In the fall of 2007 I was studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. A group of us decided to head to Marrakech, Morocco for a quick weekend trip. This was one of my first trips I ever made, and let me tell you, it was a real eye opener. The city was chaotic and not being able to communicate in Arabic or French, made it even more so. One of my favorite parts of the weekend was getting to explore the markets, or souks.
We got lost for hours, winding our way through the narrow, unmarked streets, with the occasional loose chicken or sheep running by. I left with tons of purchases including a beautiful silver tea set with bright glasses. Marrakech was filthy, slightly scary, and colorful with an air of general pandemonium; I loved it. I took this Photo Friday amidst one of the many souks. By the time this posts, I will be lost again in another Arab country: Egypt. I can’t wait.
Have you ever been to Morocco or any Middle Eastern country? What were your thoughts about it? Are you a fan of wild markets like me?
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Please stop defining Morocco as Middle East… Morocco is in North Africa and a such has it’s own distinctiveness.
Thank you Mariam for noting that..Liz should open up an Africa category and list Egypt and Morocco there..they are North African countries, not “Middle Eastern”..sigh
@Mariam, Liz dosent said Morocco in Middle Eastern, but she said Have you ever been to Morocco or any Middle Eastern country? There is the word “OR”. Be careful in reading.
It’s kind of weird that someone with so much travel experience and open to the world would list Morocco and Egypt under the Middle East section. They are both in Africa and far far away from the middle East.
I just came back from Marrakech 2 weeks ago and i absolutely loved it. I’ve wanted to go to Morocco for as long as I can remember and I cant even exactly say why. Its just been my dream destination and I was not disappointed! I can’t describe Marrakech without sounding like a bit of a hippy (not that theres anything wrong with hippies :P) but there is just a vibe in the city, it just feels alive and more real than most places in Europe or the US that I’ve been to (I am a fellow seasoned traveler myself 🙂 ). Its a different world for sure. All I know is, I am most definitely going back for an extended trip next year. However, for now, there is still henna oh my palms (Henna Cafe is great) and my apartment smells of wonderful spices.
Hey Julia,
Could I ask you some more questions about your trip to Morocco? I´m thinking of going alone this december and would like some insight from a more seasoned traveler!
Hi Julia &/or Camila,
I’m a solo female traveler planning a trip to Morocco next October. It’s still a long time away however I’m curious to know how you felt as a solo female traveller In Morocco! I’d love to hear some feed back.
Thanks
I went to Marrakech a couple of years ago and found it to be one of the nicest (maybe not in the traditional sense of the term) places I’ve ever visited. Culturally it’s such an eye-opener. And in regards to what you said about not being able to communicate, I speak French and trust me, it doesn’t make it any less chaotic!