Building on the confidence of the last two winter trips, the journey this year leads to North Africa. Specifically Morocco. We begin by flying Chicago to Barcelona. With Barcelona being not quite as warm as hoped during winter - I was looking for a reason to go to Morocco and found it: the Taghazout skatepark.
After spending 8 days in Spain getting settled in, it was time for the real adventure: a flight over the Mediterreanean to Marrakech.
My first impression of Marrakech was the complete chaos of the auto and pedestrian traffic. But that quickly gave way to the natural beauty of the countryside.
After one night at Hotel Almas, I was on my way to the coastal town of Taghazout. The Souk to Surf Shuttle Bus made the 4 hr trip super easy. You can fly in much closer by arriving at Agadir but I was unaware of that option at the time.
After one night at Hotel Almas, I was on my way to the coastal town of Taghazout. The Souk to Surf Shuttle Bus made the 4 hr trip super easy. You can fly in much closer by arriving at Agadir but I was unaware of that option at the time.
The vibes at Roofhouse Hostel were phenomenal. Everyone from the owner, Jemal, to all the guests, were friendly and welcoming. This was probably the highlight of the trip. Not to mention, the Taghazout skatepark is one of the best parks in the world with definitely the best view.
After 4 days in Taghazout, it was back to Marrakech for a night before an adventure that would rival Taghazout for the absolute best time of the trip. I booked a 3-day desert tour with Viator.
10-15 people packed into a bus and by afternoon we were visiting the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has served as a set for movies like Gladitor, the Mummy and Game of Thrones.
10-15 people packed into a bus and by afternoon we were visiting the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has served as a set for movies like Gladitor, the Mummy and Game of Thrones.
We stayed the night at a guesthouse in Dades Valley and set off the next day to ride camels in the Sahara Desert.
At first sight, the Sahara looks other wordly. Seemingly mountains of sand and endless dunes that stretch for thousands of miles.
We camped overnight in the desert then returned to Marrakech. I spent my last 2 nights at Hotel Sindi Sud, a riad in the medina near Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
The medina in Marrakech is something one truly needs to experience in person. So, I will spare the attempted explanations of haggling with merchants and snake charmers.
Overall, Morocco was a pleasent surprise being my first experience in a Muslim country. The final week was spent back in Barcelona, enjoying the sun, beach and endless granite ledges.
Overall, Morocco was a pleasent surprise being my first experience in a Muslim country. The final week was spent back in Barcelona, enjoying the sun, beach and endless granite ledges.
