Maroc In A Week III

Now that we were in Morocco, a trip to the desert was, of course, on top of the priority list. I was excited. We packed our bags and went to bed early.

Day 5 & 6 : Sahara Trip

We were lucky to find a company that offered us good price for our 2D1N excursion to Zagoura, which includes pitstops at Ourzazate and Moroccan ancient fortress known as Kasbah. Ourzazate is a lovely small town located at the beginning of Sahara desert, which is reflected in its name that bears the meaning 'the door of the desert'.

The Kasbah

And we went to Morocco's very own Universal Studio.

Next, the camel ride (that hurt my butt !!). My camel went berserk, going round and round in a circle, while I was on it. Scary! And I was asked to jump down :( haishh..

But first, headgear for Berber women

We spent a night in the desert in a Berber-style tent. There was bonfire at the centre of the campsite, where we all gathered after dinner, watched them playing some traditional instrument and sing along to some berber songs.

In front of the tent

On the way back from Sahara, we stopped by another Kasbah where there are still families residing within the walls. These men were so nice to bring us girls around because the boys were in too much pain after the camel ride.

We went to see one of the men's kitchen, his room, his living room, then they offered us Argan oil massage (which we refused politely hehe) and wanted to exchange facebook emails.

I was so dark after a night in the desert

So yea, if you've been following the last two posts, you'll realise that we've now got two pages of a notebook full of email addresses. Some even left us their phone numbers. Such goody-jolly-boogie-doo these Moroccans are, and now you understand why I love the country so much.

Since it was our final night in Marrakesh, we decided to go to Djemaa El Fna, the most prominent square in the city where you'll find shops selling food, their popular orange juice, story-tellers, snake performances, fortune tellers and street games. The sight and the atmosphere were marvellous.

The next day was our flight back. Before going to the airport, we went to the souk again for the very last time. Boarding the London-bound airplane, we knew deep in our heart that we'd miss Morocco, because of the weather especially and the also people.

We touched down at nine pm, and London was wet and gloomy. It remained dark and depressing for the next 48 hours.. see!! You'll know what I mean if you were here :)

The End

Maroc In A Week II

Day 3 : Final day in Fes, en route for Marrakesh

We went to the Souk again in the morning to find souvenirs and trinkets.

This pakcik refused to lower his price to 1/5, but we settled at 1/4 of stated price. Haha. I was getting better at haggling after only a couple of days.

Look look !! Ali Baba!! Hehe. Or perhaps, Aladdin? This is where we bought blankets, table runners and scarfs. Wish I could be Jasmine touring Morocco on flying carpet.

leather

Maroc Telecom

Donkeys were everywhere in the Souk. 

The sky was really beautiful, clear azure.

We took the seven-hour train to Marrakesh and met this lady and a man who suggested interesting places we should go in the city. She speaks basic English, and we speak basic Arabic and French. Imagine how difficult it was for her to convey a single message, having to explain it in numerous ways. The coach was quickly filled with questions in four different languages, but we shared two same things : big laughs and high-fives.

Again, we exchanged facebook emails.

Then this man, who works with an international company in Casablanca, joined us. He speaks good English. Finally!! He's a gentleman of wise words who gave us good advices on life, relationship and religion.

Upon arrival in Marrakesh, we had the chance to meet his wife and little son, a cute chubby bubbly young kid. When asked about his age, he answered trois et demie (three and a half). I mean, I would've just answered four when I was young and be proud of it. I adore him too much.

The family offered to send us to our hotel, and that was the end of our third day in the country. We basically spent more time on the train than on land. Tiring indeed, but it was fun meeting these Moroccans. They are nice people with good hearts.

I don't think it'd be a problem surviving in this country, even if you were left stranded in the middle of Sahara alone. The locals would offer helps of every kind, they even treat you better than their own friends.

Day 4 : Marrakesh, the city that gives name to Morocco

Marrakesh is modernised with new buildings, good facilities and busy roads. I was totally in love with Fes that I did not quite enjoy and appreciate the beauty of this city. Since it's economically better and a tourist spot, we could see that the people are a bit cocky. They are still nice, however, but not as friendly as those in small towns.

The sky was nonetheless still breathtaking.

Picture overloaded, I better continue later.

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.