Eva and I spent 10 days in Morocco at the end of November/beginning of December, 2020. We purchased a tour from Tihya Tours and it was worth every dollar.
What was the most surprising thing about Morocco?
Eva: It seems cosmopolitan as everyone does business with everyone.
Ehren: The constant traffic stops and nitpicking various traffic regulations for bribes
What would you change about this trip?
Eva: I’d spend more time in Morocco
Ehren: I was a clumsy, naive tourist. I lost my glasses, got us ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt, I lost our padlock key for our hotel room, I followed scallywags duping us into following them to shops where we didn’t want to go and even paid a tour guide to go away.
Scale of 1-10, how easy is it for a US Citizen visiting for the first time to communicate and find the things you need?
Eva: 7, I feel like it’s only really hard if you’re not trying. I don’t go into other countries expecting them to speak English; they speak more French than English.
Ehren: 6, we could always find somebody to speak English, but I felt we were taken advantage of too often for my liking. We had an impossible time trying to mail stuff from Marrakech. And Eva got non=consensually India Inked. Marrakech was constantly watching your back, getting taken advantage of and trying to avoid both.
How long would you optimally stay there (+/- how long we stayed)?
Eva: I think I could probably spend a year there.
Ehren: Outside of the market cities, I could stay for a month, but we overstayed the market cities after 1 day.
Could you move/live here?
Eva: Possibly, it’s not at the top of my list, but I would consider it.
Ehren: I wouldn’t be interested. The people are nice and friendly to their own, but everybody wants something from you. You can’t just drive somewhere without a constant shakedown.
What did you learn about travel?
Eva: Sometimes it is good to geta travel guide and get a tour. There were so many roadstops, if we had dealt with that many police, it would’ve been a problem for us.
Ehren: I learned that some places, it’s imperative to have a guide. Ask around before you travel. You might find some very good guidance. Half of our trip would’ve been tied up in bribing our way out of traffic problems if we hadn’t hired a guide to drive.
Anything else you want to add?
Eva: If you enjoyed visiting New Mexico in the US, you’ll enjoy Morocco’s environment, the weather, woodfired food, tagine, and appealing to the American appetite of meat and potatoes. The best value in Morocco were the Berber operated Riads; a small Inn or Bed and Breakfast.
Ehren: I know I didn’t make Morocco sound great. The food is fantastic for a meat lover like me. There is some magnificent architecture. The people ARE very friendly; we didn’t feel threatened, but they rely on you for their meager income and they’re assertive in getting your attention. Outside of Marrakech, Fez and Casablanca, Morocco was amazing. I highly recommend the (Tiziri) Berber Camping experience, Ouzoud waterfalls, Boumailne Dades & the Todra Gorge. Anwar at Tihya Tours 100% made exploring this country possible and enjoyable.
Quick Fire Favorites:
Restaurant:
Eva: Cafe Aribe
Ehren: Maison D’hôtes Restaurant Chez L’habitant Amazigh
Hang out Joint:
Eva: Jemaa el-Fnaa Plaza
Ehren: Tiziri Camp
Best Shopping:
Eva: The Medina
Ehren: The Medina: Marrakech Street Market (easy to get lost)
Point of Interest:
Eva: Tiziri Sahara Desert Camp
Ehren: Ouzoud Waterfalls
