Morocco: Lost in a Maze

by Ashley Sommerville (Canada)

A leap into the unknown Canada

Morocco had been on my bucket list for quite some time. The thought of riding a camel through the desert, exploring the maze-like medinas and getting lost amidst enchanting salmon pink walls was enough for me to hop on a plane. One 20+ hour flight (with multiple layovers) later, I’d arrived in Marrakesh, the ‘Red City’, also known as the jewel of Morocco. I checked into my first Riad and was completely in awe. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes and if you’re looking for an authentic experience in this enthralling city, I highly recommend booking a stay at one. I had no idea what to expect when I walked out of my Riad to explore the city, but there I was in el-Fna Square, said to be the busiest square in Africa. Nothing you read online (no, not even this blog) can do it justice: It was a total sensory overload. I felt every single emotion rush into my body as I took in the sights, sounds and smells, while also dodging the caleches, motorcycles and cars that criss-cross the square. It was intense, beautiful and I had never experienced anything quite like it. Pro Tip: The unwritten rule in Morocco – but not Fes – is to walk on the right side of the street. You will thank me later, I promise. The theme for the next few days in Marrakesh I call, “Lost & Found”. Basically, I got lost. I was lost and confused and overwhelmed in a place so foreign to me. I didn’t speak the language and I didn't know who to trust. This was the real deal, the total lostness of being stuck in a labyrinth of tiny winding streets. Which leads me to Pro Tip #2: Request the services of a guide who will not only provide you with the history of the old city but will help ease the intimidation of the bustling souks. After 3 days, it was now time to get out of the city. I was whisked away in a 4x4 to Scarabeo Desert Camp, located 45-minutes away from Marrakesh. It’s the perfect spot if you don’t have time to visit The Sahara in your itinerary. I had goosebumps as we pulled up to the Stone Desert Camp, which is impressive considering it was 116 degrees out. For miles and miles around, all you see is the golden plains stretching in every direction until they disappear into the horizon. I was quickly shown to my tent which was the definition of glamping, brimming with luxury desert style. And then, it was camel time. As we approached the camels my immediate thought was, “Wait why was this on my bucket list?!”. Seriously, has anyone ever been up close to a camel? They are docile creatures – and their teeth are massive. After a lot of laughter and hesitation I was holding on for dear life and ready to ride. We rode into the desert and the sun began to set. The next few hours were spent under the stars indulging in Moroccan cuisine – and wine. They have wine here, a big win (alcohol is not illegal in Morocco – but it is definitely hard to find). In the morning, my driver picked me up for our next journey, and he easily turned into one of my favorite people throughout the trip. We had a seven-hour drive together to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famed “Blue City”, located in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. It’s a bit out of the way, but it’s well worth the visit – the whole city is awash in vibrant shades of blue. I would love to say that my experience in Morocco was all rainbows but that would be an unrealistic lie. It’s PSA time – Morocco is an Instagram playground at every corner you turn – but it is also an extremely challenging place to visit. Will you feel uncomfortable at times? Likely, yes. Did I fall for a scam in Marrakesh – also, yes. All that being said Morocco took a piece of my heart and changed me for the better. Morocco was raw, it woke me up. You need to immerse yourself into the culture and I promise, you won’t regret it.