Successfully (yet again) avoiding the five papers and various homework assignments I have to do, I’ve decided to utilize this week’s blog post as an opportunity to update you on the riveting world of Candice (sans school complaints, stress, etc.). As many may’ve seen from the occasional facebook update or instagram post — and if not, you can probably infer from the title — I spent my fall break journeying across the many landscapes of Morocco.
Opting for a non traditional thanksgiving, my mom and I decided to leave the countless hours of cooking and preparation for a carry on suitcase and a six day stay in “The Western Kingdom.”
Coordinated through the travel company, Gate 1 (thanks Groupon!), I and 40 others came together for a week of exploration and discovery in a country that none of us had been to before. With just enough time to visit the three major cities of Rabat, Marrakesh, and Casablanca from the lens of our amazing tour guide and native Moroccan, Mohammad, I had unique experiences and opportunities. A two day stay in Rabat revealed the beautiful contrast of blue and white walls in the Kasbah of the Udayas and the carefully guarded Mausoleum of Mohammad V. A day in Fez showed us large tiled rooms where Berber women spent countless hours weaving handmade rugs and scarves. We also watched as men carefully dyed pieces of leather for furniture and other hand goods in large pool-like structures filled with the colors of the rainbow. A full day bus ride to Casablanca (and flashbacks to our 18 hour bus excursion during the PLA spring trip) provided the opportunity to explore Orthodox churches as well as the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest Mosque in the entire world.
Joined by amazing photography opportunities, brief conversations with locals, and history lessons at every stop, Morocco’s beauty was experienced from all angles. From weaving in and out of the small, one person walkway-medinas to learning how to make delicious lamb tajine from a multi-generational recipe, I can gladly categorize my trip as one of the best weeks of my life.
A common theme upon returning from visits abroad, I would gladly go back to Morocco for more opportunities to explore, adventure, and discover the sights, sounds, and eats. I guess that means the pun is true, hey “Sovereign Country of the West”— I wan’t Mor(occo) time with you.
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