It seems like a long time ago, but I recently got back from a two-week trip to Morocco with my colleague and friend. And who better to go with than the local that she is!
Her family welcomed, fed and hosted me in their home, where I ate with them and even learned a little Arabic (or Darija, as is the Moroccan dialect).
Split between relaxing and working, we spread ourselves across Meknes, Fes, Rabat and Marrakech.
Rabat
Morocco’s capital. Quite busy but not as touristy as Marrakech and Fes. I found there wasn’t a total lot to do, but walking around ‘Kasbah of the Udayas’ provided a great view of the harbour, especially around Eid where it was packed with people. We even had a picnic on the beach one morning, where we had pastries, tea and bread.
Meknes
We continued to stay with her family when we headed to Meknes; it felt a lot drier and the sun was scorching! So much so that I took the opportunity to sunbathe on the roof! It wasn’t that touristy, but acted as the perfect base to spend time with her family, work and chill.
Fes
This city is often popular with tourists and is just an hour’s train ride from Meknes. On our day trip to one of the oldest cities in the world, we ventured down the many side streets of the Old City, which is what you may see on social media. It’s known for its more traditional pots, where we took a break and had coffee up some of the various café towers.
Marrakech
I won’t lie, I really did not like Marrakech! The sun definitely hits differently and gave me the tan of dreams, but I just did not get on with the hustle and bustle of it all, especially their means of tourism and treatment of animals which brought me to tears (underfed horses stood in the heat all day pulling carriages, tortoises for sale, and collared monkeys performing tricks).
We initially stayed in an Ibis but were very disappointed, instead staying only 1 night and moving to the Hotel Oudaya Riad closer to the city with better facilities and less than half the price! Whilst it wasn’t completely amazing, paying just under £100 each for a room, balcony, WiFi, pool and breakfast was not bad!
How I make Moroccan tea
I learned from the very best (the locals) whilst I was there, who each have their own way of making it. It’s quite a ritual, with each local having their own preference. It is quite simply, an art!
Here’s how I learned (the Lizzie’s Week way!):
- Add 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves to the pot (a small teapot makes about 2 cups)
- Pour a little boiled water to soften and clean the tea leaves – pour away
- Repeat but fill the water to the top (at this point, I add a sweetener or sugar and mix). You can also heat it on the hob if you don’t have a kettle
- From a height, pour into your cup, but then pour that back into the pot
- Repeat at least twice, where you should start to see it darken
I look forward to going back to Morocco in a few years’ time, maybe to try out some different cities like Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir and Essaouira – and of course, to enjoy the sun!
Lizzie's Week 