Morocco

November 26, 2025

Marrakech, Morocco

I left West Africa late Monday night, headed for a few days in Morocco to pick up my Geography of Connection project. It's a very busy itinerary, especially curated for me and my project. But lucky for me, I was able to enjoy yesterday with no activities at all.

We drove through the Medina of Marrakech, the historic old city, teeming with walled mazes of narrow alleyways, markets, riads, and centuries-old architecture. And during the middle of the day, it was filled with vendors selling their wares to locals and tourists alike. I was in love with the energy and wanted to get out of the car right then and there.

We finally reached my hotel, the Riad Hikaya and I was enchanted before I even stepped through the door. A lovely young woman, Neda greeted me, with a smile that never left her face. After tea with the manager and then a tour, I was shown to my room. All the decorations were locally sourced—beautiful bright colors, copper tub and sink, and lights glowing through their handmade shades. I wanted to stay forever.

Later that evening, I finally did something I've been wanting to do for so long—I ordered a hammam with massage. It is a traditional Moroccan steam bath—part cleansing ritual, part relaxation, part cultural experience. Historically, it's served as a place to cleanse, prepare for prayer, and build community—especially among women. It was more than I had ever hoped for and any anxieties I had about being undressed evaporated under the soft hands of the kessala.

I capped the night off with lamb stuffed peppers, the ingredients purchased locally from the Medina. I was satiated—physically and mentally—and ready to tackle this last part of my itinerary.

Novemebr 27, 2025

Atlas Mountains and The Souk of Marrakech

What a day! With only 48 hours in Marrakech, I had a full itinerary planned. But first breakfast at the Riad. There was enough food for a family. Freshly made yogurt, cup of fruit, pastries, toast, omelette, crepes with Nutella. All with freshly made orange juice and coffee. I stuffed myself full.

Once I was picked up, my guide (she deserves a whole post by herself) and I headed for the Atlas Mountains to the Imazighen (Formerly known as Berber) people, the indigenous people of North Africa. We picked up our mountain guide, Yosef, who is a true mountaineer, having climbed Kilimanjaro and Everest, as well as several other peaks. I was embarrassed that he knew more about the mountain ranges in the US than I did!

Once we reached the highest point, I was introduced to a local family. There we watched them make bread and chicken-and-vegetable tagine, which they served for lunch.

After lunch, we sat in the sun on the rooftop and talked with the snow capped mountain peak right in front of us, while eating fresh pomegranate, bananas, and oranges and drinking mint tea. It was an incredible experience.

Returning to Marrakech later that day, I made a plan with Fatima to go to the souk and town square later that evening.

There I had the second experience I've been wanting to do for so long, which is had my cards read. The old woman, told me that a "white man" is always in my thoughts (hmm, there are definitely a couple of possibilities), and that my business is about to take off—well that sounds promising related to the book! I'm not sure if she read the cards or my reactions, which I tried to remain nonreactionary. But in either case, it was so interesting.

Later, we walked back to the Riad, where I sat and listened to the sounds of the Medina. It was really a fantastic day and I was already looking forward to the second day.

November 28, 2025

Marrakech, Morocco

Last day here and I wanted to make the most of it. Walking with Fatima, we visited Parc Lalla Hasna, home to Koutoubia Mosque. Built in the 12th century, it is the tallest structure in Marrakech, and is known as the Booksellers mosque.

After the mosque, we went to Bahia Palace and the Koranic School. Both structures works of art, with mosaic tiles and beautiful cedar doors.

After visiting the buildings, we walked through the souks so I could shop. I became adept at bargaining, a practice that I am very uncomfortable with. Thankfully, I’m not French though because prices are much higher for them. And then I’d really have to bargain.

After the market, I headed for the airport for the start of a very long flight home, caused by the add on to Morocco. Marrakech -> Casablanca -> Dakar -> JFK -> DCA.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention today is also Thanksgiving/ Indigenous People’s Day back in the US. I have mixed emotions about it and it may deserve its own post. I’m still thinking about it. But for now, I’m only going think about this trip in mind and start planning my next one.