Is Morocco safe???
 

Hi,<BR>my friend and I are thinking of going to Morocco for a 5 days in August (after Portugal). Is it safe for Americans in Morocco in a post 9/11 world?

I hear it isn't, as it's a Muslim country and they hate Americans....<BR>If you look American, you'll stick out like a sore thumb. That's just what I've heard..

Indy,<BR><BR>I am leaving for Morocco on Friday for two weeks. I have done extensive research and feel completely safe to be an American in Morocco. There are a couple things to keep in mind. One, if there are any concerns to be mentioned, the state department will post them at travel.state.gov I have been monitoring for Morocco since December, and so far the only thing there has been is a general warning about North Africa. Two, the United States is a major trade partner with Morocco, and the Moroccan know this. They would not want to do anything to damage this relationship. Going to Morocco is like going anywhere else: be respectful of their culture, customs, religon and way of life and the same respect will be given to you. Do your homework and your experience will be rewarded.<BR><BR>I will be posting a trip report on the Africa board on June 19th. Be looking for it there and hopefully it will answer a lot of your questions!

Indy:<BR><BR>I spent 4 days in Marrakech in November and felt completely safe, even in the little alleyways of the souks after dark. A large proportion of Moroccans are Berbers, not Arabs, but at any rate I didn't encounter any hostility anywhere - quite the opposite. <BR>Be prepared for an experience that is nothing like Europe, though. The dirt and poverty may startle you if this is your first experience in such a country. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful, rewarding country with a feast for all five senses. Be polite and respectful of the local customs and you'll have an eye-opening trip to remember.

We visited Morocco post-Desert Storm but pre-9/11. Our (licensed) guides (who only get paid by the people they guide - no base salary) told us that tourism had dropped so dramatically that many of the guides (and others dependent on tourism for their living)were having to sell their homes and belongings to survive. They really were anxious to welcome back American tourists.<BR><BR>Though a Moslem country, the average Moroccan is middle-of-the-road when it comes to his/her religion (alcohol is for sale in most restaurants and hotels); if you read about the Berbers (something like 80% of the population), you'll get a feel for why this Moslem country is a bit different from those in the Middle East.

Hey Indy, you need to learn your geography. Morocco is in Africa not Europe.

Hey Harrison - get a life! They know it's not part of Europe - they were only comparing it to Europe!

Hola<BR>Yo estuve con una amiga en agosto del 2002, en Rabat y Marraquech y no tuvimos ning&uacute;n problema.<BR>Fue un viaje encantador

To Fezgirl: I am really fed up the phrase "get a life". This is a knee-jerk response that indicates nothing except your own inability to communicate. <BR><BR>The world is filled with people who hold different opinions, and who occasionally say ignorant things. It does not mean they do not have "a life". <BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Hey Jane - maybe you should try to get a sense of humor along with getting a life along with Harrison!

I heard they just found a headless body in a ditch!

Harrison, <BR><BR>Of course I know Morocco is in Africa. Morocco is only 2 hrs away by plane, thus my possible interest in going.<BR><BR>You're a real prick.<BR><BR>FezGirl, thanks.

Why is everyone so pissed off these days? Everytime I go to read what I think will be an interesting post people are tearing into each other. <BR><BR>You guys need vacations. Real bad.

I drove to Algeciras from Seville and took the ferry to Tangier. I lived in Morocco for several years 30 years ago, and never went to Tangier because I knew there was nothing much there to distinguish itself from the other centers, e.g. Fez. Still the same. The medina is just a crowded slum. We hired a government guide, a good decision, and he promised to get us through immigration quickly. He did, but then the police agents grabbed me and demanded payment for this "service". They grabbed me and wouldn't let go till I paid several of them. So if you're are thinking of going to Tangier for a day, I don't think it's worth it. Fez and Marrakesh are another story. They are quite an experience.

Indy: "Morocco is only 2 hrs away by plane"<BR>Even better, it's only 40 minutes boat ride from Tarifa, Spain. Well... if you consider Tangier as Morocco.<BR>

I don't have much of an opinion as to weather it is safe or not. I would like to know, however, since I will be in Granada, Spain in 2 weeks and the group that I am going with is disputing whether or not a trip to Morocco would be safe...I would love to go though. I did hear about the headless body of an American that was found though, and that has come into our decision. Does anyone know anything about this?

Recent reports (overshadowed somewhat by the "Dirty Bomb" plot) indicate a strong activity from groups associated with Al-Quaida working from Morocco. The main target appear to be American ships (Rota Naval Base is nearby and American ships in the Mediterranean go by the Strait of Gibraltar) and an attack similar to the one on the USS Cole. It is a well known fact that the 9/11 terrorists met in Spain by way of traveling in/out Morocco and North Algeria. In my opinion, I wouldn't get too cozy in Morocco even if you pay me.

Had a great time in Morocco. The people are most charming. Forget the licensed guides and find yourself a faux guide to take you through the medinas. Fez and Marrakesh (forgive the spelling) are delightful. Take the train from Casablanca going south....food can be a bit tiresome. I would do it again in a moment. Don't pass by the small cafes without sitting down for some mint tea and conversation.

We visited Morocco for 5 days, and it was such a disaster. Men tugging at us and preventing us from walking to where we wanted to go. The people at the hotel were nice and helpful. But, be very careful if you intend to go out alone. I would recommend using a guide. Our binoculars and camera were snatched while strolling through the market. And, a boy ran off with my shopping bag, in broad daylight.

I saw the CIA recently (as of 5/21) put a warning out to any Americans going to N. Africa. Maybe you should postpone for another year when this terrorism shit all settles down. Anyone else have an opinion on this???