Morocco

I'm tired. My days in the Middle East are almost over, making this my last posting for a while. I don't think too many people read this. For the above reasons, I'm just going to copy and paste my draft CX World asked me to do for their next issue. Anything to add...well I blew five hours when I got sucked into a John Grisham novel lying around in the riad I stayed at in Marrakech. Lunched with three Americans I met on my overnight train from Fès, and hung out for a day in Marrakech with two Malaysian ladies fresh out of med school in the UK who stayed at my riad. That's about it. Here's to hoping there's time to do a little running around in the next 12 months!

Morocco Article for CX World

Destinations
To explore the beauty of Morocco would take a month, and that would be after coming to grips with what you’ve decided to miss. From beaches to ski slopes to deserts and waterfalls, or from ancient bazaars to ultra-modern gallery-cafés, this country has it all. Though somewhat spoiled by mass-tourism, visitors will find that there is something for everyone. There are simply too many places worth seeing, but if you’re short on time or prefer not to venture too far from civilisation (and forego the splendor of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara), a few options along Morocco’s convenient train and bus network would be well worth your while.

Challenge your navigational skills in the labyrinthine Fès-el-Bali. With its souq (Arabic for ‘bazaar’) spread over more than 9,000 alleyways, dead-ends and hidden courtyards, getting lost is half the fun. While there’s little resemblance between the Casablanca of Bogart and Bergman and that of today, dinner next to the lighthouse along the rocky coast will show you that this commercial capital has lost none of the romance and charm. Die-hard fans will feel at home in the near-perfect re-creation of Rick’s Café in the medina. Pass a relaxing day with a seafood lunch by the beach, late afternoon people-watching from a café with your favourite gelato in hand, followed by arguably the best sunset you’ll ever enjoy along the ramparts on the seaside town of Essaouira. Do not ever visit Morocco without spending two nights in your choice of lovingly restored riads (garden houses) in Marrakech. For an assault on all five senses, spend the day shopping for spices and pottery in the souq, treat yourself to a rejuvenating steam bath and massage at one of many Turkish hammams, and enjoy a feast for less than HKD30 at the Jmaa-el-Fnaa food market at night.

Food
Needless to say, couscous is a must try, especially sweet varieties made with steamed dates and cinnamon available in Marrakech and Essaouira. Tajines, a Moroccan stew of any combination of meat, potatoes, tomato sauce, eggs and other vegetables cooked in a conical pot, come in limitless variations and will satisfy any hungry stomach. Along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, sample the catch of the day grilled with nothing but a pinch of salt. To more daring foodies I would give a personal recommendation to raw oysters freshly picked from oyster beds mere steps away from the restaurant. Visitors will also find the abundance of authentic Italian gelaterias throughout the country a pleasant surprise, especially in the warmer months. As a penny-pinching backpacker, fresh-squeezed orange juice at HKD3 a glass at Jmaa el-Fnaa was particularly memorable.

Tips
- No matter what the driver says, never start a journey unless you first agree on a price or use the meter. Ask to be taken to the police if you’re being charged 50 Euros for a 15-dollar ride.
- Morocco strictly forbids exportation of its currency, so you won’t find Moroccan dirhams for sale at your local bank before your trip. The Euro is widely accepted, but if in need of local money, there are plenty of bureaux de change at the airport. Compare rates during your travels and change just enough for your needs, as you will be forced to sell off unused amounts before leaving the country!
- As they travel around the country, ladies may sometimes find the locals a little too friendly. Male travel buddies will help ward off unwanted attention.
- English should be enough to help you get around, but French would be a big bonus…if Arabic isn’t your forte.
- Particularly in the souqs, a compass is your best friend. Be wary of unsolicited offers from young locals (faux-guides as they are known) to guide you around. While they are indeed helpful, generally safe to be with and are genuinely friendly, most will (persistently) ask for tips you’re not prepared to pay at the end. Don’t be shy to ask them for assistance when you are indeed lost!
- Visas are not required for Hong Kong passport holders and most Europeans.

Comments

[Brian]

i read it.

[Peter]

I always read this blog, and the pretty pictures! wow!

[Yvonne]

I read it too. Are we not good enough for you Max?

[Grace]

would it be too much to ask if i requested a tajine pot be brought back to hk? if so, i promise to find the best tajine recipe and cook up a storm. and i'd pay you back for the pot too. just a thought.

[Max]

It would have helped if you told me you wanted a tajine about a month ago.

[Grace]

you didn't write about tajines a month ago. no worries. i just got back from YVR and brought back a ton of food like Old Dutch ketchup chips. Mmmm. And I bought my very own Silpat. Now I just need an oven.

[Max]

I'll make it up to you. When I make my Cambodia trip, I'll write about my experiences there before I actually go.

Silpats rock. It's a much better way of using silicone than pumping it into women's (or certain Thai people's) chests.

[Tc]

Umm.....

I suppose the rest of us would catch it on reruns....

Perhaps you should re-market this as a 'travel blog'a la Tony Bourdain

nice article.