Explore Morocco: A Journey Through its Mystical Cities

A Come with Me Adventure

Morocco remains one of the most captivating countries I have ever been to. This alluring country is full of mystery and surprise. It holds unique art and tapestry withing the beautiful, blue city of Chechauoen. Casablanca seduces, as one gaze upon the dance of fertility, performed by belly dancers. It hypnotizes your mind as you relax, while inhaling the flavored cinnamon hookah smoke in a Marrakesh lounge.

It’s a place where behind every door hides an intriguing jewel-like room inside. Morocco is utterly one of the most mysterious & romantic places I have visited & fallen in love with…. Come with me!

We’ll start in the city of…

Casablanca

Casablanca is a modern city with beautiful ocean side views. We will first walk along the promenade of Lalla Meryem beach. Then dine together at a restaurant while admiring the sunset. I’ve reserved seats for us at Green Black. At any local restaurant the food is not only delicious, but also very healthy.

Moroccan meals often consist of juicy meats which include chicken, lamb, or steak. Seasoned to perfection with various herbs and spices. Often paired with couscous or other vitamin enriched grains. Of course every meal will be garnished with steamed vegetables. For dessert we will get to enjoy beautiful pastries. I recommend trying the Baklava (a must have).

In the morning, we’ll visit the beautiful Mosques. Let’s start with the Hassan II Mosque. This building is an architect’s dream! Each structure is unique, with walls and floors covered in shiny dynamic tiles.

In the afternoon, let’s stay here to watch the evening sunset. I’ve packed a lunch, so we can eat, while thanking God for witnessing such beauty.

At night, it’s time to head to a lounge. At most lounges we can enjoy smoking shisha (hookah), while listening to the music. The polyrhythmic sounds, full of audible patterns and layers, will make you want to get up and dance. Hips perfectly synchronous with the beat of the drums. If dancing isn’t your thing, then maybe playing a game of Uno might tickle your fancy. It is surprisingly popular here and I must say, always fun.

Almost every lounge, is designed with rich colors. Fabrics of deep blues and greens laced with shimmering embelishements of gold or silver. Let’s dance the night away! When we’re done, well walk by the ocean one last time, while savoring delicious ice cream.

Then get ready for the next stop….

Marrakesh

Marrakesh is a city like no other. The structure of this place will be imprinted on your mind, forever. We’ll walk through the maze-like streets of the Medina. The walls are high, so every turn is a surprise. We will certainly need Google maps to find our way out. There’s unique shops at every turn. Shops with colorful glass lamps and garments that will surely bring out your newly sunkissed complexion.

Be careful with communicating with locals, as a simple favor, or “help with directions.” It may lead to the expectation of payment. If you find that streets vendors are too persistent on a sale, I recommend looking down and away, not saying anything at all. Although this may be slightly rude, unfortunately this was the only way to minimizing the interaction with tenacious sellers.

The dinner scene is something out of Aladdin’s lamp. I’ve made necessary online reservations at Dar Cherifa. We walk up to a door that’s looks two sizes too small. We knock, the door opens, and we stoop down to enter a dimly lit room. This restaurant is full of candles with an open ceiling, revealing the night sky. Draped translucent fabrics hang from the upper levels, almost touching the ground. This is what romance, mystery, and sensuality is all about. Tables are full of roses, red roses, of course. The candles bounce off the walls, creating a shimmering image in your eyes.

The meal will again be decadent, Tagin & lamb on skewers (Kefta), paired with peppers. It’s so decadent. Once done, we’ll indulge in desert, Ktefa. It’s delicious, and the calories are worth every bite. After eating let’s sip on mint tea, to settle our happy tummies.

let’s unwind at…

The Spa & Hammam

Tomorrow morning is the Spa and maybe a Hammam bath. Why don’t we try out the Mythic Oriental Spa? This spa that will enchant while it relaxes. A facial that will revitalize, and a massage that will transport you on a cloud of zen.

The hammam bath, however is an experience that’s not for the faint at heart. Although a quite unique, may leave anyone who’s modest or shy somewhat traumatized. To paint a picture, they first give you very small piece of garment, to somewhat cover with. After, you’re placed in a room with other persons or just the person you come with. Staff will then vigorously bathe you while dunking a bucket water over your head, over and over again.

The hammam bath is considered to be a ritual to cleanse an individual who intends on visiting a mosque. To adequately cleanse them, before presenting themselves to God. Well, cleanse they do! They scrub everything! Yes, everything!!! It’s an experience I only need to have once. So I’ll pass, but your free to go and try! I have had friends that absolutely loved it. It most certainly will be an unforgettable experience… After the spa & Hammam I recommend resting up.

Because in the morning we head to…

The Sahara Desert

The journey to the Sahara Desert is long but a required excursion. So, I’ve made arrangements. You absolutely cannot leave Morocco without witnessing the beautiful dunes. God’s perfectly painted canvas. Once we’ve reached the desert we’ll ride a camel. Beware, they spit!!.

As you ride these enormous beauties you can rest hour hand on of their humped spine “The Camel’s Hump.” All while watching the sand dunes as far as the eyes could see. The sun reflecting on the sand seems like pools of water. Yes, a mirage! The sun will likely be angry so be prepared for the desert heat!

Walk up the dunes, where every step feels like your feet are sinking into it (quicksand energy). But the key is to walk fast. Once we’re at the top we will then use sand boards to go back down. This adventure will be full of excitement and will surely raise your adrenaline levels 😉

Once the sun begins to set the desert then comes alive. As we sit on beautiful pillows, we enjoy Moroccan prepared food, consisting of cooked vegetables and grilled meats. Once the meal is done, we then relax. Digesting our meal & conversing with new friends. All while listening to the seductive sounds of a Bendir (Drums), Nai (Flute), and a Lotar (Guitar). Together they form the unique sounds of Desert Blues.

After the music is played, and our eyes begin to close, it’s time for bed. Let’s fall asleep on a mattress on the desert floor, out in the open. We will fall asleep watching the stars. Since there are no other distracting lights, these stars will be the brightest in the sky. It’s so wondrous & magical. We fall asleep as the desert breeze caress the tiny hairs on our faces to sleep.

Rise & Shine!! It’s time to wake up…Because next, we journey to…

Chefchaouen

Last stop is the city of Chefchaouen. Also known as the “Blue city”. It is a fun little town where the color blue sets a unique scene. Perfect for pictures! We’ll shop or just brows. Perusing this unique place. Just enjoying the day in this little town, before having to return to Marrakesh.

Beware Ramadan is a yearly spiritual practice, that the whole country partakes in. You may, or may not, want to go around this time. It requires prayer and modesty. Most importantly, daily fasting. It will be very difficult (but not impossible), to find food early in the day. As the custom is to break the fast at sundown. Once you break your fast, be sure to try the Harira. Served only around this time of year. Although it is a disciplined practice, it is only but a small sacrifice. It will undoubtedly leave you feeling appreciative of life, and more connected to our creator.

Last Stop…

Back to Marrakesh

On our last day in Morocco, we’ll visit the main square and shop for souvenirs. Once we’re done buying all the things we need, but will likely never use, then let’s sit and enjoy our last meal here. Pastilla & Maakouda, and of course mint tea. After, let’s delight in these streets of endless surprises, one last time. Tomorrow we’ll have to leave this wondrous place.

Till next time…

I hope you had as much fun as I did. Please let me know what you think of Morocco. I look forward to another adventure together!

Come with Me to another place, very soon 🙂

Read another one of my blogs: Experience Luxury: A Business Class Flight to Asia with Air Canada