Morocco: Medinas, Mountains and a Little Bit of Mayhem

 

Morocco is one of those exotic, dreamy places that I had thought about going to for a while. 

In 2023, I finally had the opportunity to experience this fascinating country, but the timing of the trip coincided with the aftermath of a major earthquake in the Atlas Mountains and the events of October 7. I worried that I would appear uncaring for those affected by the quake and that the protests might escalate.

I chose to travel with a tour group, and mostly trusted their guidance. It was the right decision for me not to cancel. I probably would have wanted to kick myself if I had.

When it comes to seeing Morocco, joining an escorted tour is the way to go. It is a great way to see the country without having to worry about navigating the maze-like medinas or arranging transportation between cities — things which I would find particularly challenging as a solo woman traveler.

As it goes, the trip was not without drama. On the connecting flight from Paris to Casablanca, the pilot informed us that some men "were being returned to Morocco". They were young men in their 20s, seated in the rear of the plane, with twist ties on their wrists. Really? On a commercial flight? Happy to report no incidents.

Our journey took us from Rabat to Fez, then south toward Erfoud and the edge of the Sahara, through the dramatic landscapes around Ouarzazate, on to the Atlantic coast at Essaouira, and finally to the bustle of Marrakesh and Casablanca.

Morocco has beautiful architecture, brilliant colors, different smells and sounds, and sweeping desert landscapes. Every stop revealed a completely different side of the country.

That's exactly what made Morocco so memorable.

Discovering Vietnam - More on An Unforgettable Journey

Vietnam is a long, narrow country, stretching about 1,000 miles north to south. Different landscapes are found as you move from one region to the next. The North shares a mountainous border with China and is home to Hanoi. The South is flatter and home to the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City.

The 20th century was a tumultuous time for the country, particularly the Vietnam war which lasted for two decades, with US involvement from 1965 -1975. 

Vietnam is a very different country today from what many remember in the war era. It is developing at a very fast pace with its infrastructure and technology. It is digitally connected to the rest of the world. 

Still, many Americans involved in the Vietnam war, veterans and their families, understandably have very strong feelings and terrible memories of that period and cannot conceive of returning here. Yet, some do, maybe out of curiosity.

Today, many people relocate here for its inexpensive lifestyle, particularly digital nomads and retirees, and for its creative cuisine.

 

This journey also took me to Cambodia, where I visited Siem Reap and the extraordinary temples of Angkor Wat.

Discovering Cambodia - An Unforgettable Journey

In 2024, I traveled to Cambodia, then Vietnam. 

Previously, I had visited Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, so I thought I was well equipped to handle the very long haul from NYC, which I was.

This trip ended up as one of my all time favorite, interesting adventures. 

I was captivated by Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown" TV series, particularly the episode filmed in Vietnam, where he shared the local people's energy, food culture, resilience, and imagination (and a bonus meal with President Obama, sitting on tiny, uncomfortable plastic chairs). 

Most people's connection with Vietnam, is the disastrous Vietnam War or the "American War", as the Vietnamese call it. The anti-war protest movement shook America in the '60s and '70s. I could not imagine what life in Vietnam would be like 60+ years later, or ever wanting to go there after that horrific period of destruction and loss of life. But I learned life goes on and things can change dramatically in a positive direction, given time.

My first stop on the itinerary would be nearby Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city. This was a short, but very illuminating stay, before proceeding to Siem Reap to the impressive, ancient Angkor Wat temple, then onward to various locations in Vietnam.

South Africa - Beyond the Safari

My journey to South Africa, took me to a place where cities and landscapes share the spotlight. I really did not know what to expect.

I was pleasantly surprised that you can spend the morning exploring a city neighborhood, while in the afternoon you can watch a sunset over a nature reserve, mountain range, or coastline.

Cape Town is often called one of the world's most beautiful cities and I totally understand why. Stunning beaches and panoramas are all within a short distance of the city center, one of the reasons South Africa has an acclaimed international reputation.

 

     Biking enthusiasts in Cape Town                          

South African apartheid laws ended in 1994, Nelson Mandela became President, but the pace of integration has been slow. Race is still an issue with 64 million people of which 80% are indigenous non-whites.

There is a wide gap between rich and the poor, strikingly evident in the city of Johannesburg. However, on a positive note, I was told that progress is being made in new residential areas which are economically integrated.

But the country has a way to go.