2008 January Morocco Solo Trip

Marrakesh, Morocco. January 2008

It felt like coming into a different world on the way to Marrakesh town from the airport.

Maybe it's a bit like Turkey, maybe more like in between Turkey and Egypt.

There are people, bicycles, motorbikes, cars, buses, trucks even donkeys horses on the road.

It seems chaotic but somehow orderly at the same time.

Maybe it feels like Goa, India in that sense.

Something caught my eyes often and that was Jellabas, traditional clothes of the Berber.

At first sight it reminds me of slightly scary looking monks, but soon realised that I've seen it on the Star Trek, which gives me chillingly  scary feeling.

Though Berbers have worn this outfit for ages to suit their climate and settled into a part of culture, the Star Trek made it some sort of creepy and even intimidating feature.

When I got familiarized after a few days in the country, finally it felt more comfortable to see those without being frightened. 

Desert tour for two nights and three days

I was lucky to have good members in the group to do the tour from Marrakesh.

A half of them were British due to cheap flights from the UK, I guess.

The guide we had for the whole period was very pleasant as well.

Hassan was very knowledgeable young Berber, who is interested and ready to talk about Moroccan politics, culture and religion. He is also kind enough to keep blessing us and is open to other religions and gods.

It was helpful that I read a bit of Moroccan history before the trip, so that I could get into in depth conversation with him.

The Berbers have been settled in Morocco well before the Romans and Arabs.

In southern Spain, there are many Moorish architectures including Al-hambra. Though they were Arabs coming with Islam culture, a lot of them were the Berbers. I could feel huge pride in being a Berber from Hassan.

I was quite envious of him being able to speak and write fluently several languages including Berber, Arabic, Spanish and French. Though his spoken English was impressive enough, he wasn't quite confident with written English.

When I showed him my English DK guidebook, he was so enthusiastic to read carefully every page. It would've been quite nice to be able to give it to him as present, if it was borrowed library book. Though he praised the book for excellent content of pictures and writing, he'd never asked me to give it to him or send it to him from London.

Feeling thankful for candid discussions we had, I gave him a little hair pin of my daughter that was in my bag. He invite my whole family to his house next time I come back to spend time with his family, including a little niece of his called Nadin.

To my invitation to London, he answers with 'Inshalla!'. I learned a lot from him about his culture and he made me think about how content his life seemed, though I can't imagine myself being happy in his circumstance. 

He asked me not to give money to begging children in his country, as they might end up begging all their lives without any education.

*Working young boy in Marrakesh, little boys on the way to the desert, girls on errand

* Overnight at the desert camp.

The tour group members were mainly young backpackers who had exciting life stories behind. Staying with them reminds me of my first backpacking trips back in 1997 when I was their age. I remember me being quite immature compare to them. I wasn't as worldly, mature nor considerate as they were. I didn't find any of those young people who I would be readily dismiss as 'young people these days.. you know..'.



After the desert tour back in Marrakesh, I was absolutely knackered so had to take it easy.
Still tried to look around the town and got invited to a Moroccan house for a cup of tea, but soon had to head back to the room where I read a book from 3 pm till midnight. 
Normally, it wouldn't be my idea of spending time on holiday unless it's somewhere near beach. But after having a couple of children(youngest being only two year old), this kind of idleness is unimaginable luxury. 
 
*Tagine shaped incense/candle holder, Jemma El Fnaa, Hostel Riad Armazigh

Towards nearly the end of my solo trip, I realised how precious family was to me.
Out of all the people I met on this trip, there was not a single man who was prepared to let their partner go on a solo trip, nor a single woman who expects their partner to let them go on their own. I was extremely proud of Pete for taking time off work so that he can look after our toddler children while I was gone. Also every time I happened to see young local children aged around my kids, I thought of different ways to become the best mum they can be proud when grown up.



*Moroccan food. Berber Omelette, Salad, Tagine, Kebab

*Practical Information in Morocco.

Flight : Easyjet from London
Desert tour :There are a number of travel agencies in Marrakesh you can book a day in advance.
Hostel : Riad Armazigh

Equity Point Marrakesh

Riad Armazigh

80 Derb El Hammam : Mouassine

ph.+212 015653283

www.equity-point.com