My Addiction to Morocco

I can’t stay away from Morocco. It was one of the first countries I visited, and even though my bag was lost that first trip, I stepped into the souq the next morning smelling of man-shampoo and no makeup and I was in heaven. I loved everything around me. The sights, smells, colors, sounds, even the ebb and flow of the place. So when Asha told me she was planning a trip around Thanksgiving last year, I decided to take advantage of my geophraphic location and meet her there. It was my third time in Morocco and I wasn’t over it.

If I had to pinpoint one thing that makes Morocco such a unique and crave-worthy experience for me, it would have to be the many beautiful, peaceful, authentically Moroccan riads I have stayed in all over the country. It’s Moroccan riads over hotels for me any day of the week. The beautiful thing about riads is you usually step into one off a busy street or souq, but as soon as you are inside all the noise and stress from the street fades away and you are suddenly in this quiet, lush, sunlight-filled oasis. There is always a small pool or water fountain, Moroccan rugs cover the tiled floors, and a central courtyard that opens to the sky. The riad on this trip was no different, Riad Mur Akush in Marrakech. We ate a beautiful Moroccan breakfast on the rooftop each morning, and it was the best way to begin each day.

Asha and I decided to take day trips from Marrakech. Each trip offered us a different scene and vibe of Morocco, and in addition to the wildness of Marrakech it was a beautiful balance. Our first stop was Essaouira, the most picturesque, bustling port city on the edge of Africa. I so enjoyed the feel of Essaouira, it was calmer and kinder than Marrakech. Asha and I walked through the city and shopped, and then headed to the port. There is a fort there and a climb to the top offers some incredible views. The port is full of an energy and busy locals that I could have watched all day. But I think our favorite part about Essaouira was Resatuarant Adwak. I’ve never had better Moroccan food. Ever. 

Our second excursion took us back to the place where I dream of living someday: Ourika/Imlil Valley, and the Atlas Mountains. It’s a breathtaking corner of the world. On our way to the valley we stopped at an argan oil women’s cooperative. I know that they can be a tourist trap, but I love them just the same. The women loved Asha. After some failed attempts to help the women with their work, we bought some oils, left, and drove through Imlil Valley on a perfect fall day. The world was bursting with vivid color. We rode camels through the valley, and then hiked the Atlas Mountains to some beautiful falls. At the top of the hike we had lunch overlooking Imlil in all its fall beauty. Up in the mountains I purchased a Berber rug, and would confidently say at this point that the day couldn’t have been better.

Marrakech hadn’t changed. It’s a busy maze, shouting vendors, the best fresh-squeezed orange juice. But I still love to be in my favorite restaurant above it all looking out at the intensity unfold.

Morocco has always been magical for me. I loved sharing it with Asha. It’s a country that always has something new and beautiful to offer. I have a feeling I’ll be back for trip number four someday.