Colin's Testimonial
The culture of Morocco can be summed up in two words: traditional exoticism. I was fortunate enough to spend nearly a month within the warmth and kindness of the Moroccan culture. It was one that met my expectations, and exceeded them ten fold.
A cultural aspect that is impossible to miss once into the country, is the consistent call-to-prayer ( a pillar of Islam). It begins at daybreak and ends at sunset. While several of my fellow travelers complained about the loud, far-reaching chant that echoed through the Mediterranean air every morning, I found it soothing in a land that never failed to surprise me.
In a post 9-11 world, it's almost ingrained into our subconscious, the vile volatility of Arabs. While, I'm sure, the intent is to prove the danger of terrorists, the ignorant mind often mistakes "terrorists" for all Muslims/Arabs. Before leaving for my time in North Africa, I was actually warned by several such ignorant minds, to "be careful around those Arabs."
The culture was anything but hostile. It was welcoming in a way that Americans seldom see. To this day, it blows my mind how those who have so little, can offer so much in forms of hospitality and spirit.
The vastness of terrain (Mountains, ocean, desert, oases) and magnitude of culture shows that Morocco is ever-changing from the bustle of Tangier to the serenity of Essauoria. Traditional: practices that pre-date the formation of America; and it is exotic given the differences between our culture and theirs.
Deep down, Morocco has something to offer everyone. If exotica is what you seek, the wild markets of Marrakech will pleasantly satiate; if you seek romance, then the indigo Moroccan night sky will create moments you've only dreamed of; if you seek cuisine, the spices and cous cous will clear your sinuses and spice your spirit; and if you're that rare soul, who seeks a little more...the thrill of something new, something bold, than the mystery of Morocco will tell you things about yourself that you never imagined!
Aubrey's Testimonial
Although I only spent five days in Morocco, I fell in love with what I saw and experienced. I enjoyed everything from the super sweet green tea to the friendliness of the people I met. My favorite city that I visited was Chefchaouene. The city was absolutely gorgeous. All of the buildings and houses were blue-rinsed, and I learned that the blue-rinse came from the Jewish tradition of the city's former inhabitants. What I saw of Morocco was such a mixture of cultures and traditions. I experienced a place full of friendly people, unique architecture and absolutely amazing food. I can't wait to see more of Morocco in the future!
Morgan's Testimonial
The culture in Morocco is not as homogenous as one might think. I was in Tangier, which is a large coastal city about eleven kilometers off the coast of Spain. Being so close to Europe, the Spanish and Italian influences are apparent in small parts of the city. Although North Africa, Morocco included, are predominantly Islamic states, there are Jewish and Catholic sectors around the bigger cities. It was initially colonized by the French and since its two official languages are French and Arabic. Morocco gained independence in 1956 but has kept some of its European traits and has even applied to join the European Union. Morocco's culture is older than the early influences of Arab and Muslim reign, in that their indigenous people are Berber. They have maintained their own language and culture and are farmers, herders and traders who live mostly in the interior of the country in the deserts, mountains, and oases. They are known for making the intricate and highly sought after rugs. Since the Arabs expanded their empire outside the Arabian Peninsula a lot of their culture has mixed and coincided with the Berber culture..
Hart's Testimonial
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