Trip to Morocco

I loved Morocco. It is really a different world. I have been to Marrakesh, and Casablanca. How long do you want to spend in Morroco?

1st when you get off the boat at Tangier you will be swarmed by people wanting to guide you around. You should hire a person, for the main reason that they will keep other people from swarming you which will be a constant problem if you are unguided.

There are govt. sponsored guides, and other ones. I think the others might be technically illegal, and some are a rip off. The govt. ones are mostly trustworthy, but they will only show you the standard faire. You can get a govt. one though because it is handy, and can get you acclomated to a completely different world.

The other places I would go in Morocco are Fez, and Marrakesh. They are both awesome places. Casablanca was ok, but the feel of the movie can be had better elsewhere. Casablanca is really a just a very industrial town.

Everyone in Morocco drinks a tea that tastes like spearming gum. You will have some, and be offered some from others on trains. Drink it and enjoy it. People are extremely nice. Many will offer you the tea, and you should drink it with them. They will all want your address, because if they ever want to come to America they won't be allowed to unless they can show that they know someone there. I gave my address out countless times and never had anyone contact me about any sort of visitation, trips, or immigration.

Leather is very cheap there, and if you have any leather goods you want to buy it would be good to do it there. You can also get some good deals on rugs, and things of that nature.

Customs are a bit different. I was once laughed at while buying a train ticket. There were two lines and I went to the shorter line. Then I noticed other folks laughing, and finally a military guy came up to me who was also laughing, and pointed out that they had seperate lines for men and women, and I was standing in the woman's train ticket line. The ladies all giggled when I realized what was going on and moved to the other line.

I had a man offer to let my friend and I come stay on his sheep ranch, and another man practically insisted that we stay at his family's house. I agreed. These were complete strangers. We ended up staying at the man's house. I had been sick after some bad food, and wasn't in good traveling shape, and the guy insisted I stay at his house.

We agreed and took a shower up on his roof. His mother was a berber and she was happy to see him and welcome us to their home. The man kept talking about a typical Arabian mother, and I wondered how many typical mothers in the west have tattoos going down their chin. But that was the custom their.

The daughter made us brade with olive oil for breakfast, and I think I insulted them because I was still sick in the morning and couldn't eat that much of it.

We also met two young students who told us of the King's secret spies that are around to keep people from speaking out against the govt., and how when the King comes through town, everyone is forced to stand out and cheer for him.

When you travel it can be had, if it is during the summer. You going acorss the desert, and without AC in the bus or train you will need the windows open, and sand will blow in and stick to your sweaty skin. It can be unpleasant, but just think of it adding to the atmosphere.

Buy botteled water, and don't be offended or afraid to share it if someone comes up to you and asks for a drink. It is not uncommon there. It is a great place, and quite different from anything you will find in nearby Europe.

 

Oh Shiznit world famous Hash, I didnt know? Probably where this guy got his too..