I feel for the Moroccans, having to put up with the downside of a booming tourism industry. But even more so, I feel for Moroccan camels that have to carry overweight German tourists across what must seem like an endless fragment of the Sahara. Don’t get me wrong; I am not one of those pretentious travelers who insists that the term ‘tourist’ and all activities associated with it is beneath them. No, no. I let a poor camel carry me over Saharan sand dunes, and I enjoyed every second of it. The eternal expanse of orange sand-waves was as breathtaking as good sex. But as I watched my overweight father wriggling around on his camel in front of me, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for the poor creature that was probably suffering from extreme exhaustion.
That was Morocco for me. Moments of beauty and awe, interspersed with bouts of guilt and frustration. In awe of the extraordinary mosaics adorning the walls of the majestic riads at which we stayed. Overwhelmed by the intricately woven streets of Fez’s medina that transformed my world into Agrabah, the fictional city of Aladdin. And frustrated that I was, indeed, a tourist. Like all the others, I had been convinced to buy more carpets than anyone could ever want or need.
Hi Megan, I really enjoyed reading your blog, love the pictures! where were they taken? I'm going travelling around Morocco in a few weeks time and was looking for inspiration about where in particular to go and this looks amazing. Any input would be much appreciated :) love Libby (a friend of Sam who posts on this blog!)
ReplyDeleteHey Libby,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! I was lucky enough to have been able to travel to quite a few places in Morocco: Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Meknes, Ouarzazate, Volubulis, Erfoud, Casablanca, Rabat. But there were definite highlights. Everyone goes to Fez for a reason. Like I said in my post, it transformed my world. Get to the Sahara (Erg Chebbi) if you can and go sledding/sandboarding in the dunes. Stay the night and sleep under the stars, Berber style. Stop by in Essaouira for fresh fish and an interesting hippy/rasta/beachtown vibe. If you are on a budget, there are some really nice places that will barely empty your pockets. I recommend splurging on a night at a nice Riad though (http://www.riad-jaouhara.com [(stay in the Suite Bab Dekkakine!!]). A place that I didn't get to, but sounds amazing is Saïdia, on the Mediterranean coast. Apparently there is a folk music festival there every August. Must eat: pastilla. Soundtrack: Amarg Fusion and Ali Farka Toure.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need other info!
Gringameg