Marrakech
Morocco is a lot.. I won’t lie to you. I found the harrasing in Fes the worst however it happens all over Morocco. As a solo female traveller, it takes some guts to travel here and if I were to go again, i’d go with someone, and I don’t recommend that very often. Otherwise, if you are happy to attach yourself to some stray, preferably male-identifying travellers, in my case, a bunch of strapping Australian dudes (eye roll), this is your best way of having some reprieve from the constant attention and harassment.
I must insist that this is not to say that Morocco and its people aren't gleaming with generosity and kindness, but you have probably read a few bits on Morocco already. It has some very conservative views, particularly when it comes to women. I highly recommend following the customs of dress there. No need to appropriate dress customs, but covering my arms and legs definitely made me feel safer and, therefore, more free to enjoy myself.
Hout Quari - The best Fish sandwich I've ever had. It consists of two sardines pressed together, coated in breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried in Ghee. The sandwich is served on a white bread roll with a tomato salsa with cilantro and chilli, raw onion, maybe some peppers or eggplant, and extra raw chilli (if you're feeling brave). I had several of these sandwiches in Marrakech, and this was one of my favourites. They can be found throughout the Medina, but I'm not sure of the exact location of the one pictured. If you happen to stumble upon it, consider yourself lucky. However, I'm sure you won't be disappointed no matter where you get one. Like always, a good amount of locals lining up is a good indicator.
The magic of Imsouane
Look familiar…? Aït Benhaddou is the backdrop to countless blockbusters. From the 60’s classics of the '60s to the 21st century: Lawrence of Arabia, Sodom and Gomorra, The Diamond of the Nile, The Gladiator, Cleopatra, The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, The Mumy... and recently, The Game of Thrones and Queen of the Dessert to name a few.
Sitting perched on the edge of the expansive Sahara Desert and just south of the High Atlas Mountains, Aït Ben-Haddou, a 19th centre Kasbah town, is one of the world’s finest examples of North African pisé clay architecture dating back a thousand years.
The long journey to the Sahara
The long journey to the Sahara
If you jump on a tour to the Sahara desert from Marrakech, you will likely stop here. Yes, a tour… it’s a pretty hard place to get to without one, unfortunately. And you want advice on a tour company. Do your research, and more importantly, pay the extra 50 - 100 USD. I wouldn’t recommend the tour company I went with by a long stretch unless the tour is really low on cash, like staying outside in sandstorms, enjoy being headed around like goats and like paying double for water in the middle of the desert… the Sahara desert.
FINALLY
THE SAHARA DESERT
FES
The only photo I have of Fes. This usually indicates that I don’t want to draw any extra attention. It’s a shame because the Medina beyond this blue wall was very beautiful. You’ll just have to see if for yourself.. (perhaps with company)