferred international language is pantomiming with a smile. In addition, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and quiet. The medinas of Morocco are a great way to experience Moroccan culture. And if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, you should consider staying in one of the beautiful Moroccan medinas.
The colors in Morocco are vibrant. The markets are filled with brightly colored items. Even the city fountains are decorated with colorful tiles. The Moroccan people also like to incorporate colorful designs into everything. The streets are lined with colorful tiles, which are a great way to decorate your home. And if you’re looking for something unique, you can spend a few hours in Chefchaouen’s blue medina, which is known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco.
Berber whiskey
Moroccans have been drinking mint tea for centuries. This beverage, also known as Berber Whiskey or Maghrebi mint tea, is addictive, and Moroccans enjoy it day and night. In fact, you can try it for free if you want to! It is probably the best part of Morocco – if you visit the country, you should definitely try it! I hope this article helped you fall in love with this fascinating country!
The local drink Mahia, or “water of life”, is 80-proof and is produced by Jews who settled in Morocco centuries ago. You can buy it at a small specialized liquor store or in a local supermarket. Be sure to ask for a small bottle to avoid the tourist traps and expensive alcohol stores. One of the best places to buy Mahia is in a small, unassuming liquor store outside the Medina walls. The alcohol shops are usually open all day, but are a bit pricey.
If you are a big fan of mint tea, I highly recommend trying it in Morocco! Mint tea has a cooling effect and is a must have with every meal in the country. Moroccans sip it twenty to thirty times a day. It can be accompanied by tagine, couscous, and savory dishes. Just remember to take it in moderation and enjoy it!
The souks
Moroccan souks are laid-back compared to their counterparts in Marrakech and Fes, but there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping in these markets. One, make sure you speak a few Arabic words to avoid getting ripped off, and two, remember to look over your shoulder when walking. Also, do not buy anything on the first day you visit – the more you stroll around the souks, the cheaper the items will be. And if you get lost, don’t be afraid to ask for directions from locals. They’ll likely be busy and be able to point you in the right direction if they know you.
The souks are an absolute photographer’s dream. They utilize every surface possible, from carpets to colourful strings. From carpets to electrical cables to tiny wrought-iron boxes, they are all beautiful and make for the perfect photo opportunity. I was even tempted to buy some rugs! One thing I didn’t know about Morocco was that they had souks, but they weren’t in the city center!
While Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna square is the best place to visit the souks, you can always explore other parts of the city as well. In the evenings, the souks are buzzing with activity. And if you’re thirsty, head over to Jemaa el-Fnaa. And don’t forget to grab a mint tea or two while you’re in town. The souks are open from 9 am until 9pm.
The beaches
Despite the climate and the fact that the ocean can be extremely cold in winter, the Moroccan beaches are a must-see while in the country. While it might not be warm enough to enjoy the sun and swim, you can still enjoy surfing and windsurfing year-round. You can visit several beach communities to enjoy winter activities. Many beaches are located outside of cities, so you will need your own car or hire a driver to get to them.
The mountains in Morocco are a beautiful place to visit, but they also have a history that dates back thousands of years. The Rif Mountains, Atlas Mountains and Berber villages are filled with a rich history that will make your visit to Morocco a memorable one. Berber villages are fascinating to visit, as they are the home of the indigenous people of Northern Africa. The architecture is also enchanting, and can be found on every building.
The northern Mediterranean coast has calmer waters that make it safer for swimming. In contrast, the windswept Atlantic coast is more choppy and wave-blasted. Despite this, you can still enjoy a day at the beach, with the exception of the wind-blown Atlantic coast. This region is set for a huge growth in tourism, and there are many new boutique hotels opening along its shoreline.
Comment (0)