Morocco wasn’t on my initial itinerary when planning this trip. My colleague Michelle had already booked and asked me if I’d like to join her. With only four places left on her departure date I snapped one up. I admit my preparation after that was lax, except for the precautionary Hep A&B and typhoid jabs. I didn’t even watch the Ab Fab Morocco episode Michelle told me to view on YouTube! The reaction I received from people when I told them where I was going alluded that I was in for something special and I wasn’t disappointed!

I flew in from Paris Orly direct to Marrakech on Transavia on 15 June (they are an impressive budget airline if you are looking for a low cost carrier in Europe). My first impression was it was hot and dry and felt like a summer’s day in February in Perth – my kind of heat! The city is low rise with a number of minarets noticeably higher than surrounding buildings, which were mostly light orange in colour.

Michelle got in later that evening and we met at the hotel. Morocco had lost their World Cup match earlier that day via own goal, so we decided to stay in.

The next day we explored Marrakech, starting with the Majorelle Gardens, the Berber Museum inside the Gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent museum. The YSL museum opened in late 2017 and is beautiful. Photos inside are restricted but the couture garments and accessories on display are most definitely worth seeing.

Majorelle Gardens and YSL Museum exterior:

That evening we commenced our Intrepid Southern Morocco Discovery tour. The group caught a local bus into the Jemaa El-Fna market for dinner and with Eid celebrations in full swing it was busy to say the least!

The next day we set off into the Atlas Mountains, starting nine days of touring that would take us south into the desert, north west to the coast and then east to end back in Marrakech.

The tour was full of unique experiences and overall I had a great time. Highlights for me included:

• Trekking up a mule trail to an overnight homestay high up in the mountains of Aroumd.
• A camel ride and then a 4WD drive to an overnight stay under the stars in a Berber camp in the Erg Chigaga.
• Food – while options in most places were limited (couscous, tagine or meat skewers), it was always delicious, presented with pride and nutitious with lots of vegetables.
• Essaouira – this coastal town felt to me like a cross between Fremantle and Bali, very laid back and historic but slightly chaotic. The Gnaoua world music was on while we were there so the streets were full of buskers performing many different types of music. Watching the sun sink into the ocean reminded me of home and the seafood was exceptional! This is one town I definitely want to visit again.
• Our local tour guide Abdul who had the patience of a saint and a seemingly endless supply of knowledge and energy!
• Meeting other intrepid travellers from the UK, USA and Australia who made up a fabulous group of 16 on the tour.

The only downside was the long days spent on the bus in between destinations. Being in a developing country also meant only drinking bottled water and various things (wifi, AC, showers, doors/locks etc.) not working to standards we expect at home. It was also hard to buy alcohol in many places, but I saw this as a detox from my over indulgence in wine while in France!

Michelle and I had one extra day in Marrakech after the tour, so we visited the Saadien Tombs, Bahia Palace and navigated through the medina to the photography museum (Danielle click this link – you’d love this place!).

We had our last dinner in a crowded book cafe / bar while watching Morocco play Spain in the World Cup. Morocco scored twice and each time the reaction in the room was electric – I had goosebumps!

Morocco was a wonderful country to visit and the Morrocan people are the biggest reason why it’s so great. They were all so friendly, helpful and hospitable, which made leaving sad but also left me thinking about when I can return.

Next stop – London!