Morocco events

Well, let's start with the souqs. The souqs are quite stressful in the sense that there is so much happening, it's so busy, and there really isn't a place to relax. People are always trying to sell you something, so you feel uncomfortable stopping to browse.


They can also be dangerous, as we found out when we got lost. We had fortunately found two boys willing to lead us back to the square (for a price of course!) and on the way back, a horse and buggy was trying to squeeze through an already packed tiny street. The horses were out of control and came right at us, with their wild eyes in my face!!! Luckily KA grabbed me out of death's reach and we survived, but not without a scare!


The square in Marrakech also is always full of people and Moroccans telling stories, playing games, and there was even a snake charmer!! I felt bad for the snakes though, they kind of looked half dead.

In Morocco they also have hammams, or baths. We definitely took advantage of the hammam in our hostel and it was amazing. Basically you strip down and get in a sauna type thing where a lady comes in and pours hot water over you. Then scrubs you. Then puts a henna paste all over you (not really sure what the point of this was, but we were there for the whole experience!). Then you wash everything off and go relax. The whole process takes about an hour and afterwards all you want to do is lay down. Incredible.

Morocco is also extremely varied in terms of landscape. We hiked in the rocky Atlas Mountains, and on the other side of those is the Sahara Desert. To the north there are more rolling hills and plains. Olive and argan trees are everywhere, along with cacti and the occassional walnut and oak trees. And then you'd see the gardens in Marrakech full of color right next to rocky nothingness!




What else - there are camels in Morocco. There is really no use following a map in any of the cities because they never make sense and aren't really correct. There are dirty cats everywhere. The mint tea is delicious. The Berbers make cosmetics from Argan trees (no clue what argan is, but it seems like an almond).


I never felt unsafe here, but you do feel a bit uncomfortable walking around. Aside from the hammam and being up in the mountains, it's not a very relaxing place. But I wouldn't trade any of my experiences here!!! Such a fun, hilarious, educating, and eye opening trip!