Kayla Mahon

There are many reasons why I have wanted to set foot in the magical country of Morocco for so many years. Pictures flashed across social media of the bustling souks, the golden Sahara desert and the vast mountain ranges. I imagined myself wandering the cobblestone streets of the Blue City, finding hidden doorways that opened into galleries or getting lost in the labyrinth that makes up Fes, bartering for spices and argan oil. Kris and I stepped out of our colourfully decorated riad in Rabat and set out along the winding market streets full of vendors selling anything you could imagine. There were countless people in the streets, bargaining for spices, shoes and natural oils. The city smelled of infused spices and bubbling mint tea. Many of the shops had enchanting dresses covered with embroidery and jewels hanging on display. I walked into one of the shops and my eyes fixated on a forest green dress embroidered with gold string and rose gold diamonds. The woman who was working was so lovely and helped me try the dress on. I was worried about taking my jacket off as I had a thin strapped tank top on but she smiled warmly and told me not to worry, that it was okay. She packed up the dress and we were on our way. The ocean lines the city, if you wander just outside of the market you step onto a street where a large Kasbah sits in front of the sparkling blue ocean. I wish we had spent more time exploring Rabat, it seemed to go on forever and everywhere you turned there was a new street to explore. 

Heading through the mountain ranges we arrived at the ancient Roman Ruins of Volubilis, towering over the farm land below. We listened to stories of a past life and gazed at the works of art that are spread out across the mountain and I envisioned what life could have been like many years ago. Looking at the crumbling columns and worn down ancient grounds my mind wondered what magnificent palaces once existed here and what types of people called this place home. 

One of my favourite parts of my time in Morocco was travelling and hiking through the Rif Mountains. Looking out the window, any way you turned, were far reaching mountains surrounded by lush green trees and small vibrant towns. We hiked through the mountains, surrounded by streams and plant life to a rushing waterfall called Akchour falls where we sipped warm green mint tea while we listened to the sounds of the water crashing against the rocks while kittens ran around us. I felt so at peace sitting here, surrounded by nature and animals. There is something so humbling about being surrounded by such incredible beauty. After our hike we drove along the winding roads through the mountains as rain splashed on the windows. We stopped along the way on a small patch of grass and sat down to enjoy a picnic. As we sat in the grass eating our meal, rain drizzling down our faces, we looked around and couldn’t believe how lucky we were to be sitting in such a majestic landscape of red and green soaring mountains sharing our meal with the curious animals that lived near by. 

The Blue City or the “Pearl” is a stunning city that has been completely painted in baby blue chalk by the inhabitants. We walked up to the entrance of the old blue wall and stepped into a dazzling city that houses outdoor restaurants and shops. Our time in the Blue City was chilly and rainy and while feasting on warm homemade soup and pastries in a small local restaurant, we watched as blue chalk filled the streets as the rain drizzled down. Every where I turned there were picturesque alley ways lining the little blue homes with potted flowers that hung from the walls. At one point I had to use the washroom while exploring but I was unsure of where to find one. We peered into a local shop and asked the shop owner and without hesitation, he gave us the keys to his home and let us inside. When I pushed the tall white door open a large room opened up that was decorated with lavish mosaic ceilings that were carved in the most elegant designs. I could feel the sense of community and kindness in this unique city. 

The next stop on my trip was to the old medina of Fes and its 9500 alley ways that locals call the labyrinth. While in Fes most shops and stalls were closed as it was a national holiday, however I got to see Fes in a different light then you normally see it as the vibrant medina on social media. I saw the quiet, empty streets of Fes lined with closed stall doors and a small amount of vendors sitting in their shops, surprised to see people wandering about. Usually the medina streets are filled with women and children shopping for fresh produce and taking their bread dough to the bakery and for $1.50 the bakers in return give them fresh baked warm bread. In the quiet streets you could hear faint sounds of music playing in the air. I followed the sound until I came across impressively large wooden doors that were open to anyone who wanted to enter the Mosque, wash their feet and pray. By the time I came across the doors the music was playing loudly and I realised it was the call to prayer. I stood watching people rush in, throw their shoes off and participate in the call. 

Finally we arrived into Marrakech, the walled medieval city. I did not see as much of Marrakech as I would have liked to as we had another trip to Paris lined up right after but I did make an appointment for Kris and I to participate in a traditional Hamman experience. I booked with Les Bains D'Orient Marrakech Spa ahead of time as I wanted to make sure I was able to experience this. As we walked through the medina to the spa, we got a bit lost in the mazelike alleys and if I had been in charge of directions we never would have made it there, thank goodness Kris is less directionally challenged then I am! The spa was stunningly decorated and the treatments were relaxing and wonderful. We got changed into our fluffy robes and slippers and started with a traditional hamman steam where we were scrubbed down, our hair was washed and natural oils were rubbed all over our bodies to make our skin healthy and silky smooth. We were lead up to the roof top terrace where we relaxed in a copper bathtub outside with oils, bubbles and rose petals while we ate cookies and sipped some more mint tea. We finished our experience drifting in and out of sleep with an hour long relaxation massage. 

If you are looking to travel to a destination that is full of medieval medinas, souks and markets, vast mountains and kind hearted people, Morocco is an amazing choice!

Seek adventure & explore - Kayla