Morocco – an Oriental Tale
Morocco is a country in North Africa. But this is not a typical Africa, and quite different, unlike other countries on the continent.
To begin with, not many people know about this country. Morocco preaches Islam, so walking around in shorts or skirts is not desirable. It is better to choose clothes that cover the legs and shoulders. Of course, no one will arrest you or stone you for this, but I believe that you should respect and honor the traditions of the country you visit.
In general, here you can relax no worse than in Thailand, Turkey or the UAE. The most popular tourist resort city of Agadir. In fact, there are no attractions here, except for a number of hotels, cafes and a beach for vacationers. In order to plunge into the culture, life, atmosphere of residents, it is better to go for example to El Jadida, formerly Mazagan.
El Jadid - a small town located in the central part of the country, will welcome tourists. Inexpensive hotels and cafes, a long strip of the city beach. One of the attractions here is undoubtedly the old port city. On its territory is a citadel – a cistern, which was built in 1541. Now it is the most popular place among tourists. The ray of sun that hits through the top hole of the cistern gives it a fantastic look. Very beautiful and unusual.
The city beach is not very suitable for the holiday to which we are used. The whole family comes to the beach. Women do not undress, but sit quietly in their clothes under an umbrella, but their men bathe and sunbathe.
Tourists who bare themselves to a swimsuit undoubtedly attract attention on the beach. Be prepared for the fact that you will be pointed fingers, will giggle past passing boys. If this does not suit you - you can go a few kilometers from the city to the beach Sidi Buzid. There are more tourists, the ocean is calmer and there will be no condemning look. Once you get bored, you can go to another city.
Essueira is famous for the fact that there is very calm and quiet, maximum relaxation. Beach, restaurants and hotels. And if you want, you can rent a house at the price of a hotel room.
Moving south, the next town is Safi. It is famous for pottery craftsmen who work directly in the market and immediately sell their goods. Here you can buy various handmade ceramic products.
But no city in Morocco compares to the city of Fez. It is the religious capital of the country. It's easier to get here by train. It is better to settle in the old part of the city in one of the riads. Riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a patio. Such houses were built to unite several families in one house. Traditionally, a man’s family lives with his parents. In the center of the courtyard is usually a fountain or mini-garden. There are no words to describe the feeling of being there. It's like you're in a fairy tale!
There are about 6,000 streets in the city. They are all intertwined and confused. Don’t be afraid to get lost, this walk can be turned into a real adventure. Sometimes the streets are so narrow that two people can’t walk there. So close to building houses in order to escape from the exhausting heat.
Along the way, you can look at the leather factory, see how the skins of cows and camels are processed and painted. Here you will be offered to buy various leather products. Don't forget to bargain!
And remember, if you have entered into a dialogue with the seller about the purchase of a particular product, it is not accepted to leave without buying anything! Moroccans are a very touchy people. If you are not going to buy anything, it is better not to enter the auction!
Walking around Fez, you will surely see mosques in which only men pray. Tourists are not allowed to enter.
Try the traditional national food - couscous, Tajin, aromatic mint tea, Moroccans drink it very much and always hot. This drink, oddly enough, perfectly quenches thirst. Meet and perhaps meet incredible and amazingly hospitable people! All this leaves very warm memories of the country.
Morocco is an oriental fairy tale, captivating, enticing, mysterious, enveloping with its warmth and hospitality. It is amazing how she managed to fall in love with herself so much that she wants to come back again and again.
Text by Alina Aladova