If thoughts of belly dancers, the exotic hum of a snake charmer’s bin, and mysterious desert stories seduce your mind when you think of Morocco, I assure you, you’re only half correct.  While it’s romantic and mysterious, it’s a lot of other things as well.

My trip to Morocco covered a lot of ground in just over a couple of weeks. I took an Intrepid tour which I’d do again, despite my skepticism in the beginning. They are small group tours (about 12 in my group) with a local guide. They are reasonably priced, but will definitely run you more than if you backpack on your own.

The trips target the adventure travelers that want to really experience a culture and avoid touristy and luxury destinations. They pride themselves on safe and sustainable travel practices. With Intrepid, you’ll stay in hostels, take public trasportation, and eat local food. The travel philosophy and mission is admirable and a great option.

These tours are perfect for those that want to backpack but without the added pressure of having to plan all the details by yourself, or for those that want to travel but can’t find a buddy to go with. My group was a great mix of people sharing the same desire from all parts of the world. There are just places in Morocco you can’t find on your own.
(M’Hamid Guide)

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The hypnotic tune of the bin, the mesmerizing undulation of the snake.  It’s sexy, it’s dangerous, it’s exotic. Snake charmers have been captivating audiences for centuries.

Beginning in India and traveling as far as northern Africa, snake charmers were initially believed to be holy men influenced by the gods, as Hinduism regards the snake to be sacred. These charmers were trained snake handlers and bite healers and often called on for their expertise in addition to providing a valuable source of entertainment during  festivals.  So why are some so opposed, and are you practicing responsible tourism by giving your money to them? There are a few reasons snake charming is in such decline, but one remains a source for controversy. (more…)

Like many Americans, my upbringing was pretty conservative regarding nudity. Nudity is dirty because it can lead to sex, which is perverse and dirty unless you’re trying to make babies…so just don’t ever be naked, especially in front of people.  Right?

Traveling is about questioning the way you think and asking good questions. I like to push my limits and challenge my own cultural comfort zone. Mission accomplished at a local hammam in Essaouira, Morocco.

As I regale you with the details, I will probably still giggle and joke about it like a school child. I mean no disrespect. I’m  just a silly American who struggles to keep a straight face upon hearing words like, “balls,” and I still think “that’s what she said” is a humorous punch line.

First, a few tips and then the dirty details of my semi-awkward experience. 

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When I travel, I love coming home with pieces that I know have a story. it is not necessarily the item I cherish as much as how I acquired it or from whom. I want the overall experience to be meaningful.

Upon leaving for Morocco, I had my mind made up, as many tourist do, as to what I wanted to bring home. I’m buying an authentic Moroccan rug for my living room, and when friends come over they’ll say, “oh my god! That rug is so amazing! Where did you get it?!” and I’ll casually reply while serving fabulous hor d’oeuvres and exotic drinks, “Morocco.  It was passed down from generation to generation as a wedding gift in a Berber family of the High Atlas Mountains. More Cachaça anyone?”

I, and every other tourist, go to Morocco with the same shopping agenda, and guess what? Moroccans have caught on. Shopping for a rug in Morocco is overwhelming. If it is truly that important to you to bring home a valuable rug, do your research beforehand.  There are some beautiful gems out there, but there are also some middle-of-the-road synthetic fiber/dye rugs pushed by some incredibly savvy salesmen.

I’m by far no expert, but I did learn a few things in the process. (more…)

Where you choose to rest your head at night contributes immensely to the travelers’ experience, and says a lot about how one travels. Like all destinations, Morocco has a slew of resorts but I highly recommend avoiding them and seeking out a riad or a gite for a genuine slice of Moroccan tradition.

A riad was traditionally a Moroccan house or palace where all rooms are arranged around a central garden. Riad style hotels are a dime a dozen and accommodate a variety of budgets- from beer to champagne!

A gite (pronounced zheet) can best be described as a mountain home or Berber bed-and- breakfast. These are typically inexpensive and could be compared to a hostel. This is a great way to meet other travelers trekking the mountains and enjoy Berber hospitality.

The following were a few places I can attest to in Morocco. And as a side note, I feel it is important to add that as a westerner, one must reject our typical standards of cleanliness and adhere to a different type of hospitality. You may see bugs in your room, and stray cats wandering between tables amongst diners. Odds are your sheets may not have been washed before you climbed in them, and pillows rarely have pillow cases. This is Morocco. It’s just different. If you can’t handle this, stay in a resort where they are used to accommodating westerners who prefer to stick to their ways.

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