I can’t believe a new semester is already here! After spending the entire fall semester in Rabat, Morocco, I was excited to delve back into my courses this year and eager to return to this city that I now call my second home.
This past weekend, though, I wasted no time, hopping on a train to revisit Marrakesh and spend a day in the picturesque coastal city of Essaouira.
Marrakesh, also known as the Red City, greeted me with its familiar red buildings adorned with palm trees at every corner. The abundance of palm trees thriving in Marrakesh’s dry climate never ceases to amaze me.
I decided to get a hostel in a “riad” — a traditional Moroccan house or palace — nestled in the heart of the city, also known as Jemaa El-Fnaa Square. This square is located in the old city or “medina” and buzzes with activities, including live performances of traditional Gnaoua music, snake charmers and much more.
While in the medina, my friend and I savored the local cuisine at a street food stall, delighting in meat tagine and mixed meat skewers. Despite my professor’s warning against buying things at inflated tourist prices in the medina, I couldn’t resist buying some jewelry. Thankfully, due to my knowledge of Arabic, I was able to bargain down the price of a bracelet to a number that satisfied both the vendor and myself.
Later that day, I ventured to a small town near Marrakesh called Ouahat Sidi Brahim. Here, I went on my first outdoor tour, stopping at a small tent area to enjoy some Moroccan mint tea and “Msemen,” which is traditional Moroccan bread. At the end of the tour, we rode camels.
I still find riding camels scary due to the necessity of remaining seated as they stand up and lie down. Their considerable height is especially intimidating when they lower themselves to the ground. Despite my apprehension, though, the experience was truly worthwhile — especially since I was able to ride camels with a beautiful view of the sunset! Marrakesh was truly an amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back and see what else it has to offer.
The next day I woke at dawn to get on a westbound bus for a day tour of the magical city of Essaouira. Because the bus was packed, I sat at the front of the bus, right next to the bus driver. To my surprise, this enhanced my experience! I learned so much about Essaouira just by sitting right next to our makeshift “tour guide.”
I learned that Essaouira used to be Morocco’s most important port city and was a hub for trade and commerce. After we arrived, I visited the Amazigh market, where I watched the arduous process of Amazigh women making cosmetic and edible argan oil.
Now the city is also a haven for artistic talent, especially due to the music festivals that occur here each year, such as the Gnaoua and World Music Festival. Gnaoua music is traditional music played by sub-Saharan Africans and the Amazigh people. It was formally used in rituals and ceremonies for healing but has now become a staple in Moroccan culture as a form of entertainment at concerts, weddings, etc.
I truly loved Essaouira and hope to go back for the music festival one day.
This post was contributed by Arleana Mweyola, a Global Ambassador for Spring 2024. Arleana is a senior international relations and global studies major studying abroad in Rabat, Morocco.
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