Upon arrival in Casablanca, we were met by a driver who whisked us away to Marrakesh. Our first night was spent in Riad Elizabeth a beautiful little riad in the Medina. Our hosts cooked up a great tagine and we had a night to rest up for the adventures ahead of us.
Over the next week and a half, we explored the Medinas of Marrakesh and Fes. We saw the beautiful Marjorelle Gardens and had dinner at Jma el Fnaa. We set out for the High Atlas and climbed the Tiz n Tishka pass to Telouet. There we visited a Kasbah (and bought a Berber rug and some jewelry). Another day we climbed the Tiz n Outfi pass and visited a remote mountain village. We were welcomed by the Berber people including a Councilman and the Mayor . Having lunch and tea with them was very special. The children we met everywhere always warmed our hearts.
We travelled to Merzouga where we explored the eastern side of Erg Chebbi, climbing the dunes to view the sunset and visiting and having tea with a nomad family. Handing out small gifts that we had brought was so much fun!
We rode camels in the dunes at sunrise. Although we had ridden camels in Egypt – this experience was very different. We were alone and enjoyed the quiet and beauty of the dunes and dawn. In Fes, we stayed at Dar Rbab, a lovely home in the medina. It was our home for several days and we were able to enjoy great meals cooked by Alia and the family life of our hosts.
My favorite day was when we took a day trip to Chefchaouen. It was a pretty mountain drive through the Rif mountains. The mountains were very different from those we had seen earlier. And the lunch and shopping in the little picturesque town was relaxing and enjoyable. Towards the end of our trip, we saw Volubilis, Meknes, Rabat and spent one evening in Casablanca.
My one (minor) complaint would be that when we had a licensed guide in Fes, he took us to specific shops to buy rugs, leather good and metalware. The items were beautiful - very expensive and (of course) the guide gets a cut. It was a waste of valuable time for us - but we should have been clearer about how we felt at the beginning of the day. Just being in the medina however, one of the world's most remarkable preserved medieval cities was a treat in itself!
Our trip was arranged through www.madaboutmorocco.com. Our guide for most of the trip was Mark Willenbrock ([email protected]) . He went the extra mile every time for us to make sure our trip was enjoyable and we didn’t have to worry about any of the details. He is an excellent driver, defers to his guests’ needs and wants at every instance, booked wonderful accommodations and charming lunch and dinner spots, and topped it off with a great sense of humor. He even had a cake for me on my birthday – complete with roman candle and sparklers! We are already missing Morocco. We came home – and immediately realized we want to go back again soon – we will use Mark when we do.

Hi cquinn, I am heading for Morocco for 12 days on Oct 19. You mentioned that you "handed out small gifts" Is there something that the recipients of your gifts particularly enjoyed? When traveling in India, I usually bring pens and fun stickers for children. Last winter in Egypt, I brought a bag of 'Obama for president' pins. I didn't know if the Obama pins were a good idea or not, but they were a huge hit. However, every country is different.

Does anyone traveling in this part of the world have any good gift tips?

Thanks

Patricia

We brought the children pens, pencils, small paper pads, stickers, small matchbox cars, bracelets, lip gloss and candy. (any small kids items from the dollar store). I know the candy isn't good for their teeth - but I don't think they get a lot of it. They were very appreciative of all of the gifts. At one point in the High Atlas, children on the side of the road stopped us and asked us for our empty water bottles. They use them for water (a stream was nearby) and cooking oil, etc. Really made me stop for a minute - as we discard so many without thinking.
Enjoy your trip - I can't wait to go back!

Thanks cquinn, I just printed off your list and will head to the dollar store this weekend. I know that some say not to give gifts, but for children, it is so much better than money. I remember in India the looks on mother's faces when their children squealed in delight. You are right, it does make you stop and think. I'm so looking forward to the trip. I do a lot of photography. This is a trip for photographers led by a National Geographic photographer, so should be fun.

BostonHarbor - you should have a great trip. I can't think of a more photogenic country than Morocco! The colors!!! Aside from that, the people are friendly and the children so appreciative of everything! My husband grumbled a bit about how many small items I packed on the way over - and yet was very happy when we had things to hand out. So - pack as much as you can. I'm sure you will enjoy the experience. Target stores also have a pretty good "dollar" section.