This is the third part of a multi story series following guest blogger Sylvia Latour as she explores Morocco. Part one shares important information all travels should know before they go, like whether they need specific vaccinations. Part 2 delves into why she chose a small group tour for her Morocco trip. And in part 3
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To recap my trip to Morocco, we were 10 travelers, 1 guide and a driver. Pretty simple right? Then I found out “we will be staying in Riads”. Hmmm…ok. No idea what a Riad is. Like I mentioned in a previous blog, I was really uneducated about Morocco before leaving. Honestly, I went in blind thinking that would be part of the fun because every day would be a surprise.
We spent the first day exploring Casablanca. For fans of the 1942 movie of the same name you will recognize Ricks Café. To be honest it was run down and looking a bit forgotten. I was thankful to be on our small bus tour where we could decide together to not get off and visit. To be honest after looking at all the things I saw in Morocco unless you are a fan of the movie, I would say skip it.
The highlight of which was certainly the Mohamed II mosque – a most beautiful and impressive site.
After a full day of exploring, we drove to Rabat, the capital city. The city itself was beautiful. Then we found the older inner city or medina. Our guide led us through the narrow streets of the medina. Through alleys with doors, cobble stone and earth streets. There was only limited signage. Really not a lot. It was then and there I knew the value of our guide. And that I would never make it around on my own.
Our guide led us to our Riad. A short door opens and then we see a BEAUTIFUL courtyard that is smothered in amazing tile work. The courtyard is the focal point with several floors of rooms looking down into the courtyard.
What is a Riad?
Moroccon Riads were once stately homes and are now mostly small hotels. Think Moroccan bed and breakfast! Again, I will tell you that a huge advantage of being 10 people is the honor of staying in a Riad. A big bus of 60 or more people could not do this.
We were led to a sitting area to rest and was served fresh mint tea. This is where I learned of the mandatory long tea pour which serves to develop the flavor. There was some mandatory paper work for foreign visitors to stay at the Riad. It was a bit surprising but not difficult. Just don’t pack your passport too deep in your suitcase.
Mint Tea anyone?
Mint tea. I’m not a big tea fan, but this was fresh, flavorful and comforting – no tea bag on strings with little cardboard tags stapled to them. This was mint leaves. Fresh ones. Perhaps I was being influenced by my first night in this wonderful country, in a stunning Riad, after a full day of visiting but if this was any indicator of the rest of the trip, I had a feeling that I was in for a real treat. (spoiler… I was right!)
We were each provided rooms and mine did not disappoint. Modern amenities surrounded in a traditional Moroccan décor, complete with some of my favorite things: elaborate doors and windows. Pure heaven.
We were led to another Riad – yes, another walk through the maze of streets. It felt very medieval…difficult to explain the feeling! This Riad was more like a restaurant. Don’t worry I will cover food in an upcoming story. We slept well and awoke to the sound of roosters – amazing and unexpected. We had a quick breakfast and were out the door for the next part of our adventure.
What was the best Riad?
Perhaps it was the charm of the first Riad we stayed in, Riad Kalaa 2, but it was my favorite. The chic 9 rooms are each decorated with a different personality. The terrace with a swimming-pool has an amazing panoramic view of the colorful tranquil rooftops of the medina.
Silvia Latour lives in Montreal, Quebec. She currently works as a Sales Specialist and Business Intelligence Analyst for a major Pharmaceutical Company. She enjoys spending time with friends & family, travel, photography, volunteering and baking. Her life philosophies include: So many places to go and so many things to bake! Shoot with a camera and be kind. Follow her sweet creations on Facebook.
Part One: You had me at camel… Morocco: What You Need to Know Before Going
Part Two: Small is Beautiful: The Benefits of Small Group Tours
