By Chloe Nguyen
Leaving for Morocco, I expected the history, the “medina”, the desert and the Atlas Mountains. Yet, I returned with something far more meaningful: a collection of human stories. It was unexpected hospitality and the random encounters which I would never be able to find anywhere else. Those are things bringing more charm to Morocco and make it an unforgettable destination.
This piece is simply an archive of those moments, the spontaneous stories collected, proving that the greatest adventure isn’t about where you go, but who you meet.
The Shared Sunrise and Breakfast
I kicked oF my Moroccan adventure with a hot air balloon ride over Marrakech – a bucket list moment of everyone. But the experience gave me more than just stunning views from the air. In the basket, I met a group of strangers, mostly older individuals, who were initially just asking for help with photos.
Yet, moments later, we were found sitting together for breakfast. We savored authentic Moroccan bread and sipped warm mint tea around a small table. Five people from different corners of the world, united by a shared magical moment, we traded silly stories. I was so into their stories that I completely forgot to ask for contact. We parted ways with goodbyes, each heading oF to continue our own separate journeys, but carrying a shared memory.
Off The Road: Fellow Travelers
The other day, I was arranged with another group for a three-day desert excursion into Merzouga. Our bus was a mixture of ages and nationalities. The nine-hour drive flew by, filled with laughter and spontaneous stories. This, I realized, is the joy of solo travel: no one know who you are, what you did or will do. The only thing that matters is the present you, the moment you are sharing with them.
That brief encounter blossomed into a shared WhatsApp group. It was incredibly inspiring when waking up a few weeks later to see a notification from one of the men in the group, sharing photos from his trip across South America, ignited my own wanderlust dream. These temporary travel bond can surprisingly leave a permanent mark on me.
The Magic of Local Storytellers
My most cherished encounters, however, were with the locals, those truly showed me their home and culture.
Mohammed, the Chef of Dades Valley
Before reaching the beauty of Merzouga desert, we spent a night in the Dades Valley. There, I met Mohammed, an Amazigh (Berber) chef at the hotel. It started with a simple silly question about the song playing in the background. The next thing I knew, we were on the hotel rooftop, stargazing next to the Atlas Mountains, sipping mint tea and exchanging stories.
Mohammed immersed me in the rich history and traditions of the Amazigh culture. I learned firsthand that Moroccans are actually masters of folklore and storytelling. Mohammed’s personal story about how he grew up in that remote village was just as compelling, serving as a powerful counterpoint to the historical tales. Nowadays, people turn to the internet for answers, yet I found that the most valuable and interesting details came directly from the people.
A Moment Logging Out of Earth
The desert experience wouldn’t have been authentic without the locals guiding the way. The spirit of Moroccan hospitality is truly unparalleled.
Feeling confused about how to capture the Milky Way, a camping staF immediately and spontaneously guided me to the deepest dune in the desert. That night was lit. We laid on the cold sand, were wrapped by the heavy sandy wind, our eyes sticked to the sky overflowing with stars. Waiting for the moon to set, I felt a deep sense of serenity. For a brief moment, I felt like logging out of Earth. It was a reminder that the best travel moments are those shared with a local, who unlocks an experience beyond the tourist path.
An Old Man of Chefchaouen
My last encounter was in the iconic blue city of Chefchaouen. I spent half an hour sitting with an old man selling souvenirs on a blue staircase. I simply stopped to listen to his folktales about the “Blue Pearl” and the origins of its famous color. This sweet man gave me information and photos of Old Chefchaouen, which were a rare thing on the internet. He was a bridge to the soul of Chefchaouen, showing me its charm extended far beyond its picturesque wall.
Though knowing there is a high chance I would never cross paths with these people again, their stories are imprinted on my heart. They profoundly shaped my perspective and defined my entire journey. It’s not the destination or the landmarks that help us figure out who we are, but those random encounters, someone sitting next to us on the train, or a lady we meet in the park. A few minutes of shared conversations is all it takes to shift your perception. That, I do believe, is the beautiful and quiet way how life operates. This country with these “Habibi” will always be less about the map but more about the memories.
This article is part of the work carried out by the students of the Master’s Degree in Travel Journalism at the School of Travel Journalism.