Morocco trips

Many Moroccans also speak French, Spanish, and English. However, Berber and Arabic tend to be their first and second languages. It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, but you don't have to try all of them! Here are some popular words and phrases in Arabic:

• Hello: Salam
• My name is (your name): Ismi (your name)
• How much is this?: Bekam Hada?
• Yes: Na’am
• No:La’a
• Thank you: Shukran
• Where is the bathroom?: Ayn el-merhad?

Morocco is well-known as the “gateway to Africa”, and it lives up to its name. As you prepare to spend time in a new continent, country, and culture, prepare yourself for ancient cities, mouth-watering cuisine, and other-worldly architecture. Read on to learn more about Moroccan and Muslim culture and see specific tips to help you make the most of your trip.

• Morocco is a Muslim country; 99% of its population identifies as Sunni Muslim, but religious minorities are widely respected.
• Cities like Marrakesh and Fez are more relaxed with clothing, but Morocco is a conservative and religious country so you should be mindful of covering more “private” body parts on this trip.
• Any gesture you make in Morocco should be done with your right hand. The left hand is considered impure and is saved for bathroom duties and cleaning chores.
• If you are not Muslim, you are not allowed to enter most mosques in Morocco. You should also be wary of taking photos or peering through windows of mosques
• Moroccans are extremely friendly and hospitable. It’s common to converse with locals and be offered a cup of hot mint tea or couscous.
• Be considerate when taking photos of locals, and know that some people, especially women, might not want their photo taken at all, or will ask for a payment in return for the photo. Also note that taking photos of royal palaces, guards, and police is off-limits. When in doubt, just ask the person if you can take a photo of them.
• Haggling is part of the culture, especially in the souks markets in Marrakesh. Be prepared for a lot of back-and-forth when purchasing an item, especially if you don’t want to pay 4x too much! A rule of thumb is to start bargaining at 1/3 of the price you’re initially quoted. Give it a try!

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips when dining in Morocco, and delicacies you must try in every city.

• A favorite local pastime is people-watching in a street café with a coffee or mint tea. This is also the perfect way to kick back, reflect on your travels so far, and get excited for what’s to come!
• Expect to be seated on a floor mat around a knee-high table, or on couches around a large round table when dining
• Expect more food to be offered to you once you stop eating. If you are completely full, simply pat your stomach and shake your head while saying La, shukrran (“No, thank you”).
• B’ssara: This is a cheap, local soup of dried broad beans with olive oil, cumin, and fresh bread
• Tagine: A tagine is the clay cooking pot that serves a variety of dishes. Try a chicken or kefta tagine; You’ll find it at roadside cafes, restaurants, and homes! And of course, served with bread
  Couscous: We know you’ve heard of this one. Couscous is a fine wheat pasta rolled by hand. Usually it’s steamed and served over a stew of meat and veggies, garnished with a raisin preserve or buttermilk
• Zaalouk: Zaalouk is one of many Moroccan vegetable salads. It’s is a smoked aubergine dip seasoned with garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Best served with… you guessed it… BREAD.
• Mint Tea: Mint tea is THE drink of Morocco. It’s usually sweetened with sugar from a sugar cone, and poured into a tea glass from a tall height in order create the famous froth
• Bread: If you’re on a no-carb diet, we have bad news. Moroccan khobz (bread) is typically served at every meal, and you may even see families baking their dough at communal wood-fired ovens around town
• Olives: Morocco is the 5th largest producer of olive oil in the world, and you may get a small bowl of spiced olives before every meal, or find olives in almost every dish!