Marvelous Morocco

Morocco is a must for anyone who loves travel, culture, and adventure. 

Warning: It is not for the weak-of-heart. You must have an open-mind, an embracing spirit, and a very good appetite for adventure and fun.

Hotel Agdal's interiors couldn't be more colourful.

We went to Marrakech for the ladyboss's birth anniversary, and it was a lot of very big ticks on our bucketlists:

Ride a Camel

Meet my mate, Brownie.

Learn and speak few French words

and conquer Sahara Desert

For a Filipino like me, it reminded me of Manila to be honest. Not the Makati or The Fort kind, but the old Manila. 

There are some parts of the "New City" where it looked like it was somewhere in Roxas Boulevard, and in the "Old City" or the Medina, it would appear as if you're in Quiapo. Which is actually good for me. It feels so foreign, yet so familiar.

The weather is mostly sunny, which is a good time to escape when autumn and winter is just about to knock on the door. On a regular daytime, it would range from 20s to even reach 30 degrees Celsius at some point. 

But come night time, it may drop to more or less 15 degrees. (That is a different case in the desert if you slept there for a night, which we did, where the temperature dropped way below 10.)

What do the films Prince of Persia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven have in common? They were shot here.

The city of Marrakech is definitely far from what you think of a typical 1st world tourist destination. They are very well aware of it, and so you must too. But it is surprisingly safe, but extra precautions still are needed for not everyone could converse well in English. (Unless you are quite good in French or Arabic.)

The people are helpful and quite friendly too. But for a Muslim country, certain laws and rules must be respected. Not! Don't always think: I'm a visitor and I can do what I can for I paid whatever is needed to get here! WRONG.

If a stranger visits your house, or in your room, most of the time, you can't just let them do their wish against yours isn't it? So, just maintain respect. For ladies, you do not need to cover yourself from head to toe. Just maintain decency and you'll be fine.

You won't be walking at the "same" street always.

Remember though that in their culture and religion, people would approach you for a bit of money. Just say no, and they will. It's also the same for vendors on the street. If you don't want something, just ignore and ask no more. For they will try to convince you to buy something. Politely say you don't want it. 

Do not also just take random shots of people doing their craft or selling their goods. Unless you ask them, some of them will ask for a fee. Which is understandable anyway, so just try to set the ground rules before you get "trigger-happy" with your camera.

The cost isn't that expensive, as expected. For easy reference, try to convert 1 Euro to 10 Moroccan Dirhams, and you'll be at ease when you spot a meal at the local McDonald's large burger meal: 40-50 Dirhams. 

We chose a hotel located in the New City. The hotels are about 10-15 minute walk from the "Old City", where the tourist attractions are located. If you choose to stay on a Riad, a classic Moroccan-style house rebuilt for visitors, it would be located mostly in the centre, but the route and the way to get there is quite tricky, think of a maze. No kidding.

A rare "quiet" small street in Medina.

For a 4-night stay in Morocco, it is not really enough for a Sahara Desert Adventure, but we managed to squeeze it in between, unplanned of course! As well as the Arabian show dinner on the last night, where you can actually taste, feel and watch the culture grow on you.

Our hotel had their offers at the concierge, which is quite easy, I think most of their hotels are in partnership with the local tourism, therefore is it legit and safe and you can have your options while on your stay with them.

Drums, songs, and chills at the Sahara Desert Camp.

Those are just some of the insights about our trip in Morocco. I'll be posting more photos and feedbacks about our trip. Have you been to Morocco? Or what do you think about the place?

Again, it is a MUST to visit Morocco. For now, au revoir!