Imagine a place so exotic, so saturated with color, so contrasting to the western world, yet is closer to the US from NY than London. Morocco was the first to recognize the US as an independent country. Its fascinating history starts with the Berbers, who withstood invasions from many adversaries before the Arabs arrived from the Saudi Peninsula. This fascinating mix of peoples gives Morocco a special color that permeates the culture. Spices, carpets, mosques and even hotels burst with saffrons, reds, blues and a full range of colors. It comes as no surprise that traditional plant dyes limited the colors available for fabric.

The cacophony of the many muezzins, who call the faithful to prayer, permeates the air of the Fez medina. This ancient labyrinth of narrow streets is full of mosques, shops, hammams and residents carrying on their daily lives. A guide to help you negotiate this maze is highly recommended. Different areas of the medina specialize in different trades. The woodworking area may have furniture, wedding chairs, simple crafts and even colorful caskets. The tannery area continues to carry on ancient traditions of skinning and dyeing hides. For those who can tolerate the stench of the area, it is an interesting part of the medina.

Mosques in the area are open to Muslims only, however one can frequently catch a quick glimpse of the interior which is often quite a basic room. For a good view of the medina, visit the wood museum, which is interesting in itself and climb the stairs to the rooftop, where you can take in the complexity of this gated city.

The Fez medina is older and more claustrophobic than the modern medina in Marrakesh. Wider walkways in this ancient part of Marrakesh give a more open feel, but there is still the risk of becoming lost, or retracing your steps several times, as this medina is definitely not laid out in the grid pattern. Vendors will attempt to lure you into their stores whether you are interested or not. They will offer you a good price on their wares if you stand firm and don’t accept their first price. Bargaining here is a participatory sport. Act uninterested and walk away to get the best price.

Morocco is much more than medinas and souks. Its natural areas attract skiers, climbers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in general. The green area just before the Atlas offers the perfect spot for skiing and the small town resembles any other ski town. Lush forests and streams abound in this area, which quickly changes to desert. Parts of the desert are the deep sand one might initially think of when the Sahara comes to mind. But most of the desert is scrubby. Driving through the Atlas Mountains is heart stopping and scenic. Typical Berber villages dot the highway. Lucky visitors will be able to catch a weekly market along the way. Even the market parking lot provides an insight into this incongruous country. Donkey carts are parked next to pickup trucks and tractors.

Along the road, you may spot a lush verdant oasis that offers a break from the dry terrain. Women washing clothes in the river and donkeys walking along the road are common scenes.

And enterprising vendors take their spots at rest stops along the way... Handle them the same way as those in the souks. Do stop along the way for a cup of mint tea, the traditional Moroccan refreshment. Many hotels welcome their guests with this refreshing drink. It is considered ill-mannered to refuse it.

Moroccan food colors the country and tempts the palate. Tajine, a stew usually with mutton or chicken could be considered the national dish. A typical meal consists of several plates of colorful spiced vegetables, often cooked, but often served cool, that pretend to be the main dish. Take care that you don’t fill yourself on these delicious appetizers. Usually a large tajine will follow. Sumptuous desserts complete the meal.

The Moroccan lifestyle is rather moderate and most of the population are Muslims, and are very accepting of foreigners. They will personally welcome you to the country and thank you for visiting. For a first visit to Africa or to an Arab country, Morocco is the place to go.

Happy Traveling.

Moroccan Tourism - http://www.tourisme-marocain.com/english/indexen.htm
Recommended Lodging –
Fez – Palais Jamai - http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/2141/fiche_hotel.shtml
Marrakech - http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/2141/fiche_hotel.shtml

Fast Facts:

Location North Africa Capital Rabat Climate Mediterranean Ethnic Group Arab-Berber Religion Muslim Languages Arab, Berber dialects, French National Airline Royal Air Maroc (Flies direct from New York City) Travel Documents Passport (For U.S.) Dress for visitors Conservative (Women should not wear clothing showing much body flesh.)

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