As I stepped foot on the sun-kissed shores of El Jadida, a Moroccan coastal city steeped in history, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. This hidden gem, with its blend of Portuguese and Moroccan influences, promised to unveil a world of mesmerizing beauty and captivating tales. I found myself enchanted by the …
Movie Locations in Morocco: A Tour
Morocco is a land of mountains, deserts, medieval cities, roman ruins and more than a few familiar movie locations. Thinking about Morocco and film undoubtedly conjures up images of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the 1942 American classic, Casablanca. Ironically none of Casablanca was filmed in Morocco, but many classics were, such as Lawrence …
Essaouira: UNESCO World Heritage Series
Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, boasts a history as vibrant as its striking blue and white architecture. This coastal jewel has witnessed civilizations come and go, each leaving their mark on its character. With a wide array of cultures and experiences in a very human-sized city, today’s Essaouira has a well-deserved place on the list …
The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Morocco Travel with a Child
Morocco is probably one of the most kid-friendly countries I have ever traveled. As soon as I started taking trains, buses, taxis and visiting the souks with my kid, an entirely different country opened up before my eyes. I hate to stereotype, but it really does seem to me that most Moroccans have an extra …
6 Beautiful Moroccan Coastal Towns to Visit
Morocco isn’t just winding souks and desert dunes: it’s also 1,200 miles of coastline running along the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Along the coast, charming harbors, busy fishing ports and picturesque beach towns abound – they’re just as diverse as Morocco’s interior. There are many Moroccan coastal towns waiting to …
Traveling During Eid al-Adha (Eid el-Kbir) in Morocco
By far, Eid al-Adha is the most important holiday for Muslims around the world. It occurs two lunar months after the end of Ramadan. Confusingly, Eid al-Adha called by many different names. Eid el-Kbir (often spelled “Eid el-Kbeer, “Aid al-Kébir” and other variations) is really common. It translates to “The Big Holiday”. With francophiles, the …
The Influence of Morocco on Dune by Frank Herbert: A Journey Through Culture, Geography, and Imagination
Frank Herbert’s science fiction masterpiece, Dunefirst published in 1965, is a monumental work in the genre, captivating readers over the years with its intricate plot, richly imagined universe, and profound themes. At least, it captured my imagination when I first read it, back when I was in Seattle, growing up under the flightpath of the …
Birdwatching Paradise in Morocco
Discover the enchanting world of birdwatching, a rewarding hobby that connects you with nature and offers a chance to observe diverse avian species in their natural habitats. Whether you’re an experienced ornithologist or a casual observer, birdwatching provides unique opportunities to appreciate the beauty and behaviors of birds. From serene forests to vibrant wetlands, each location offers its own array of feathered friends. Equip yourself with binoculars, a field guide, and a notebook to track your sightings as you embark on this exciting journey. Join local birdwatching groups or participate in guided tours to enhance your experience and learn from fellow enthusiasts. Embrace the tranquility and thrill of birdwatching—a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation!
Hammams in Morocco
Public baths are an integral part of life in Morocco. On any given day you might see a group of women gathering outside the neighborhood hammam, a small plastic stool and bucket in hand. The hammams in Morocco come with their own set of unspoken rules, which for outsiders can be more than a little …
Your Guide to the Morocco High Speed Train: The Al-Boraq
The Al-Boraq : Your Guide to the Morocco A train ride through Morocco has been a rustically romantic affair on the bucket list of most travelers since the days of the famous Marrakesh Express chugged south from Tangier in the 60s, carry with it the hopes, dreams, and music of the hippy era. The Marrakesh …