On the morning of Friday, January 10, my group of 14 international students and I, along with my Moroccan friend Badr, headed to Marrakesh for the weekend. We only had three days, but they were packed with new experiences, cultural highlights, and a few late nights that I will never forget.
After taking the near three-hour trip from Casablanca, we spent our first afternoon in the old medina, which was as lively and chaotic as I’d imagined. The maze of shops and stalls felt endless, and after some haggling, I managed to buy a pair of sunglasses for just $4 after the vendor set the original price at $20 It was my first real attempt at bargaining, and while I still may have paid more than I needed to, it was fun to try.
Dinner every evening was at rooftop restaurants overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakesh’s main square. The square would fill up with food vendors, performers, and musicians as the sun went down. My go-to drink was Moroccan mint tea, which pairs perfectly with the cool desert evenings. We also tried a variety of Moroccan meat dishes, which were simple but flavorful. Sitting there, watching the square come alive, was easily one of the highlights of the trip.
On Saturday, we took a break from the city and headed out to Palmeraie for some outdoor activities. Riding ATVs through the palm oasis was thrilling. Later, I rode a camel for the first time, which was surprisingly similar to riding a horse, just slower and higher up. It gave me a chance to take in the landscape, which was a mix of palm trees and open desert.
That night, a few of us went to Theatro, Marrakesh’s most popular nightclub, and the self-proclaimed "best club in Africa." We didn’t get there until 12:30 AM, but the energy was unreal. They played a mix of American, French, and Moroccan music, with plenty of 2010s hits that had the whole crowd singing along. We stayed out until 5:00 AM, which is way past my usual schedule, but the atmosphere made it worth it.
By Sunday afternoon, it was time to head back. The trip felt much longer than three days, but that’s probably because we made the most of every moment. Between the medina, the food, the desert, and the nightlife, Marrakesh was a perfect mix of culture and fun.
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