Maroc In A Week I

Three months ago, I got this crazy wild idea of backpacking to Morocco alone. Unfortunately, almost everyone was against it as they think this African country is dangerous, so I had to just abandon the whole plan completely. A couple of weeks after that, I found three people who wanted to travel to another continent with me, to run away from Europe and escape the shivering winter cold. We had one whole week of nice weather and amazing food. Also, wonderful people we met throughout the trip.

Morocco is by far the best country I've ever visited and I don't mind going back if given the chance. It might not be the best place to live, but definitely a spot for holiday. I shall let the pictures do the talking hereafter :)

Day 1 : From London to Fes

Our first taxi ride, the night we learned that we have to bargain for everything in Morocco. Even the food and entrance fee.

With the nice and friendly owner of the Riad we stayed at. We tried our bargaining skill that night with this man, and guess what?! He waived the hotel tax on us. I told you, haggling is part of their custom.

The Mint Tea

Couscous and Pastilla

Day 2 : Exploring Fes

Looking at the city from the terrace, at sunrise.

The famous tagine! The sole reason I wanted to go.

Oh, if you ever go to Morocco, snacking on the oranges is a must. They're sweet and different from the oranges in other countries, so the locals claim. But it's true, they ARE diabetic ! Hehe. And also, look carefully at the traditional scale. It's so cool !!

For some obvious reason, this place reminds me profoundly of Ali Baba and the thieves. The alleys, the rows of small shops and the narrow stairs. Kan?

And we got ourselves tattoo!! Henna ink, of course.

These are the kids who brought us around the souk. They're really helpful and amusingly hospitable who exchanged facebook emails with us at the end of the tour.

Later that afternoon, we had the opportunity to perform Jumaah prayer in one of the most famous mosques in the western side of the globe, Mosque Qaraouiyine.

Then we walked around the city

The temperature was in the range of 10C to 15C while we were in Fes. There was sunshine throughout the day, and the weather was just perfect.

Anyway Morocco is a muslim country, with almost 99% of the people are muslims. You'll see people praying on the mat at the corner of the street, in their shop and even next to the dining place. Hence, it's an advantage to

1. be a muslim, for their brotherhood and sisterhood among muslims are quite strong. Tell the shop owners you're a muslim, and they'd reduce the price by almost 50% (provided you know how to haggle).

2. be a student, because more often than not it helps during bargaining times and they'd hopefully give good price if you inform them you're studying and have no extra money to spend. No student card required, haha.

3. know Arabic and French, Moroccans are bilingual with very little ability to speak English. At least learn the numbers and some useful words. Lucky for us, we have both in our group.

I guess I better continue in a new entry. merci.