<aside> 🔑 Morocco is a country that is incredibly rich in culture, tradition, and history. My trip there left me with a lot of life learnings, feeling a lot of gratitude, humility, and respect. It's a place that I hold close to my heart and is now one of my top 3 favorite visited countries. My trip there was during the holy month of Ramadan, so I may have a slightly unique experience compared to visiting the country during any other month. I could go on about the general touristy things I saw and did, but for this post , I wanted to highlight 9 things I learned.
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Moroccan cuisine is a delightful mix of Berber, Arabic, Andalusian, and French influences. The quality of the food you are eating is top-notch; everything is organic, fresh, and locally grown. You can truly feel the difference between the high-quality bread, eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits versus the processed food we eat back in the US. The emphasis on fresh, organic ingredients is not only better for your health but also adds an incredible depth of flavor to the dishes.
One of the staples of Moroccan cuisine is the tagine, a dish cooked in a clay pot that comes in many variations, such as chicken with preserved lemons and olives, lamb with prunes, or vegetables. You can also try the delicious couscous, which is served with vegetables or meat. Oh, and the sweets are AMAZING; they are quite similar to Indian sweets, but I personally love these Moroccan sweets better because of their nutty base and honey coating, which also makes them healthier.
Now for my favorite, Morocco has THE MOST delicious fresh orange juice; I could drink it all day. And not only that, the staple that was my personal favorite and you should not miss is the mint tea; it's so refreshing to drink, and the mint flavor really hits.
As I spent time around the valley and mountain areas, I saw that the people live a simple and frugal life. I envied them. They found joy in simple pleasures such as spending time with family and friends, enjoying a cup of mint tea, running through the grasslands, playing with animals, and farming. These people have a pure connection with the earth; they are truly blessed. It was during these two days in the valley that I really learned how to live in the present and appreciate each day. Spending time with these people prove that happiness does not necessarily come from material possessions but can be found in the simple things in life.
What struck me the most was the inherent trust and honesty that was evident in their communities. There was an honor system in place, and when a shopkeeper needed to close their shop, they simply put a stick across the entrance, and everyone respected it. This simple yet effective communication method spoke volumes about the culture of respect and hospitality in Morocco. These traits also correspond to the country's safety, which I found quite remarkable. Although I was warned about pickpockets, I felt incredibly safe walking around the city alone at night as a woman. This safety could be attributed to the holy month of Ramadan or other cultural values, but it was a welcome change from what I was used to back home.
you can see that the shop owner is communicating the shop is closed by placing 2 broom sticks.
Moroccan hospitality is renowned for its warmth and generosity, and I can attest to that. During my travels, I had the pleasure of staying at several family-owned hotels, which were all built in the traditional Riad style. These homes typically feature a central courtyard, stunning mosaic tile work, and intricate architecture, providing a unique and educational experience.
I particularly enjoyed conversing with the owners and gaining insights into their way of life. They shared stories with us, and I found it to be a meaningful exchange. Even though I sometimes felt a bit awkward eating in front of those who were fasting, they always reassured me that it was alright. This kindness and understanding made me appreciate the warmth and openness of Moroccan culture all the more. I
Moroccans truly value the concept of "sadaqa," which means giving without expecting anything in return. They go out of their way to make visitors feel comfortable and welcomed, offering tea, food, and conversation. They also take pride in showing off their city and its sights. I learned the power of giving respect, humility, and looking beyond your own ego.
Moroccans love cats, and you can find them everywhere - on the streets, in restaurants, and even in shops. The reason behind this love for felines lies in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed had a great fondness for cats, and Muslims believe that cats are blessed creatures. Moroccan people often feed them and even build special houses for them. I personally love these fluffballs and would wander off to play with them until my parents yelled at me hehe, I could play with them forever. BUT If you don’t like cats, then maybe Morocco might not be the best country to visit. ;/
Morocco is a country deeply rooted in its culture and religion. Islam is the predominant religion, and it is reflected in the daily lives of Moroccans. You will find stunning mosques, madrasas, and other religious monuments throughout the country. It’s refreshing to see people so deeply rooted in their culture and religion all around you; it’s hard to find that nowadays. You can see the unity of the city during prayer time, as the entire city echoes with prayer. Moroccans are also always eager to learn more about those who come from different cultures and religions. I got a lot of people coming up to me saying “Hi Ms. India,” which was quite amusing, honestly. Most Moroccans are well-versed in at least four languages: Arabic, French, Spanish, and English. Fun Tourist Fact: there are always a lot of Spanish tourists, as it turns out Spain is just a 15-minute ferry ride from the tip of Morocco. You will also find that people dress modestly, even most tourists, and have great respect for their traditions and culture. In the marketplace, almost everything is handmade, from mosaics to carpets, clothing, shoes, bags, and more. The quality is so high that I bought a linen pant and shirt that were the best quality linen I’ve seen in a while, and they were so cheap too.
In Morocco, you will often see horses and donkeys being used as a form of transportation. They are especially common in the countryside and in the Medina (old city) areas of larger cities. However, it's quite noticeable that they are not treated very well. It was quite heartbreaking to see. I felt helpless looking at them. I wish I could take care of them, feed them, and groom them, but you can only do so much. There are no more wild camels in Morocco; all are held captive and used for tourism.