Intro:
Just over a year ago, I embarked on my first ever solo trip! I’d dreamt of flying around the world by myself and the universe served me my dream on a platter. Now as I write this post, I look forward to my next solo trip backpacking southeast Asia!
The good:
Gosh where should I start? There were so many positive experiences and with Morocco being the first place I went after deciding to say yes to myself, it will always have a special place in my heart.
Here, I tried every kind of tagine that exists. From vegetable to chicken tagine, I really had it all. This is also where I tried authentic mint tea for the first time! The sun was beating down on me, but I’d still have a hot glass of mint tea. Ahhh…good times.
Morocco, a country in north Africa full of so much culture and history, it’s impossible to not fall in love with something. Whether it’s the food, the people, the clothes, jewellery or nature.
I still remember each distinct smell – from the spices, to the cigarette smoke. I remember the sounds of people bargaining in the bustling streets and the prayer calls. I remember it all.
I went from shopping in the medina to sleeping through a sandstorm in the Sahara desert, all the way to the seaside city of Essaouira. No two days were the same.
I met people from all over the world- a man who’s aim was to climb the tallets mountains in the world, a Japanese woman who I practised my (not so good) Japanese with, an older black woman who for the 2 days we spent together, felt like a mother. I made friends and said goodbye, taking the memories I made as a souvenir.
One of my favourite memories was going to a hammam! If there’s one thing you MUST experience in Morocco, it’s a hammam. A traditional practice that can be traced back to the early 7th century consisting of steam and massage rooms.
Read about everything you need to know before visiting a hammam here!
I also fell in love! On the 3-day trip to the desert I met a young boy. Occasionally we’d have stops along our journey to give us a chance to stretch our legs, take in the beautiful scenery and buy souvenirs from stands along the mountains.
I remember getting out of the minibus and just standing, staring at the mountains in complete awe. Then, a young boy, probably around 14 approaches me. He’s trying to sell me something. I remember looking down to see what he was offering me. It appeared to be some sort of plant shaped into a camel.
He couldn’t speak English. I couldn’t speak Moroccan Arabic or Spanish. So, we both just laughed
He would say something, I wouldn’t understand, and we would laugh.
I would say something, he wouldn’t understand, and we laughed.
He then said “free, no money”. I replied with “are you sure?” and he repeated “ free, free, no money”
He then said “Selfie”. And we took a picture, capturing the most wholesome experience I’ve ever had with a stranger. We couldn’t understand each other, but we could still laugh together.
I remember thinking, “Is this what it feels like to have a son? To have a child?”. I remember wanting to nurture him, to protect him. He should’ve been in school but instead, he was trying to make some money selling what he created with his hands. I remember tears welling up in my eyes as he waved goodbye to me. I think of him to this day- wishing he’s healthy and happy. Wishing that life is being kind to him. A bright soul whose kind smile warmed my heart and brought me to tears.
The not so good
Despite loving Morocco as a whole, there are things I had to get used and some unfavourable experiences.
Walking through the Medina, I would find myself lost every single time. Every time I thought I was going the right way, I would end up exactly where I started. Using the map on my phone was of no use and eventually I learned to commit particular routes to memory.
This alongside common scams such as the ‘henna lady’ who will demand more money than initially agreed, or force henna on you despite your refusal, made Marrakesh a difficult place to navigate at first.
In England, you can walk into a shop, look around, decide you don’t want anything and walk out. In Morocco? Think again. Here the culture is bargaining and convincing customers into their store with hopes of them buying something.
We all make the mistake of saying we’re coming back, with no intention of returning. But guess what? You think you’re on you way back to the hostel but end up passing the stall you’d promised to return to. What do you do? You go in…
After that you learn not to make such promises, not to make too much eye contact with the sellers and how to use your voice to say ‘No’.
Then there was the cat calling. From ‘Hello Beyonce!’ to ‘Wowww, Nicki Minaj’ to the ‘I want you’ as you walk through the souks. Overwhelming would be an understatement. I learned the best way to deal with these experiences was to ignore them. Just keep walking darling.
And finally, being overcharged. Store sellers will triple the price of items, knowing foreigners won’t know any different. Be aware of this and bargain, bargain, bargain! It’s not rude, bargaining is part of Moroccan culture. Be respectful and decide on a price you’re comfortable paying, but also one that doesn’t put the sellers at a disadvantage.
Being aware of these points will make it quicker for you to adjust to life in Morocco so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest!
My last night in Morocco was spent on the balcony begging my senses to take everything in so I can remember what it feels like. The cool air, each distinct smell and the sound of people laughing downstairs.
Would I do it again? Without a doubt! Solo? Abso-freaking-lutely!
Affirmation: I surrender myself to the universe. Everything that is meant for me will be mine. It will never pass me.
