Ericka

We are interested in visiting Morocco, but two separate people we know that visited 10+ years ago thought the people were not friendly and they didn't feel welcome.

I try not to believe too much of this (ex: I found the people in Paris to be extremely friendly).

But what is your experience? Especially in recent years?

laartista

I was there a few months ago and found the people to be extremely warm and friendly. I think it's how you approach it. Both myself and the friend I traveled with are outgoing and pretty much chat everyone up so we had a great time. I posted a trip report you might want to check it out. It is long but I think really informative and talks alot about the people we met. i say go and have a great time.

jenmaroc

laartista is right - it all depends on your outlook. If you are open and warm yourselves, you will find it in return. Moroccans (like any other folks) can sense when people treat them with disdain, mistrust or fear - and can (naturally) respond accordingly.

I've lived here for five years and have found the people to be friendly and hospitable. Like anywhere else in the world, there are some not-so-nice people...but by and large, they are the exception.

There are a couple "behaviors" here than can be misinterpreted by visitors. For example, many people find that their guides or carpet salesmen or whoever is trying to "rip them off". This leaves a bad impression of the Moroccan people in general....understandably, but mistakenly.

First, guides and salesmen almost always work on commission so its in their interest to sell something - and the price will include their commission...so is that being ripped off? Furthermore, if one feels they've paid too much for an article/service, you might ask why, then, did they pay it? If you only agree to pay what the good or service is worth to you, then you can never be "ripped off".

Second, The people here are comparatively very poor and feel that a couple dollars here and there means a heck of a lot more to them than it does to you. I'm not defending this, but its understandable in a country where a good wage is $150 a month.

Another common cause for misunderstanding here is a general lack of knowledge or outright misinformation about Islam. Western media has done cultural understanding no favors in its portrayal of Islam. The majority of Muslims are moderate and welcome foreigners (and more importantly, distinguish between a person and the policies of that person's government). Its important to remember that the prophets and holy men of Judaism and Christianity are sacred to Muslims too - Jesus et al feature numerous times in the Quran. The perceived gulf between the religions is just that - perceived.

Thats a bit more than my two cents (more like a dime), but I hope you enjoy your trip to Morocco. I'm sure you will be greeted warmly

Luisah

I agree with both of the previous posts. I was in Morocco a few months ago. It was a wonderful experience.

I wonder at your friends expectations and also where they spent their time in Morocco. When I told people that I was going to M. two (who don't know one another) said that they'd been and didn't like it. Another friend said she had a friend who'd been who didn't like it.

I asked where they had been and two had taken the ferry from Spain and spent one day in Tangier, the other in a different coastal town, and the third had been on a cruise and had one day in port. This is like saying you didn't like the entire of Mexico after spending one day in Tijuana. Not a typical Moroccan experience.

That you find Parisians friendly indicates that you treat people with respect and courtesy. You will have the same experience in Morocco. I found the people reserved, but warm and welcoming and some with a delightful sense of humor.

Most are pretty laid-back; I heard "Inshallah" (God willing) over and over and came home far more relaxed than when I left.

Do some research, learn a few words (hello, goodbye, thank you, yes, no) in Arabic and French and you will have a wonderful experience.

Skip Casablance, except the mosque, and consider Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, Essouira (sp?) and especially the desert.

Merchants ask a ridiculously high opening price and expect you to bargain. Have fun haggling and enjoy the sport. For buying tips, read Laartista's trip report.

Ignore the naysayers and just go. You will have an amazing experience.

margiecpa

Hi Ericka - my mom and I travelled to Morocco in September 2006 and loved it! The people were very friendly and warm and could not have been more welcoming to their country. It is always good to know a few words and the people appreciate your effort. Don't miss the desert ~ it is a must see! Go and enjoy yourself!

Kavey

On both my trips to Morocco, the first in the late '80s and the second last Christmas, I have found the people of Morocco to be warm, friendly and helpful.

Two aspects to this:-

The first is having a warm, friendly and polite outlook oneself - if you assume people are out to get you they'll often pick up on that but if you assume that people are friendly that's how you'll find them.

The second is not to judge by the cultural norms of one's own country - everything from the use of spoken language, body language such as facial gestures, how tactile someone is and much more besides are different from country to country and often, the perception of surliness or trying to rip you off is just a case of misinterpretation of behaviour...

Luisah

<<The second is not to judge by the cultural norms of one's own country.>>

This is true and it's amazing how many people travel to countries with a totally different culture and expect the same beliefs, the same type facilities, the same food, etc. that they have at home. I've never figured out why they leave if they can't live a couple of weeks without their hamburgers and Smuckers jam.

I visit grocery stores wherever I travel and bring home small foodstuffs that remind me of my vacation.

Ericka

Wow! These are some very insightful answers. Thank you all for taking the time.