It was an absolutely unforgettable journey for many reasons. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with my siblings — such fun and interesting company, and people so dear to my heart. Morocco in July welcomes everyone with its warm, almost fiery embrace, with temperatures reaching up to 42°C (108°F). Since I grew up in Kazakhstan, the culture and climate of Morocco brought back memories of my distant childhood. ❤️

Wandering the streets is a sensory experience, with its narrow winding alleys, intricate doors and windows, and the scent of Moroccan spices filling the air.

It was a unique shopping experience. Inside a maze of colourful narrow lanes is a world of antiques, carpets, spices, trinkets, Aladdin-like lamps and other local crafts.

We stayed in an incredibly fascinating place. It was the breathtaking 300-year-old AnaYela Hotel, located within the Medina and with only five rooms. On a cobblestone street, we knocked on an old wooden door — and stepped into another world.

Mint tea is the national drink of Morocco, and ordering it isn’t just about the taste, it’s about the experience. Serving it is a form of hospitality in Morocco. Moroccans pour tea from at least a foot above the glass so the fragrance can immediately be detected in the air.

The preparation and enjoyment of food play a significant role in Moroccan hospitality and community.

Cooking Class with Family in Marrakech — what an experience! We started with a visit to the local market, then learned to cook using traditional pottery and techniques. Together, we prepared salads, a first course, chicken tagine, fresh bread, and dessert. Listening to the chef’s stories, breathing in the warm, spicy aromas, and tasting the tagine the moment it was ready made it all feel so real and unforgettable.

Mother Nature was truly generous when she created Morocco.The majestic High Atlas Mountains — stretching nearly a thousand kilometres across the country and rising to over 13,600 feet. The local Berbers call them Idraren Draren, meaning ‘Mountains of Mountains,’ a fitting name for such an awe-inspiring landscape. These towering peaks and deep valleys invite travellers to explore charming villages, winding trails, and snow-covered summits.

When I think about what surprised me most during my trip to Morocco, the first thing that comes to mind is the incredible number of cats - they were everywhere, strolling through narrow alleys, napping on doorsteps, and showing up in the most unexpected places. Apparently, this love for cats comes from the country’s culture and religion, where caring for them is considered a good deed.

Another thing that truly surprised me was the complete disregard for traffic rules. It felt like a real-life video game — cars flying through red lights, scooters weaving between people, and mothers calmly riding motorcycles with babies in their arms as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Somehow, amidst all this chaos, everyone seems to know exactly what they’re doing — and it all works out!