Author Topic: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes  (Read 30541 times)

Offline elikay

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #40 on: June 27, 2021, 07:34:02 PM »
Can't wait to read about your recent trip in 2021!
So? ;)

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #41 on: October 27, 2021, 05:47:51 PM »

Thank you!

The heat was extremely intense, there's no denying that. It was something we were definitely worried about, especially since 2 of us are really not good with heat either. However there were a couple of factors we took into consideration that made it bearable.

1 - It's dry heat which is so much more manageable
2 - I set up the itinerary with this in mind. We took it slow and allowed extra time for things. Most days, we planned to be indoors for the time when the sun was strongest.
3 - We embraced the heat and didn't get bothered that we were drenched in sweat at all times. It definitely takes the edge off if you're in the mindset.

Another thing we did was bring packets of Gatorade powder that can be poured into a water bottle. This helped if any of us were feeling dehydrated.

Jibl Toubkal looks incredible! Just the views we had from the valley were magnificent.

I'd love to see some of your pictures. Post them in the Morocco thread please! 


I like to respond quickly, so I shall try posting some pictures here, which at the same time will serve as a reviver to your beautiful TR.

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #42 on: October 27, 2021, 06:37:32 PM »
On top of the Jibl Toubkal, 4,167 metres (13,671 ft)
Well, I am a tad higher  ;)

« Last Edit: October 27, 2021, 07:07:32 PM by SuperFlyer »

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #43 on: October 27, 2021, 06:55:31 PM »
Ponash123, to prove what you said.
I took this picture, and they came running for money.
I acted non-American* and told them to go fly a condor.
I told them: this is a public place, and can take any picture I want.
They went ballistic.
I asked them whether I should call the police or "Hallas !?". They calmed down, as the police takes aggression against tourists very seriously, as is a big income stream.

* it annoys me to see how folks get so much pushed into paying because there is some pressure. That makes them stay like that and try those tricks on the next tourists.
Probably the tipping culture (not to be mistaken with being nice) that helped create that.


Offline ponash123

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #44 on: October 28, 2021, 09:38:00 AM »
Nice!!

Offline ponash123

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #45 on: December 01, 2021, 10:54:05 AM »
Adding a quick addendum to this TR, as I was in Morocco again a few months ago and visited some different areas.

As a side note, we noticed a big difference in places like Jemaa el Fnaa in Marrakech and the general souks, than from a few years ago. Due to COVID, there are curfews and in general it's a lot quieter.

Essaouira

Eassaouira is a beautiful and slow paced port city on the coast of Morocco.
Essaouira is Morocco’s third biggest fishing port and is always noisy and bustling. It's a great place to see Moroccan locals going about their daily lives, returning from the sea and unloading their fresh fish.
There are amazing picturesque views of the blue fishing boats and medieval walls, with beautiful beaches in the background.
















The Medina (UNESCO site) is vibrant and charming and really fun to walk around and explore.

You are surrounded by a huge amount of colorful, hand made craftwork being sold. In the souks of the city, you can easily find handmade pottery and ceramics, leather bags and shoes, hand woven carpets, musical instruments, lamps and many more beautifully made crafts.















There was a large Jewish presence in Essaouira and we were able to see which homes were Jewish based on their porches built specifically for Succos.
We visited the Beit Dakira shul which has also turned into a little museum.









El Jadida

El Jadida is also a major port city, but way more off the beaten track for tourists.

It formally was a Portuguese colony and has a few interesting old buildings from that era. There is a UNESCO fortress (a beautifully preserved coastal fortress), old churches and shuls etc. 

There are more gritty and local markets that are really fun to stroll around in.
















Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #46 on: December 01, 2021, 11:36:46 AM »
Your TR are brilliant as always, well balanced between pictures and information brought over well.

Morocco now closed its borders apparently.

Offline ponash123

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #47 on: December 01, 2021, 12:45:40 PM »
Your TR are brilliant as always, well balanced between pictures and information brought over well.

Morocco now closed its borders apparently.

Thank you!!

Offline kosherjid

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #48 on: April 27, 2022, 11:49:30 AM »
Ponash123, to prove what you said.
I took this picture, and they came running for money.
I acted non-American* and told them to go fly a condor.
I told them: this is a public place, and can take any picture I want.
They went ballistic.
I asked them whether I should call the police or "Hallas !?". They calmed down, as the police takes aggression against tourists very seriously, as is a big income stream.

* it annoys me to see how folks get so much pushed into paying because there is some pressure. That makes them stay like that and try those tricks on the next tourists.
Probably the tipping culture (not to be mistaken with being nice) that helped create that.

Do you think it's safe for two women (in their sixties) to visit Marocco ? One woman has a phobia for snakes.  Can one avoid them ?
For three days, which town would you advise to stay ?  would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks !

Offline ponash123

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #49 on: April 27, 2022, 12:06:57 PM »
Ponash123, to prove what you said.
I took this picture, and they came running for money.
I acted non-American* and told them to go fly a condor.
I told them: this is a public place, and can take any picture I want.
They went ballistic.
I asked them whether I should call the police or "Hallas !?". They calmed down, as the police takes aggression against tourists very seriously, as is a big income stream.

* it annoys me to see how folks get so much pushed into paying because there is some pressure. That makes them stay like that and try those tricks on the next tourists.
Probably the tipping culture (not to be mistaken with being nice) that helped create that.

Do you think it's safe for two women (in their sixties) to visit Marocco ? One woman has a phobia for snakes.  Can one avoid them ?
For three days, which town would you advise to stay ?  would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks !

I think it's safe yes, just be smart and don't go out alone at night.
Snakes are definitely avoidable.

Stay in Marrakesh.

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #50 on: April 27, 2022, 12:10:21 PM »
Ponash123, to prove what you said.
I took this picture, and they came running for money.
I acted non-American* and told them to go fly a condor.
I told them: this is a public place, and can take any picture I want.
They went ballistic.
I asked them whether I should call the police or "Hallas !?". They calmed down, as the police takes aggression against tourists very seriously, as is a big income stream.

* it annoys me to see how folks get so much pushed into paying because there is some pressure. That makes them stay like that and try those tricks on the next tourists.
Probably the tipping culture (not to be mistaken with being nice) that helped create that.

Do you think it's safe for two women (in their sixties) to visit Marocco ? One woman has a phobia for snakes.  Can one avoid them ?
For three days, which town would you advise to stay ?  would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks !
It took me a second to figure out your message, as it mostly contains my message  :-)
There is no problem, unless you are super nervous about everything in life.
Basic common sense suffice.
Dress regular, not flashy, no major jewellery or watches, and stick to the touristy areas and avoid back alleys or unhealthy parts of cities especially by night.
Those snakes you have to want to see and approach, they aren't walking around.
I'm more a fan of the real Moroccan cities, not the more modernised ones.
I'd go for Marrakech and Fez, possibly Chefchaouen.

Offline shavyroch

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #51 on: June 08, 2022, 06:47:31 PM »
I'm looking for a tour guide in Morocco could anyone refer me to someone I would like to have someone who would know a little of Jewish history and speaks of course English

Offline ponash123

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #52 on: June 13, 2022, 10:10:51 AM »
I'm looking for a tour guide in Morocco could anyone refer me to someone I would like to have someone who would know a little of Jewish history and speaks of course English

Which city?

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #53 on: June 13, 2022, 10:23:23 AM »
Morocco was very unclear with their covid rules.
Am i reading correctly that they allow just with a PCR test into the country?  (As opposed to vaccins that aren't expired)

Offline ponash123

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #54 on: June 13, 2022, 11:23:35 AM »
Morocco was very unclear with their covid rules.
Am i reading correctly that they allow just with a PCR test into the country?  (As opposed to vaccins that aren't expired)

Yes, unless things changed in the past few months. I went a few months ago with just a covid test

Offline SuperFlyer

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #55 on: June 13, 2022, 11:34:13 AM »

Very interesting, from the EU that was impossible till very recently.
Yes, unless things changed in the past few months. I went a few months ago with just a covid test

Offline ponash123

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Re: A Summer Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes
« Reply #56 on: June 13, 2022, 11:35:24 AM »


Oh, I don't know about that. I was coming from the US

Offline shavyroch

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