Stepping out of the airplane, my first impression of Morocco was one of disbelief. I couldn't believe how inexpensive it was to fly there from Paris (only 120 Euros!!). I couldn't believe that I was finally stepping foot in Africa. I couldn't believe how green the country was. From Casablanca, through Marrakech to Rabat, the amount of rich, lusciously deep green foliage overwhelmed the ignorant stereotypes of desert sand that my brain associated with when thinking of Morocco. While there was some deep red earth in Marrakech and in the mountains, it was surrounded by gorgeous landscapes of blossoming trees and thick beds of grass. The bright colors of the earth offset by the elegant blue of the immense sky are images that previously had been unrivaled in my life and are some that will paint my daydreams forever.
Morocco is a place that I had never dreamed of going to. It wasn't on my radar or on my list of places that I NEEDED to see. Luckily, one night with a couple of other assistants, someone threw out the idea of Morocco. Immediately, it became a "why not" in my life. It's so close to France (especially with budget airlines) and such a different experience that I couldn't think of a reason not to go. I found 2 other assistants (and one of their friends) and we decided to explore the land of couscous, mint tea and camels. From the moment that we saw the craziness that was Morocco driving (imagine Mario Kart mixed with bumper cars), the charm that was the overly dramatic way of pouring tea so as to create the most bubbles as possible (honest to goodness this was the answer we were given when we asked why they held the teapot so high) and the palate of brilliant colors that was the markets of the medina, I knew that I wouldn't regret spending part of my 8 weeks of paid holiday there.
Going in, I had imagined that Casablanca would be the prettiest city and would be my favorite; boy was I wrong! In my mind, the idea of Casablanca was equal to elegance and grace but in reality, it was busy and occidental. If the people had been dressed in business suits and ties on the tram instead of headscarves and long robes, Casablanca could have been transported somewhere in Western Europe. That being said, the Mosque and the Ocean were very beautiful and the Medina and its markets were interesting even if we did get a bit swindled into an hour tour by an 80 year old man!
Marrakech was delightful. After (FINALLY) finding the city centre and the hotel (3 hours of wandering around in the hot sun later), we discovered the markets and the square. Jemma El-Fna was such a cultural experience! There were snake charmers, monkey performers, henna artists and so many more interesting sights! From Marrakech, we ventured out towards the mountains and visited a Berber village where we were served some mint tea, witnessed women making Argan oil (where we again enjoyed some mint tea), rode some camels, walked across a rather sketchy rope bridge and hiked 1000 meters up to a waterfall through the river/creek on some pretty slick rocks. Shamefully enough, the 30 minute camel ride for tourists was one of my favorite parts!
While saddened to leave Marrakech, spending our last day in Morocco in Rabat was lovely. In all of its understated beauty, Rabat was a perfect getaway. Blissfully unaware (or consciously ignorant) of the lure it has on tourists, interesting and gorgeous sights were discovered around every corner. I am particularly fond of the neat blue and white walled in Kasbah where the atmosphere was breathtakingly serene.
Breathtakingly beautiful, my 6 day stay is one that I will always think fondly of and pine for. I am very grateful for the opportunity to discover Northern Africa and am impatiently awaiting the day that I can return to buy some more magic lipstick (I swear that there was a new, interesting lipstick around every corner!), drink some more mint tea and be surrounded by the glory that is Morocco.
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