Destination Morocco Podcast

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

A Food Tasting Tour in the Heart of Marrakech! (YouTube)

----
Today's live episode takes you on a culinary food tour through the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, in the heart of Marrakech, with Azdean and local guide Mr. Ahmed. 

Together, they delve into the rich culinary traditions of the area, first with a visit to the olive section, where Ahmed explains the significance and variety of olives used in Moroccan cuisine. Next, they take us to a tasting of traditional Moroccan pastries, including Ghriba, Chebakia, and Fekkas, originally influenced by Jewish traditions. 

The journey then takes us through the world of dried fruits, highlighting their cultural importance and common uses in special occasions such as weddings and Ramadan. 

No visit to Morocco can take place without trying Harira soup, probably the staple of staples in every house and restaurant. Azdean and Ahmed visit another food stall to learn about the ingredients in Harira, when and how it's eaten, and why you can eat more of it when it's not during Ramadan! 

The server then brings over a heaping plate of Msemen (Moroccan pancakes), which can be eaten either sweet or savoury, depending on your preference and the time of day. Often we see Msemen at breakfast, or accompanying a hearty bowl of Harira.

Lastly, the tour concludes at a popular food stall, Stall #31 & 50, where you'll learn about the Marrakech specialty dish of Tangia, a slow-roasted and steamed meat dish, baked in a special pot which gives it its name and distinctive flavour. You can request a visit to this stall on your food tour.

Throughout the episode, Ahmed shares cultural insights and historical contexts, making it a rich, immersive experience for anyone interested in Moroccan cuisine. This episode gives you a wonderful taste for a typical food tour, the type that Destination Morocco can easily organize and include for you as part of your custom-build itinerary. 

And we talk about the contrast between a food tour and a cooking class, the pros and cons of each, and let you decide which you prefer to do, if not both!

Schedule a free discovery call today at www.destinationsmorocco.com to learn about all the options and possibilities available to you on our tours. We can't wait to show you Morocco.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

Where you can find genuine Argan oil, from an ethical source (YouTube)

----
Discover the versatile and distinctly Moroccan product of Argan Oil in today's conversation, recorded live at the Zin Cooperative, just outside of Essaouira.  

Argan oil can be pressed into both edible or cosmetic use, and our guest Chiadma explains the different methods of production, and how they know which is which. 

Discarded shells of the nuts are given to the famous tree-climbing goats, whom you might otherwise see along the highway from Marrakech to Essaouira, climbing trees in search of their own supply!

Argan trees particularly thrive in the dry, Mediterranean-style climate of Essaouira, Agadir and Taroudant (which we described recently in Episode 86). Which means sourcing your product from that region is a good start, but you still can't assume that it's the real deal. 

Chiadma shares a story of how, before she started working at the co-op, even she succumbed to a too-good-to-be-true sale. Suffice to say, the oil didn't last very long. Good, quality Argan products need a high percentage of oil, and Chiadma explains what to look for. 

The Zin Cooperative, like the rug cooperative we featured in Episode 79, provides much needed employment and community for local women, in a positive and supportive environment. Discover not only quality products, but an enterprise that had a meaningful impact on this rural area. 

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

The Magic of Meknes! Morocco's Imperial Secret (YouTube)

Today we feature the imperial city of Meknes, which has a prominent place in Morocco's history and culture, particularly as it relates to the Alaouite Dynasty, who continue to reign as the ruling family of Morocco today.

This episode originally appeared as part of our initial split tour episode: Ep, 71, Oct 15, 2024 - "From Capitals to Afterthoughts and Back Again: The Stories of Meknes & Volubilis (live walking tour)."

BUT - this time we have an extended focus on Meknes, and you can watch the video version as well over on our YouTube channel.

In the mid-17th Century, sultan Moulay Isma'il chose Meknes as his capital. Over the next 50 years, he rebuilt the city on a monumental scale, fitting of a new, imperial city.

The end of Moulay Isma'il's reign however, in 1727, led to a competition for power, and eventually Meknes lost its status of imperial capital, which moved back to Fes. Later, the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755 also hit northern Morocco very hard, causing damage in Meknes that further undermined its status and prestige.

In our episode today, we have a fabulous local guide, Abdellatif, who spoke excellent English and had a deep knowledge of history and detail throughout the old city. Be sure to request him if you have Meknes in your Morocco tour itinerary, fingers crossed he will be available!

Abdellatif tells us about the interconnected nature of the medina, which contains more than 10,000 houses. He tells us the history of the Mellah, and how although the population has dwindled, these days Jewish ancestors come back to retrace ancient footsteps.

We explore the Bab el-Khamis, one of the monumental entrances to the medina, decorated with intricate calligraphy. Abdellatif translates it for us and explains why it's called the "happy gate."

We then visit the mausoleum of Moulay Isma'il, which includes a mosque, prayer space, madrassa and library. We learn about how families with Alaouite ancestry, even if they are not rich and powerful today, are still allowed to bury their dead in the royal cemetery, thanks to this lineage. 

We see how mosaics were created through mathematical calculations, and then Abdellatif points out the supposedly haunted prison, the "prison with no windows or doors," where the Sultan would bargain for the lives (frequently Europeans) in the age of piracy. Fortunately those days are long over!

Abdellatif truly brings Meknes to life with his vibrant and descriptive tour. You'll gain a new appreciation for this fascinating and often bypassed city, which is in fact quite easy to add to a standard Chefchaouen-Fes itinerary. 

Contact Destination Morocco for more details!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:
 
"Create the Tour YOU Want in Morocco"

When you're the type of traveller, particularly to Morocco, who would like to get past the overwhelm and uncertainties of crafting your own trip around the country and take a guided tour instead, it's easy to then get bombarded by the various discount trips, package deals without a lot of detail, rushed itineraries and tightly controlled schedules.

There are better ways to see Morocco, in a safe, comfortable, relaxed and personalized way, without the crowds, or waiting around for all 47 passengers to board the bus. 

Destination Morocco specializes in private and small group tours. We love being able to dart past the big groups waiting in line at the group entrance and instead head straight inside.

We always partner with small, family-run riads, the type that only have an 8 or 12-person capacity, and only default to a hotel when that's the sole option (a rare occasion).

We get you that table at a hidden gem restaurant, the one that only locals know about. Because it's your own local guide who's taking you there. Explore the medina at your own pace, add a museum to a rainy afternoon, or make that extra stop at the argan oil cooperative or an unexpected winery along the way.

Destination Morocco has a new promotions magazine coming out soon, with many beautiful images, background info on Morocco's diverse cities, options for immersive cultural experiences and sample itineraries. Azdean and podcast producer Ted are here today to flip through it, digitally speaking, to inspire you with ideas.

Morocco is getting busier than ever, it's an exciting time! All kinds of big events are coming up, this year and in the coming years, which means more people will be discovering the country, and some of those secret places will become a little less hidden. 

Azdean and Ted talk about a couple of these for instance, such as the stunning mountainside town of Taroudant, on the southern slopes of the High Atlas mountains, between Marrakech and Agadir. You won't find it on any regular tour itineraries, but with Destination Morocco you can add it to yours! Now's your chance to get there before it becomes the next big thing.

Today's episode is full of ideas and inspiration. Follow along on our YouTube channel to catch all the images and visual references, you don't want to miss this one!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:
 
"Why Chefchaouen is a Unique Gem Within Morocco"

Azdean sits down on-location with local guide Hamid to learn about the history of Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of northern Morocco.

This small town roughly 4 hours north of Fes, or 2 hours south of Tangier, has been attracting tourists for decades and, in the age of Instagram, gets more popular every year.

As Hamid and Azdean emphasize, Chefchaouen is not just about the stunning colours, but the beautiful architecture, historic Medina and kasbah, and its natural setting in the Rif mountains. 

Gentle creeks of water wind their way through the town, artisans and craftsmakers line the paths and lane ways, and fresh orange juice vendors squeeze delicious nectar to help you on the climb up to the Spanish mosque, where you get stunning views of the mountains, valleys and the rolling hills of blue. 

Hamid explains the historic founding of Chefchaouen as a refuge for both Muslim and Jewish refugees during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The town is a perfect snapshot of Morocco's welcoming and tolerant nature.

And we finally get a definitive answer as to why the city is blue. Although you may expect that this is something dating back centuries, the reality may surprise you!

Chefchaouen is a calm and quiet jewel of Morocco, with many wonderful features to attract travellers looking for the exotic and colorful, as well as peaceful retreats, fresh mountain air, tremendous hiking and a laid-back spirit and hospitality. 

We previously posted this recording as audio-only, but now have a beautiful video version to share with you. 

We know that it won't take much to convince you to add it to your Morocco itinerary!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch this episode on video, where you'll see some of John's fabulous photos! 

You can find it on our YouTube channel here:

A Morocco Travel Itinerary That's Made for Photographers!

----

Photographer and dedicated world traveller John Hernandez joins Azdean today to share his inspiring travel experience to Morocco, with an emphasis on photography. 

John recently travelled from Tangier, down through Chefchaouen, Fes (visiting Volubilis on the way), then Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains, Essaouira and the Agafay Desert. This two week trip gave him enough time to get to know a few different places throughout the country, while not feeling rushed, something helped in turn by flying from Fes to Marrakech and thus saving the six hour drive.

John delves into rich cultural interactions, including playing with musicians in the desert, captivating street scenes and amazing street food, staying in stunning riads (particularly in Fes), discovering pleasantly surprising local wine, incredible coffee, fresh olives and olive oil, leather goods and crafts, and picturesque landscapes that are a photographer's dream. 

A key concern for any photographer or videographer is of course the safety and security of their gear. John felt very safe throughout Morocco, particularly in Fes, which had a more relaxed vibe, and is less subjected to the buzz of motorbikes everywhere. Marrakech is however well-known for this scourge, and Azdean does include a warning to hold your items a little closer when you're in the souks there, lest they get snapped off your shoulder as a scooter whizzes by!

Ultimately, John emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the local culture to truly appreciate and capture the essence of Morocco through photography. Take the time to chat with locals, wander at your own pace, give yourself free time and flexibility in your itinerary. Hire a local guide with the instructions to really get past the tourist stereotypes and uncover the true story of a place. 

As John says, "The only way this planet's gonna survive if we can get out of our own way and start connecting with folks from different cultures and learning. Because ultimately we all want the same thing. 

Cover photo credit: John Hernandez

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We recommend watching this episode on video, on our YouTube channel. You can find it here:

Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech: An Insider's Tour!

----

If you want to see what it's like visiting the souk, going into a real artisan shop: the sales pitch, the bartering, the valuable information and explanations, the language barriers and yet finding common ground and understanding - this will be an eye-opening episode.

Azdean tours the souk of Marrakech, and visits two artisan craft workshops. Our camera crew was there to document the entire experience.

He starts with the artisan wool shop, in fact a cooperative that provides hand-dyed wool for the women's cooperatives that we've featured on the podcast. You'll see the different types of coloring, in powder form, and watch as the wool master adds a few little drops of water to make it transform into a vibrant indigo blue.

We go from the initial stages of steaming and spin drying to seeing the finished product: pashmina shawls, scarves, pillow cases, carpets, hand bags and more. Azdean tries on a Saharan turban, designed for keeping out sand while you're on your camel crossing the desert.

We then go over to the wood-carver's shop, where we see a complex system of tools and chisels that requires three limbs for operation. That's right: if both of your hands are busy, you need to use your feet too! The carver deftly holds the chisel between his toes as the wood is spun by one hand and the other hand manoeuvres the angle of the chisel. 

The wood shop features all kinds of intricate carvings and contraptions, but for very useful and practical things: tissue boxes, door knockers, jewelry boxes, backgammon and chess boards - items that don't just look nice on a shelf but gathering dust, but that you can actually use and enjoy regularly.

Although, there are also the soccer balls. Decorative wooden balls with inlaid pieces of wood, designed to mimic a real soccer ball. Okay, these ones you won't want to kick around but they are beautiful works of art.

The souk can be a little intimidating and overwhelming. It takes some getting used to. This episode will help get you not just prepared, but excited to see and touch, and dive into the shopping experience.

Check out the beautiful video on our YouTube channel, put together by our videographers in Morocco, Youssef and Fatah.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:
 
"From Texas to Marrakech: American Impressions of Morocco"

----

One evening in Marrakech, at the conclusion of their tour, Azdean sat down with three of Destination Morocco's tour guests from Texas: Eric, Allison and her brother Matt, to chat about their tour experience, and their impressions and reflections upon visiting Morocco.

If you're wondering what it's really like to experience Morocco for the first time, this fascinating conversation gives you a window into their discoveries.

The setting: the beautiful Safran rooftop restaurant, overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque, and around the corner from the Royal Mansour Hotel and the famous Marrakech medina.

The conversation revolves around the deep cultural exposure that the group experienced during their tour, highlighted by the enduring nomadic traditions within the Berber culture. Even in this modern day world, that attachment to the land and lifestyle is never far removed.

The group discuss the importance of personal connections, warm hospitality, and the unique, sensory-rich encounters that transcend what can be captured in photos or videos. 

They emphasize the value of using personalized tours by Destination Morocco, which allowed them to explore the country intimately and safely, leading to a profound appreciation for the country's diversity, history, and daily life. Their itinerary was crafted in collaboration with Azdean and his team, and so it is not a, "Go here, do this," style of tour, but rather one that incorporates the interests, priorities and pace of each individual guest.

Eric, Allison and Matt also touch on their preconceived notions before arriving in Morocco, versus the reality of actually being there, with a focus on the welcoming nature of the people, the unexpected joy found in local traditions like mint tea, and the genuine hospitality and warmth that was found.

Allison: "The feeling I'll take home with me, and it's at the heart of the people of Morocco, is on a day to day basis I will think about how can I receive people and show that heart to the people in my life."

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:
 
"What Travel in Morocco Was Like in 1989"

----

World traveller Cathy Nesbitt joins Azdean on today's episode with a special story of visiting Morocco way back in 1989.

Cathy and her future husband arrived off the boat in Ceuta, thinking they were already in Morocco, but a crash course in geopolitics and navigation quickly got them to the actual border within a few minutes.

From there, they found themselves in Tetouan, with a local guide, being hussled to a carpet emporium. 

Sounds like your classic tourist scam, right? 

Cathy shares with us a twist though in the story, and her memories and feelings about the encounter, from over 35 years later.

Fortunately for her, and for us, they continued on into Morocco to visit many familiar sites that were only just starting to show signs of tourism fame. It was a different time to travel, without technology and easy translation, credit cards and bank machines, or the kind of transport and comforts that we are used to now. 

And yet it was a trip that left many indellible memories, which she shares with us today. Azdean, in turn, talks about how places like Marrakech, Chefchaouen and Casablanca have changed since Cathy visited: in some ways a lot, in others, Morocco remains timeless.

Cathy is a yoga teacher who offers free online yoga sessions every Tuesday morning, you can check her out here:

http://cathysclub.com/

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:
 
How do Moroccans Celebrate Ramadan?

----

Ramadan in 2025 starts on the evening of Friday, February 28th and goes until Saturday, March 29th, followed by the feast of Eid al-Fitr, or the ‘Feast of Fast-Breaking.' 

Despite its perhaps solemn reputation, Ramadan is a joyful time for Muslims around the world, Morocco being no exception. As Azdean, Hiba and Sam explain in today's episode, the food is unique and better, families and community frequently come together, and it is a time for celebration and collective spirit, where sacrifice and diligence go hand in hand with helping others and giving back.

The question though is often raised by non-Muslim travellers, "Can I travel to Morocco during Ramadan? Is it worth it, is it a good idea?"

Our episode today revisits our conversation from a year ago. Although routines and schedules are undeniably different during Ramadan, it is still very much possible to travel to and around Morocco during the holy month, and it is in fact quite a special experience. 

Hiba, Sam and Azdean discuss the spiritual meaning and practices of Ramadan for Moroccan Muslims, which includes fasting, Zakat (charitable giving), communal traditions such as Iftar (breaking of the fast), and increased recitation of the Quran. Because if you are in Morocco during Ramadan, you'll want to understand what the traditions are, why they're important, and what to look for, to give you a better appreciation for what's happening around you. 

Then there is some practical travel advice for tourists, including suggested itineraries, cultural etiquette, and meal planning, which is key. Fundamentally, everything remains open in Morocco during Ramadan, from restaurants to shops to riads. The defining difference is the availability of food. 

It is easier to find western-catering restaurants in the big cities, but since travel around Morocco involves a lot of driving through the rural countryside, restaurants are fewer anyway and during Ramadan they may be closed during the day. You can plan ahead with snacks and packed lunches, and your tour guide, driver and riad hosts will all help you stay prepared.

Traveling to Morocco during Ramadan is a unique and immersive cultural experience. As Azdean points out, you only have the chance one month out of the entire year, so if you have the opportunity, make the most of it and enjoy this special time!

Music credits: 
Min Wahi El-Lami / Ali Sabah / courtesy of www.epidemicsound

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.