Sandstorms, Spaghetti, and Saharan Surprises: Morocco Memories
Charmed by citrus and cats in Chefchaouen's iconic blue alleys.
Hey friends! I am FRESH off another mind-blowing trip to Morocco with an unbelievable group of fearless travelers. Buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a whirlwind tour of our recent escapade through this magical country. From unexpected sandstorms to pushing 4x4s out of mud (yes, really!), this trip was packed with unforgettable moments that'll make you hungry for your next adventure.
The Spice of Life (and Maybe Too Much Tagine)
Let's kick things off with a confession: by the end of our trip, we were all a bit... tagined out. 😅 Don't get me wrong, Moroccan food is incredible, but there's only so much couscous a person can handle!
After our desert adventure, I made an executive decision and begged our Kasbah hosts for anything but Moroccan food. The result? A glorious spaghetti dinner that had us all doing happy dances in our seats. Sometimes, it's the simple, silly things that make a trip memorable. But fear not, foodies—once we hit Marrakech, our taste buds were in for a treat. The city is a culinary playground, and our riad's breakfast was out of this world.
Our colorful riad breakfast in Morocco.
Fusion feast with a touch of henna in Morocco.
From Pink Skies to Sandy Surprises
Now, let me paint you a picture: imagine driving into the Sahara, the anticipation building as I drop little hints about what's to come. It's like Christmas morning, but with camels and sand dunes instead of trees and presents. This drive? Always a showstopper.
But Mother Nature had a surprise up her sleeve this time – our very first sandstorm! The sky turned a surreal pink, and before we knew it, we were hunkered down in our tent, sipping wine and playing cards as the wind howled outside. Not exactly the camel ride we had planned, but hey, how many people can say they weathered a Saharan sandstorm?
Oh, and did I mention I accidentally left my tent window open? Let's just say I brought home a very sandy souvenir.
Embracing the thrilling drive into the Sahara Desert.
Celebrating our arrival into the Sahara with our local guides and champagne.
Exploring the desert from our vehicles as we traverse the golden dunes at sunset.
Mud, Sweat, and Cheers
Picture this: a 4x4 stuck in the mud, in the middle of the Sahara. Sounds like the start of a bad joke, right? Nope, just another wild day on our Morocco adventure.
After a recent storm left literal lakes in the desert (I know, mind-boggling), our trusty vehicle decided to take a mud bath. The guys tried their best with tow straps, but it was the women who saved the day. We rolled up our sleeves and pushed that car out like the queens we are.
Getting our car out of the mud in the Sahara Desert.
Shopping 'Til We're Dropping (Hints for More Suitcase Space)
If you're coming to Morocco, pack light... because you're going to want to bring home ALL the things. The shopping here is next level. I'm slowly turning my house into a Moroccan bazaar, and I regret nothing.
This time, I scored a custom-made leather jacket (delivered to my riad within hours – talk about service!), some gorgeous suede handbags, and a massive painting that's about to become the star of my living room. Oh, and olives. Lots of olives. Because nothing says "I've been to Morocco" like a killer charcuterie board, right?
Pro tip: Leave some space in your suitcase, or better yet, bring an extra one. A compact duffel like this one takes up minimal suitcase space. Trust me, you'll thank me later!
A colorful array of flavors in a Moroccan souk.
Proudly holding the massive painting that's about to become the star of my living room.
Why Morocco? Why Not!
Morocco is just UNREAL. I remember the first time I went, and it literally blew my mind. The feeling I had was indescribable. Now I get to experience that every time I bring people—I believe they call that secondhand rediscovery. It's not the same as my first time, but getting to create that magic experience for other people is pretty dang cool.
Morocco is just different from a lot of typical travel destinations. It pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. I truly believe it's a life-changing, eye-opening experience for most people. Think diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, amazing shopping, and flavorful food. Add in kind and friendly people, cute baby animals everywhere, and of course, the Sahara (my absolute favorite). What's not to love?
Our driver, Badr, cradles a young goat.
Unwinding on a lounge chair while taking in the desert oasis—a rare thing to see in the Sahara!
Desert squad goals: ATV adventures with our daring crew in the Sahara.
The Art of Appreciation
One of the most fascinating things about Morocco? The artisans. These folks are keeping centuries-old traditions alive, and watching them work is like witnessing living history.
When we watch women make rugs--holy shit, it's impressive. The work that goes into making a rug makes you realize and appreciate why they're so expensive. Seeing men tanning leather in cow urine and pigeon poop so that we can wear a beautiful leather jacket gives you a whole new appreciation. Watching a guy make a huge mosaic fountain with the pieces UPSIDE DOWN and from memory--it's just not something you see every day, and it makes you really appreciate how these pieces of art are made. Next time you see a "Made in Morocco" tag, remember the incredible skill and heart that went into creating it.
Inside the tannery in Fez.
Fez's iconic tannery: A rainbow of dye vats amidst ancient architecture.
Expect the Unexpected
On this trip, we had not one, but TWO Hollywood stunt doubles joining us. Let me tell you, watching them hang out of car windows and do handstands all over Morocco took our adventure game to a whole new level.
Note to self: always travel with someone who can do a backflip on demand.
Sahara Desert—stunt double style.
Upside down in Chefchaouen: Acrobatics meet the Blue Pearl.
The Camels Have It
Did you know camels can go over a month without water? Or that they're basically the GPS wizards of the desert world? These magnificent creatures never cease to amaze me. And don't even get me started on their thorny-bush-eating superpowers. (Seriously, check out my IG reel of a camel's mouth!)
Camel caravan making its way through the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert.
The Morocco Effect
I'll let you in on a secret: Morocco was the country that blew my travel world wide open. It's like Turkey on acid (in the best way possible), and it's changed how I see, well, everything.
After experiencing places like Morocco, even the most beautiful European cities can feel a bit... tame. There's something about the rustic, gritty realness of Morocco that gets under your skin and stays there. Sometimes it's inefficient and even frustrating. But it's amazing at the same time to watch a totally different culture live life so differently. They aren't in a rush. They take their time at meals. They enjoy a leisurely tea. I've met people who live in a tent in the desert, and you know what? They're HAPPY. It's a humbling, mind-blowing experience.
If you're looking for a place that'll shake up your worldview and give you a new perspective on life, Morocco is it!
Enjoying mint tea with the nomads in the Sahara.
The crew showcasing our henna from a local artist in Fez.
Your Turn for Moroccan Magic
So, there you have it – a whirlwind recap of our latest Moroccan adventure. From sandstorms to spaghetti cravings, every moment was an opportunity for laughter, growth, and unforgettable memories.
If you're sitting there thinking, "I need this in my life," well, you're absolutely right. Morocco isn't just a destination; it's a transformative experience waiting to happen. It's where you'll push your boundaries, make lifelong friends, and collect stories that'll make you the star of every dinner party for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe some extra room in your suitcase for all those beautiful Moroccan treasures). Your Moroccan odyssey awaits, and trust me, it's going to be epic.
A living room like you've never seen before.
Blue hues and our fabulous group in Chefchaouen's iconic streets.
My Golden Rules for Moroccan Magic
Open mind? Check. Flexibility? Double-check.
Chat with the locals – they're the real gems of any trip.
Take photos, but don't forget to put the phone down and soak it all in.
Do everything, even if it scares you a little. ESPECIALLY if it scares you a little!
Sleep when you're dead (or on the plane home). 😉
Yalla! (That's "let's go" in Moroccan Arabic – see, you're learning already!) 😉🐪✈️🌍 Reserve your spot here for our next Morocco escape.
P.S. Don’t just read the trip recap—watch it!
