A: Al-Attarin Medersa is the oldest Islamic religious school, established in 1325 by Abu Siad in Fes. Its intricate detail work consists of beautiful colored tiles, carved cedar wood and plaster, and is etched with Arabic citations of the Qur’an.
B: Looking for a cultural experience with a great workout? If you have the time, take a belly dancing class.
C: A popular tradition and the best day of the week is Couscous Friday!
D: Adoring doors throughout every city!
E: Eid al-Kabir is one of the biggest Islamic holidays of the year. It is the celebration of Abraham’s sacrifice to God. This is an important ceremony where families come together and a sheep is sacrificed. All parts are used.
F: Due to its popularity, frangipane is literally the freshest and best baked good to pick up, no matter the time of day.
G:Gnawa is a traditional and spiritual genre of music and dance with Sub-Saharan and Arabic roots.
H: The best place to be exfoliated is the hammam, a local bathhouse used for centuries.
I: Ifrane is a small Moroccan mountain city perched above the Atlas Mountains. It was founded by the French during the protectorate era and is well known for its beautiful views, and as a space for year-long outdoor sport activities.
J: Juice Palace Café is the best spot in Meknes to grab fresh Jus (juice), made with fresh ingredients from orange, pineapple, almond or avocado.
K: Looking to learn how to surf and on a budget? Kenitra is a port city off the Atlantic well known for its great waves.
L: When in Tangier, you can visit Cap Spartel, a lighthouse that looks out to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
M: The medina is the local city / market area where you can find things such as natural products for hair or skin, fresh produce and meats, hand-crafted materials, and shop for traditional clothing.
N: The Amazigh (also known as Berber) is an ethnic group native to areas throughout North Africa. Today in Morocco, some live in the cities such as Marrakesh, or roam as Nomads throughout the desert.
O: Ouzoud is the second tallest waterfall in Africa.
P: Plant a tree to help make Morocco greener.
Q: Participating in cultural exchange discussions and questioning the locals about life in the area is one of the best way to learn about the culture and explore.
R: If you have the chance, ride a camel through the desert in Morzuga.
S: After receiving its independence in 1956, a portion of Morocco is still occupied. This small touristy city called Melilla, is better known as “A Little Slice of Spain”.
T: A traditional North African and Arabic cuisine that is named after the detailed ceramics it is prepared in is called Tagine. It is prepared the same but each dish contains different combinations, with a meat (typically lamb or chicken), an abundance of vegetables, potatoes, and may have olives, prunes or raisins.
U: Volubilis is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once controlled by the Phoenician Empire, the Romans, and later by local Christian and Muslim tribes.
V: Visit the colored cities.
W: Watch the sunset and sunrise along the dunes of the Western Sahara.
X: Do not be surprised by the xenodochial (hospitable) mentality when being invited to someone’s house after knowing them for a brief amount of time. Yes, this can even be within 15 minutes!
Y: Yalla-Yalla – A common phrase meaning “Come On!” or “Lets’ Go!” All over Morocco (as well as during our excursion), this phrase is said to keep up and keep exploring.
Z: The beautiful Zellij which translates to “tile work,” is a customary art form that can be found all over Morocco.
The world awaits…discover it.
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