This semester, my school took us on a class trip to Morocco. I was excited to go, because in my class about the three Spanish cultures we discussed Islamic influences in current Andalusian cultures. Before we departed on our trip, we had a brief meeting on what to expect and how to behave in this region. Morocco is a modern country and a modern culture, while some students were afraid of the cultural difference, many were ready to experience staying in a new country. We took a ferry crossing to Ceuta and we met our Moroccan guide. After this, we passed the border and departed for Tangier.
Our first steps into Morocco were filled with excitement. The sun was beginning to set, which created a beautiful sky. We went inside the Cave of Hercules and saw the gentle waves caressing the sand. Afterwards, we went on a camel ride on the beach. This was the highlight of the trip for me, it was my first time riding one! The camel’s handlers made sure we were safe, and the ride was an experience I will never forget. The guides told us that camels are not native to North Africa, and that they just have them around for tourist. I was a little shocked and a bit sad, because I felt like this was a tourist trap. This did not take away from the experience of my first camel ride though, I still enjoyed it. Afterwards, we went to Cape Spartel to enjoy the beautiful view.
One thing I did not expect was the amount of time we would be on the bus, we decided to use that time to take naps.
The next day, we departed for Chefchauen. We took a guided tour and learned how the locals made fabrics, and then we walked up to the Old Mosque. We had free time to go shopping. While Morocco is not that dangerous for a woman, I was still scared to wander off alone. I went with my friend Boitin to find souvenirs, and in a second, we lost each other. I found some guys from my class and stayed with them for a while, eventually I found my friend. We were both looking for each other, but we went to separate groups that walked in the opposite direction. What is interesting about Morocco is that women are not normally seen walking around shops or going to places alone. This was a shock to me, because I love wandering to places alone.
We arrived at our hotel in Tetuan, and from there we saw a Fantasy Dinner show in an Arabic Palace with Moroccan musicians and dancers. They grabbed two students from my program and had a fake wedding ceremony. We all enjoyed ourselves and danced along to their wonderful music.
At night, I wanted to take a walk next to the beach by our hotel. I knew not to go alone, so I went with a large group of students and we enjoyed the bright moon and the bright stars. It was a wonderful end to an eventful day.
I usually never get cultural shock, but I think I experienced it here for the first time. We were told not to drink the shower or sink water, or you could get sick, this has happened to many people who visited the country. I went to shower with the intent of not getting a drop in my mouth, but because I am lucky I did. I have never tasted shower water that bitter! I was afraid I was going to be sick for the rest of the trip. I am happy to say that I did not get sick at all, and I got to enjoy the rest of the trip.
Arriving back from the trip made me appreciate the beauty of Morocco. On our last day, we saw the Blue Pearl. Varying shades of blue made this city the most aesthetically pleasing place I have been to. Contrasting colors of reds and orange decorations added to the fantasy dream that is Morocco. One day I would love to go back for a longer time and take the time to fully experience this lovely country.
Ali's Adventures Abroad 