A
very different world, full of medinas, kasbahs and souks,
unusual sounds and smells, a mixture of ancient times and modern developments.
Exploring regions ranging from coastal fishing towns to high mountain
villages to barren desert dunes... such was our experience for three weeks
in Morocco.
Tanger
Our port of entry into Morocco, Tanger (Tangier) had a reputation of being slightly distasteful. While we did find that there were a few touts at the port and in the medina, our experience in Tanger was anything but distasteful. Tanger's medina was a definite awaking; crowded and bustling and full of activity, it told us that we were now in a completely different country with an entirely different way of life and set of rules.
Chefchaouen
We could have stayed in Chefchaouen for days, the little backpacker town was so relaxing. But it might not stay that way for long, there are definitely signs that this little mountain town could be run over completely by tourists sooner rather than later. Chefchaouen blue is an entirely unique colour.
Fes
We were originally going to head to Rabat at this point, but a last minute change of plans took us south to Fes, the most famous of the four Imperial cities. Its reputation was justified; its dense medina and all of the sights it had to offer could have taken weeks to see in their entirety. As it was, we stayed there for four days, soaking in as much as we could, except for the one day when we were both sick in bed!
Volubulis and Moulay Idriss
Near the city of Meknes is the ancient Roman city of Volubulis, the site of the most intact Roman ruins in Morocco. We gladly joined Diana, Harriet, and Nancy in their rental car for a one day jaunt to Volubulis and the nearby mountain town of Moulay Idriss.
Through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains
Another change in plans put us in another rental car with Harriet and Nancy to take us down south through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, down to the desert of Erg Chebbi, and then up through Ouarzazate along the Kasbah Road up to Marrakech. It was an incredible glimpse of the less populated areas of Morocco, especially our memorable stay in the desert.
Click here to see more of our one-night
desert experience.
Essaouria
A two day detour west to the Atlantic Coast of Morocco brought us to the pleasant town of Essaouria, where we enjoyed a very relaxed and hassle-free stay. Certainly staying at the Villa Maroc contributed greatly to the experience, as it had nothing but charm and character. Again, Essaouira is in danger of being overrun by tourists, so visit soon if you can!
Marrakech
The exotic city of Marrakech proved to be very popular with us, as our accomodations sat us very close to the main square, the heart of the activity in the city, especially in the evening. The atmosphere of the Red City, called so for the because of the terracotta wash used on its buildings, was probably the most alluring of the Imperial cities we visited.
Rabat, Meknes, and Casablanca
We didn't stay too long in the cities of Rabat, Meknes or Casablanca, but we were able to visit the main sights and get a taste of each of those cities. Especially in Rabat and Casablanca, we saw many examples of the old along with the new, as the ancient medinas stood right alongside modern buildings.
© 2003-2004 Winston & Jennifer Yeung. All Rights Reserved.