People from the Middle East think they know everything about the region, but there’s a lot we still don’t know about our dear neighbors. Here are just a few things you should know about Morocco, that’ll make you want to learn more about this fascinating country.
1- Moroccan Tea
When visiting a country, it’s almost mandatory to try its local cuisine and savor its signature dishes. Moroccan tea is definitely a staple. It should be considered more of a performance than just a drink. It’s made using green tea and mint and served in a fancy teapot. They then use the pot to pour the tea into small glass cups; the pouring has to be from a distance in order to achieve bubbles on the surface. The tea is poured back and forth between the pot and the glass in order to cool it down to a drinkable temperature.
2- Language
Being a multi-cultural diverse country, Morocco speaks several different languages. Depending on where you are in the country, you’re bound to encounter a different language. Up north, you’re more likely to hear Spanish. French is their widely spread second language; Berber is another language you’ll hear around. English is around too but not as often.
3- Hashish
Moroccan hash is almost as well-known as their tea. You need to brace yourself if you plan on going there. There will be hash all around and people will continuously offer it to you on the street. It’s almost a cultural norm even though it is not legalized in Morocco. There have been talks about making it legal, arguing it constitutes a big part of the country’s economy. That has not happened yet.
4- Blue Walls
Something you’ll often see is the exterior of houses painted in vibrant blue. This is obviously an aesthetic win in terms of the beauty it adds to Morrocan cities but there has been plenty of theories as to why this choice was made. Blue is the main color in the animated city of Chefchaouen. Known as the blue town, the mountain top location and the natural views around make Chefchaouen a must see place in Morocco. Some people credit the blue to the Jews who fled Europe during the world war and were some of the first to settle in the place. Others believe that the blue color is meant to repel mosquitoes. There are theories that say that it’s a nod to water; others think it’s because of the relaxing nature of the color. We might never know what the true reason behind the choice of color is but at least we get to appreciate it anyway!
5- Must See Cities
One thing is for sure, Morocco is not a one trick pony. Don’t expect to visit one city for a few days and believe you’re done. This country deserves much more than that. Everywhere you go around Morocco there’s something new to see.
It’s definitely a country to fully explore because no city will ever disappoint you!
