Moroccan Moments that will last a lifetime (Part 1)

We recently embarked on a 15-day trip to Morocco with Intrepid Travel’s Best of Morocco Tour.   It’s been awhile since we’ve joined an organized tour group for fear of being hauled away like cattle in huge buses from tourist spots to carpet shops.  But after doing some research, we were convinced of Intrepid’s promise and philosophy of traveling close to the ground – local transportation (when possible), local eats, local accommodations, and local hangouts.  It was a good combination of experiential travel and good trip planning and organization.

So with great discounts on airfare and the trip price itself, we set off for North Africa and got ready to experience Moroccan Moments that will last a lifetime.

1.  Marvel at the colossal Hassan II Mosque.

Completed in 1993, the Hassan II Mosque has the world’s tallest minaret and is the fifth largest mosque.  It sits by a promontory right by the Atlantic Ocean and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers in the main hall and another 80,000 in the outside courtyards.  It has a retractable roof that opens up, allowing the faithful to pray under the daytime sky or the evening stars.

 

2.  Wander around the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Volubilis, founded in the 3rd century B.C. was an important and one of the most remote outpost of the Roman Empire.  It was abandoned around the  year 280 AD when the neighboring Berber tribes reclaimed the area.   Many remnants of its elegant buildings and fine houses remain to this day.

 

3.  Take in the sights and smells of the century-old leather tannery in Fes.

The Chouara tannery is one of the ancient tanneries still in operation in the city of Fes.  Following age-old traditions, animal hides are first soaked in a mixture of cow or donkey urine, water, and salts to break down the tough leather, loosen excess fat, flesh, and hair that remain on them. After a two to three-day soak, tanners remove excess hair fibers and fat in order to prepare the hides for dyeing. The hides are then soaked in another set of vats containing a mixture of water and ammonia-rich pigeon poop. Ammonia is a softening agents that allows the hides to absorb the dye. The tanner then uses his bare feet to knead the hides for up to three hours to achieve the desired softness.

4.  Receive gracious hospitality and sumptuous food at a local home in Fes.

One of the highlights of our trip was the opportunity to sample home-cooked meals and street food with our local guide.  In Fes, Karima welcomed us to her home where they also run a small restaurant.   I apologize for not having photos of the most amazing Chicken Bastilla – it was devoured immediately.

5.  Experience local life at the Berber village of Bremmen.

In between Fes and our Sahara camp in Erg Chebbi, we stopped at a lovely auberge (inn) in Midelt.  Before dinner, we had the chance to walk around the village of Bremmen.   Little children peeked out of their earthen adobe houses.  Young ladies were bringing up water from the stream. While taking photos of the adult locals was discouraged, the men and women we encountered were friendly and always ready with a warm greeting of “Salam.”

6.  Watch the sun set and rise in the Sahara desert and lay under the stars in between.

The mighty and majestic Sahara desert was a sight to behold.  While some of the towns that we had been traversing through to get to the sand dunes were technically within the Western Sahara region,  there was still nothing quite like gazing at the wide expanse of sand.  We stored our luggage at an inn and made our way into Erg Chebbi before the sun set.  Our caravan stopped on top of a little hill as we saluted the retreating sun.  In the morning, we ambled out of our tents to welcome the rising sun.

7.  Trek the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi on a camel.

Riding a camel in the Sahara desert was one of those bucket-list experiences that stays with you.  No, I’m not just talking about the soreness that can come after a hour of riding these gentle creatures up and down the sand dunes.  Sitting atop a camel while gazing out in the barren wilderness of the Sahara can be a spiritual experience for those who allow the ethereal beauty of the moment to take over.

 

To be continued ….