Morocco
I've never not been fond of a location before. I’m usually able to find something rare, beautiful and charming about a place I encounter. I don’t know if it was the constant noise, the relentless touts, or the incessant chaos, but I never was able to truly see Marrakech. I think this in of itself describes the very blood that feeds the city. A blur of disorder, bedlam and commotion, it is something in which to be absorbed in order to see. The challenges of immersion certainly rang true as we explored this hectic nation.
We agreed upon a desert “trek” to the edge of the Western Sahara…not to be confused with the country the state department will not allow us to visit. Upon reaching Zagora by car, we continued by camel for another hour into the desert where we spent the night. It was the coldest night of my life. The stars were astounding, but far outshone by the cold. Seeing the sun finally peek through the tent after a long night of shivering, my first thought not being light, but warmth.
I would never presume to think that my amazing experiences were ones to ever consider taking for granted. I love that I’ve seen stars from the Sahara. I love that I’ve traversed a desert oasis. I love that my world is so big. I would never want to convey that I don’t find my experiences rich and full of blessings. I can’t fault Marrakech. It truly is what it is. I just personally couldn’t find the corresponding beat. I was always out of rhythm and never heard the song that so many find fascinating and magnificent about Morocco. I won’t say the colors, the products, the beautiful ceramic tagines aren’t marvelous displays of Berber wares, I just found that our personalities don’t exactly click. I would be willing to go on another date, maybe to the calmer northern city of Fez, where the chaos of Morocco I’m told is lessened. I hope for another chance encounter, but for now, a distant memory of pandemonium will be my minds eye to the beautiful land of North Africa.