Morocco On My Own

Location:
Morocco, Casablanca

By susan

“We will be landing in Casablanca in approximately 15 minutes, please fasten your seat belts.” Thirteen hours later I arrived in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I did my research and felt prepared being a single woman traveling alone to a Muslim country where the languages spoken were Arabic and French with very little English. I was not prepared for the beauty of the country and the warmth and kindness I received from the native people of Morocco.

Unlike most travelers, I decided to rent apartments in each city I planned to visit. First stop, Casablanca! My one bedroom apartment was located in the heart of downtown Casablanca. It was fully contained, beautifully decorated and very comfortable. I walked to the market daily and did shopping with the local townspeople. I had a telephone, internet access and cable television. My kitchen was stocked with Moroccan spices, a tagine and I learned to make the most delicious Moroccan tea with fresh mint and sugar cubes. I was surrounded by wonderful French, Italian and Chinese restaurants that delivered until midnight every day of the week.

Three weeks later I was off to Agadir. My stay in Agadir was short so I decided not to rent an apartment. I stayed at a quaint hotel by the beach called the Royal El Mirage. The weather was warm and balmy and the beaches were spectacular. Every evening there were merchants selling everything from Shisha pipes to spices and clothes on the patio of the hotel. Henna is very popular in Morocco and most women sport the graphic designs on their hands and feet. The variety of Henna designs gives the illusion that you are wearing gloves and anklet socks. Local woman were available every evening to offer henna designs to all of the tourists if they so desired.

Lamb, and more lamb was my food of choice. Inexpensive and the finest cuts you can imagine. I took advantage of room service for breakfast, lunch and dinner and was served lamb cooked to perfection, along with Moroccan tea and hard boiled eggs, all of which were brown. I never did see any white eggs in Morocco.

Agadir was filled with culture and a laid back environment. The “small town” feeling was refreshing and very friendly. The merchants were excited to speak with Americans where they could practice their few American words and feel proud they were able to communicate.

Next stop, Marrakech! The taxi ride from Agadir to Marrakech was approximately 3 hours in an old Mercedes Benz. The driver was a Moroccan man who spoke very little English. We were able to communicate with nods and smiles which made the trip quite pleasant. I did have concerns when we stopped for water. The driver used his water to put in the car radiator and not to drink. Needless to say, I was wondering if we were ever going to reach our destination. My apartment in Marrakech was in a complex of approximately 10 units. Most of the tenants were retired and were visiting from France. The grounds were beautifully landscaped and the pool was something to behold. The apartment was filled with cherry wood furnishings and the handmade carvings and architecture was exquisite.

I languished by the pool during the day and at night I took a taxi to town to enjoy the biggest food market I have ever seen. The cooks would compete for “who had the best food” and they would run to you with samples of some of the best food I had ever eaten. It was crowded, loud and the air was filled with thick smoke and aromas. It was crazy with excitement and this all took place around 2:00am in the morning.

During my stay in Marrakech I visited a beautiful restaurant called “Ja.” Traditional belly dancers danced at your table and they encouraged all patrons to try the art of belly dancing right there on the spot. The ambiance was out of this world with rose petals on the floor and incense burning everywhere. Beautifully decorated chairs and tables surrounded the bar area and African jazz music played softly throughout the establishment. I was so impressed with this restaurant I ate there two times before leaving Marrakech.

I traveled to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, to visit the palace of the current King. Unfortunately I was not able to enter the grounds of the palace without a tour guide but I was able to see the city in all its grandeur. I visited the mausoleums of the past kings and the marble and extensive architecture was breathtaking.

During my research for the trip I befriended a local family who lived in Rabat and I was fortunate enough to visit them. The three story house was made of marble and stone and there were little sinks built right into the walls for cleansing before eating and prayer time. Each floor had a living room with couches draped with beautiful material and round tables for dining.

We had Couscous for dinner and Moroccan tea and cakes for dessert. One of the sons spoke English and through translation, his mom and I were able to experience a wonderful “sisterhood” conversation that I will remember for years to come.

After my visit I took a taxi to the train station to return to Casablanca. My flight left for the States the next morning and I was exhausted, happy and somewhat sad that my stay in this beautiful country was coming to an end.

I enjoyed so many aspects of Morocco and I must say that it is now my “home away from home” and I plan to visit often. I was never in fear as a single woman on my own in Morocco. I enjoyed the traditions and culture and was able to fit right in.

Kindness comes in all colors, shapes and cultures and that is what made my experience extraordinary and liberating.

Further Information

Other helpful information: Convert your American dollars to Durham at the Casablanca Airport. The exchange rate is higher. Be flexible and respectful and have a good time. Eat well. The food is great and the wine is even better! Ladies, be a bit conservative when dressing. No need to cover your head with scarfs but tank tops and shorts are bound to get you the stares.

Must see/do at this place: The monuments in Rabat and the beaches of Agadir are breathtaking.

You should avoid here: Don't accept any offer of drugs of any kind. There are local traps in the neighborhoods and the airport. Remember you cannot enter the Mosque's unless you are Muslim.