After
leaving Menara Airport in Marrakech, I was shocked and delighted by the
chaotic mess of its traffic, where pedestrians, cars, cabs, donkeys,
wheelchairs and every other conceivable vehicle struggle to reach their
destination.
Marrakesh is an astonishing city where
Djam El Fnáa offers a globalized pulse, especially at night. The admired
Koutuobia
with its ancient tower, the men dressed in red offering water,
musicians, snake charmers, fortune tellers, and fruit sellers mingle
with tourists from all over the world who come to eat exotic food in a
joyful climate, among food stands where you can eat the best fish or
variety of soups.
Casablanca
is well-known for the romantic film of the same name, but a visit to
the city is full of other surprises, not least of which is the Great
Mosque Hassan II. It is a cosmopolitan place where you can see the
European trace in its lavish mansions, but there is not an ordinary
closet in the bus terminal. Tall skyscrapers host financial businesses
while crippled persons in the street beg for a few dirhams, everything
is possible there.
Time seemed to have stopped.
There were habits and traditions of different times, houses were three
storied with very peculiar toilets, sleeping on the terrace was usual,
weddings lasted three days, and internet was easy to find while fast
food was unheard of.
And
what to say about the desert? Astonishing! I could only judge the
passing of time when the voice of my host softly called me for meals.
Overwhelmed at the sight of that endless sea of sand going from yellow
to pink, I felt like a tiny creature in the immense solitude of that
powerful landscape. All was huge, peaceful, and perfect. It completely
filled my spirit. I truly thought of many problems in my life that could
have been solved more easily and living with the desert people taught
me to take things not tragically but in a real way…I had the time! The
Sahara was the unanimous highlight of my travel!
Morocco
is like a planet of its own with its diverse idiosyncrasy, beautiful
landscapes, ancient traditions, incredible friendly people, wonderful
views and a combination of traditional and modern practices, a country
not only to visit but to praise most highly.
