Ask a man who just returned from Morocco, to describe his impressions of this country, and you’ll hear a fascinating story, accompanied by irresistible storm of conflicting emotions: from tumultuous delight and admiration to outrage and aghast, bordering with shock.

Attraction of country of declining sun
People in Arab world called Morocco this way since ancient times. This almost fabulous African kingdom occupies extreme western geographical position of all Muslim states, it «sees the sun» last. Heavenly body drops in Atlantic waters here daily, giving local residents unimaginable beauty of «golden sunsets», praised by poets.
Indeed, Morocco causes mixed feelings among travelers, but it always fascinates, captures and captivates its guests.

Morocco is an unusually diverse region, a country of contrasts and paradoxes. It is located at the intersection of natural zones, cultures, civilizations and times. In its relatively small area Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert, harsh Atlantic and soft Mediterranean Sea, thick forests and lifeless plateaus, Africa, Arab world and Europe, eastern luxury, refined elegance and extreme poverty live harmoniously.

There are many opportunities for recreation here: beautiful beaches, rich excursions, jeep safaris, mountain climbing, downhill skiing, water sports, horse riding, etc.

You can talk for hours about Morocco, while it cannot be described, just looked, it should be touched and felt. Words cannot convey its individual unique smell that imbued flavors of orange, mint, spices, road dust, and sea waves, hospitality and good nature of local residents, lazy atmosphere of old streets and markets, taste of festive couscous and sweet mint tea. But this is not Morocco, Morocco means something more, something intangible and unconscious, only you take away from here.

Shopping in Morocco. National identity in souvenir package

A trip to Morocco is an excellent opportunity to acquire a truly unique inexpensive goods: gifts, spices, carpets, woolen blankets, clay, tin and copper utensils, leather, paintings, jewelry, furniture, utensils, etc. The world of fashion offers Moroccan style of clothing, food and interiors. Tourists from all over the world come here to find unusual and unique things you can buy only here on fantastic local markets, which in Arabic are called “souk”.

At any Morocco market you can find a huge number of original items of local crafts. Each village has its own favorite crafts. For example, leather should be bought in Fez, carpets in Rabat, jewelry and paintings - in Essueyre. The main charm and «salt» of Moroccan shopping is bargain. You just need bargaining here. Indeed, for some trifling trinket a trader may take you a price 300 times higher its real value. However, if a seller likes how you bargain, he can simply give it to you.

Wandering about Moroccan bazaars, you must be vigilant. You can be easily lost in the maze of streets, as well as deceived by Moroccan «businessmen». Be sure to check quality of goods and do not start bargaining unless you are ready to buy a thing.

Eclectic of tastes. Morocco cuisine and its features

Impressions from a trip to Morocco will be incomplete without familiarity with its cuisine. It, like whole Morocco, is full of contrasts.

Traditional dishes combine multiple flavors - sweet, salty, sharp and fuel appetite, acting simultaneously in three senses: smell, sight and taste. Moroccan cuisine is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world. It was influenced by Berber, Mauritania, Middle East, Mediterranean and African culinary cultures. It is based on cereals, fresh vegetables, fruits, olive oil and argali, meat, fish, seafood and, of course, spices, which are necessary for all Moroccan dishes. Favorite dishes of Moroccans are: couscous - steamed semolina with meat, fish, vegetables, nuts; Hariri - nourishing soup from mutton; meshui - lamb meat, Tazhin - lamb stew, chicken or pigeons; bstella - cake of sweet dough with meat or fish filling; briuaty - small Moroccan pastries of the finest dough, fish and seafood. Every meal is accompanied here with fresh bread and very popular Moroccan drink - sweet green tea with mint.

Food in Morocco is cooked slowly and carefully, and eaten also slowly and only with hands, lying on soft pillows, accompanying table with pleasant conversation and quiet music.

Used products are simple and inexpensive, but basic recipes are passed by inheritance.

Morocco is in vogue now. Once coming here, having felt this incredible country, it is difficult not to return here again. Comprehending all its contrasts, which are rather curious than uncomfortable, is incredibly interesting. You just need to confide in it, love it and «play by its rules», then the magic kingdom of Morocco will open to you in full, and you will leave here a piece of your soul.