Conversation

One of the things I found with Morocco in general is that it constantly defied my expectations.

I normally did a decent amount of research before travelling - what sights (touristy) do I want to see that I'll regret if I don't, and also where do actual real people hang out (ie. not tourists)

I learned pretty early on that most reports of "you're gonna get pickpocketed, and beware of scammers!" were overblown (I remember being in New York when I was 21 or 22, and thinking "if you think this is 'sketchy', then you've obviously never been clubbing in East London")

Morocco, though - the taxi rank outside the airport was all charging me double what I'd been told was a "decent" price, so immediately I was on my guard.

Then, when I got into the medina, the taxi driver called a couple of lads over to guide my down the alleyways to the riad I'd booked - I fully expected the two lads to want paying and to be very forward about it, and had girded myself towards that - but instead they simply guided me there, shook my hand, wished me a happy visit, and went on their way. So I was wrong about that one.

I got lost a day or two later, and *was* asked for money to get me back to the centre of the medina. I fell for the "free henna tattoo" thing (no biggie), but later a guy on a market stall gave me a free orange juice because we were having a nice chat and I gave him a lighter for his cig whilst we were talking.

It was wonderful, but also overwhelming - and most importantly, in this context, very, very hard to talk confidently about.

@BigTittyBimbo

Public

Notices

Feeds