Tonight is my last night in Morocco. As a result, I wanted to briefly update everyone on my experience here. I spent the last 5 days in Morocco; I was in Fes the first two nights and spent the last couple of days in Marrakech.

This trip to Morocco was filled with many firsts for me! It was my first time in Africa. I had my first hostel experience - Yes, this is true since I stayed with host families mostly. It was the first time I ate a camel burger (it was delicious; short video to be added to this post once I am back in Siena)!!

While there were many firsts, there was a familiarity as I explored these cities and Morocco's wonderful culture. For instance, one day in Fes we hired a tour guide and he took us to hear about the carpets made here. They were beautiful. We learned how these rugs are still made by a loom and can take years to produce. Further, we learned how many of the most valuable carpets are made for and kept within a family. For those who are not familiar with me, I am part Navajo. Navajos produce some of the most elegant rugs as well. Also, we still use the loom too. Like Moroccan culture, many of these rugs stay within the family. In addition, I found there to be a similarity in patterns; Also, I found areas of architecture within the city that reminded me of the American Southwest. In fact, my friend Kelley pointed this out to me while we were walking around the streets of Marrakech today.

I could explain the similarities, and differences, at length, but I want to highlight some moments with all of you.

Our last night in Fes, we ate at a restaurant called Clock Cafe (I highly recommend it) . While eating dinner there, one of the servers talked with us for quite some time. After dinner we found him before we left and we ended up joining him and his friends for the night. We shared some mint tea (I'm already missing this!) and played a card game he taught us. He also showed us a magic trick. I figured out how he did it but I promised him I would keep it a secret so I will say no more :) After tea and games we went to a bar to dance. This was much fun. Our new friend use to dance and you could tell! I loved how much him and his friends freely danced (all males) the night away. Sadly, we had to leave but one of the guys who also worked at Clock Cafe was traveling that night to Marrakech and he told us to find him. He transferred to their new location here. I'm happy to say we found the place and reunited with him last night. He was off of work when we arrived but he still checked on us as if he was our sever. Lastly, he gave us free desert for coming in to eat there and see him. He was very kind. We stayed over an hour after they closed.

Other highlights/ interesting standouts for me included:

Exploring the old palaces.
The streets are covered with cats.
Many of the locals speak four or more languages.
Attempting to take the local bus from the airport to our hostel.
Learning how Moroccans/ Arabic language has a saying that roughly translates to "God willing." Our friend from the Clock Cafe told us many tourists think it means "maybe" since it is used often when one person tells another person he will see them at a later time. The repose is "God willing" since they don't know what could happen between now and then and if it is meant to be, it will be.

With such highlights, and learning such sayings, you can imagine how reflective these last 5 days have been. In fact, I wrote in my journal 4 times since I was in Morocco. I am sure I will be writing more for myself but I wanted to share a little bit of it with you. For now, I need to sleep. I catch a flight in a few hours. Thank you for following!

Walked up here to see the sunset over Fes!

Thank You Morocco

anthony@anthonyanaya-gorman.com