Wandering across the Fez medina, I might really feel the stares. “The place are you going? Need to go to the tanneries? I’ll take you. No cash. Don’t fear!” the medina’s fake guides stated as they chased me down the road.
“No, I’m superb,” I’d reply, making an attempt to dodge them at each flip. Turning down facet streets, stopping to have a look at a map, or admiring a view prompted them and any close by vendor to pounce and badger me, inviting me into shops, eating places, and sights.
There have been moments after I would flip down streets solely to have my spidey sense inform me to show again. Just a few guys tried to nook me earlier than I managed to slide right into a retailer. Heck, even just a little child tried to select my pocket. Whereas different cities weren't as intense as Fez, my visit to Morocco required a thick pores and skin and a watchful eye.
Earlier than my journey, I queried quite a lot of buddies about their experiences. I’d heard horror tales of touts, harassment, pickpockets, and scams. Whereas that's frequent all over the place, Morocco appeared to take it to a different degree. “Hold an eye fixed out,” everybody warned.
After two weeks traversing the nation (which is wonderful — see this post, where I fawn all over it!) with Intrepid Journey on their Better of Morocco tour, I may see why folks say Morocco calls for further diligence. Touts, scammers, and harassers abound and, whereas it wasn’t dangerous after I was with my group, once I was alone, it was intense. As I settled into the well-known and secluded Café Clock in Fez to chill out, I messaged fellow writers on-line to ask if I used to be overreacting or in the event that they felt the identical means.
“No, it’s not simply you,” was the common reply.
You’re unlikely to ever be in any actual bodily hazard in Morocco, however the petty crime and harassment require you to remain on guard — extra so than different nations. Nonetheless, if you happen to comply with just a few guidelines, you possibly can depart unscathed:
- Don’t stroll alone at evening — Whereas strolling in properly-lit and busy areas may be fantastic, watch out strolling at night time. You by no means know what lurks across the nook within the medinas. Petty crime is rampant right here, particularly towards vacationers.
- Don’t stroll alone when you’re a girl — A woman alone will entice quite a lot of unwarranted consideration from males, an elevated probability of being adopted, and the probability of groping. Even once I was with the women on my journey, they received a number of consideration. I may solely think about how a lot worse it was after they had been alone. And, as a feminine, particularly don't stroll alone at night time!
- Costume conservatively — Morocco is a conservative Muslim nation, and it’s not applicable to put on skimpy clothes. Preserve your arms, shoulders, and legs lined (particularly if you're a lady) to keep away from any undesirable consideration and conform to native norms.
- Keep away from flashy jewellery — An excellent common rule, this takes on extra urgency in a rustic the place theft is widespread and folks will see the jewellery as an indication of wealth and due to this fact attempt tougher to rip-off you in shops or rob you on the streets.
- Don’t carry valuables — Since muggings and pickpockets are frequent, take the minimal you want once you depart your resort or hostel. Don’t take your passport with you – go away it within the lodge! A couple of folks on my tour carried it round with them and when my information discovered, he appeared like he was about to have a coronary heart assault!
- Keep away from again alleys — The tiny alleys of the medina are stunning to discover however typically they make you simple prey for scammers and thieves. Don’t enterprise too distant from the crowds.
- Look ahead to scams — If somebody asks you into their store for tea, they will use that as a pretext to get you to purchase one thing and, because of the engrained psychological concept of reciprocity, you’ll most likely give in. Don’t let anybody ask you to jot down a letter or learn a postcard that their “cousin” despatched to them in English/French/no matter your native language is. It’s a ruse to get you into their retailer and put on you down. Similar with letting somebody put henna in your hand. As soon as these distributors have you ever, they are going to be relentless about you making an attempt on garments, shopping for one thing, or giving them cash. Say “no thank-you” and stroll away.
- Say no to tour guides — The individuals saying “no cash” positively need your cash. They may attempt to get you into their retailers or take you locations and ask for cash for the service. Be agency and inform them no. It doesn’t matter their age or how useful they're, if they begin strolling with you, they'll ask for cash!
- At all times negotiate taxi costs up entrance — At all times negotiate the value for taxis earlier than you get in, as costs are going to be considerably inflated while you arrive at your vacation spot.
I used to be insulated as a result of I used to be on a tour, however after I was alone or with only a few folks, individuals got here out of the woodwork, catcalled my pals, grabbed at the girls, and blocked entrances to eating places with a view to accost us. Even after a decade of journey, I discovered myself wishing I had a companion to share the psychological burden and eager to scream, “Depart me alone so I can simply get pleasure from your nation!”
Many individuals have requested me if they need to go to Morocco alone. My sincere reply is: I’m undecided. It was my first time in North Africa and it was an adjustment. I used to be glad to be on a tour and have a information. For those who don’t have numerous journey expertise or are a woman traveling alone, it would simply be an excessive amount of. I'd recommend happening a tour first as an alternative of exploring the nation solo. It’s mentally exhausting and there are lots of groping fingers. Furthermore, it's arduous to get into the distant desert and mountains on the general public transportation methods. I wouldn’t drive right here both, as everybody races round mountain curves.
That’s to not say you would by no means journey solo right here — in case you are robust, you'll be able to — however general, I might say it’s a rustic higher fitted to a tour. You’ll discover it simpler to get round and be insulated from the harassment.
Morocco was a battery on my senses — the food, the colours, the spices, the smells, and the scenery have been unforgettable. (Additionally the doorways — they've such ornate and colourful doorways in Morocco. I've dozens of images of doorways). I might a hundred% suggest to anybody that they go to the nation, however ensure you preserve an additional eye out (particularly in Fez) and have a thick pores and skin.
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