Morocco in North Africa is a country with vibrant colors, and it is a fresh African garden. San Mao’s love story has made many literature enthusiasts yearn for this small African country, while I came here because of a movie and a song.
Morocco has abundant tourism resources, including the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean/Mediterranean Sea in the north of Africa and the world’s largest Sahara Desert. There are Roman ruins, thousand-year-old old city districts, and its ceramic, leather craftsmanship is amazing, making this African country full of charm.
Food
Morocco is an Islamic country, does not eat pork, and the diet is simple with limited dish choices, and the taste tends to be sweet. Throughout the journey, I did not gain any weight, thanks to this!
Accommodation
In Fez and Marrakech, we stayed in traditional Moroccan guesthouses called Riads, which was a very special experience and a must-try. Desert camping is also very special, but it is best to avoid going in the summer.
Transportation
Except for the nine-day charter, we relied on taxis for transportation. A kind person at Tangier airport introduced me to a taxi app called Careem. After connecting to the credit card, it was very convenient to use.
I had a bizarre experience in a taxi in Casablanca. I was alone, so I took the front seat after flagging down the taxi as I felt that it was customary to sit in the front seat here. Along the way, people on the roadside were flagging down taxis, and the driver was actually stopping to ask them where they were going. I was very puzzled sitting next to him, thinking that I was already in the car, why are you still picking up passengers? After a few inquiries, the driver actually called two female passengers who flagged down the taxi to get on the car and sit in the back seat without consulting me. My meter was running, and the driver seemed to have started another meter for the passengers in the back. It turns out that taxis in Casablanca are like shared taxis, which is interesting!
Security
Many friends think that Morocco is not safe, but this is a misunderstanding. As an Islamic country, Morocco still has relatively good security. It is said that even carrying a small knife on the street is illegal. Friends say that the most common theft in Morocco is phone snatching, and there are no other attacks on personal safety. Luckily we did not encounter any security issues.
People
In addition to enjoying the scenery and trying local food, traveling is also about meeting interesting people. Moroccans are very friendly and hospitable.
First of all, men in tourist areas will say “hello” to us (women never talk to strangers). Then they will guess where we come from, Japan? Korea? We have to answer “Hong Kong” over and over again. They will respond happily after hearing it, “Hong Kong, very good!” Their enthusiasm made us have to patiently respond one by one.
Especially young Moroccans, they like to make new friends and have an open-minded attitude towards the outside world.
Of course, we have also met people who are dishonest and want to make money, as detailed in my Fez blog, but after receiving a tip, he left and did not continue to pester us.
From diligent tour guides to enthusiastic drivers, from honest vendors to helpful guys who help with directions and photos, I can fully feel that Moroccans are hardworking, sunny, and full of goodwill.