Destination Morocco Podcast

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

You can find the video version here on our YouTube channel, with lots of visuals that go with the conversation.

In this month's session, Azdean and Sam answered your questions about Morocco's fabulous food and cuisine. You've likely heard at least a bit about tagines, pastillas, mint tea and of course, couscous. But this episode will really fill in the blanks and help you place your order.

How do you order tagine when you're at a restaurant? What kinds of varieties of tagine are there? What is pastilla made from? What's the difference between tagine and tangia? What are some regional variations to the same dish? What kind of cultural practices and norms should you be aware of, whether it's when certain dishes are eaten, or how they're eaten? Is rice used in Morocco? What is the name of the bread you see everywhere in Morocco?

Then we get into ordering, including are menus in Morocco written in English, do you need to order in advance, is potable water included at Moroccan restaurants, and what are some of the prices of well-known Moroccan meals.

You may be wondering if in Morocco people generally eat late, as we often see in Europe: Azdean and Sam talk about local customs, as well as whether you can order alcohol at a restaurant, and even where you can purchase alcohol in Morocco to bring back to your riad.

And we certainly get a lot of questions about dietary considerations, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan, allergies and food contamination concerns.

There's lots to fill up your plate in this episode, particularly for when you go to Morocco, but if you're lucky and have a Moroccan restaurant in your home town, you'll now be able to order with the confidence of an experienced connoisseur!

And don't forget to take a moment to listen to our most recent podcast episode, "How a Blind Tour Guide Shows Tourists the Best of Casablanca," a fascinating conversation with guide Khalil Nejjary, live from Hassan II Mosque this past summer. Khalil's knowledge of the mosque and Casablanca will give you a new appreciation for Morocco's biggest city:

https://destinationsmorocco.com/podcast

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Over the course of many episodes of the podcast, we’ve often mentioned a certain guide based in Casablanca. He has had a lasting and indelible impact on those who have had the pleasure of meeting him. Our guests on the podcast, from Chantal to Pablo and even Ted have remarked on his knowledge, warmth and spirit.

Khalil Nejjary is his name, and when Azdean visited Casablanca and the incredible Hassan II Mosque this past summer, he finally had the chance to invite him on the podcast, in person.

If you remember his story, you'll know that not only is Khalil a fabulous guide with an encyclopedic memory, but he is also in fact blind. Today he'll tell us the story of how this happened and how he has been able to continue his career. Khalil's ability to describe in detail, from memory, the features of the mosque is just remarkable.

We met Khalil at the entrance hall to the mosque complex, where visitors can get tickets for the guided tours and visit the small museum with photos of the mosque's construction. Khalil and other guides meet their guests here, then escort them across the massive courtyard, or esplanade, to the mosque's entrance. It was during this walk that we were able to record our conversation, and Khalil talks about the mosque's architecture, the materials used and why they were chosen, and the long path from King Hassan II's initial dream of building a great mosque to its eventual completion. 

Khalil also tells us about the history of Casablanca and its influence on the world, and outlines a typical tour of the city, which would take in many of the famous and important sights. 

We've touched on Casablanca a bit throughout the podcast, but if you remember back to the episode on April 15 that was an overview of Casablanca and Rabat, one of the themes was how Morocco's biggest city is often bypassed, aside from the mosque of course!, so that travellers have more time in other locations.  

So in today's episode Khalil really gives Casablanca its due, and you'll come away with a better understanding  and appreciation for the city. 

It was truly a joy meeting up with Khalil in person, at last, and we're so happy to be able to share his insight with you. In fact, Khalil had just returned from the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, so was quite busy at the time with family and people visiting. But he took the time to meet with us, for which we were very appreciative. 

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Today's episode of Destination Morocco ponders the question of "What makes Morocco appealing?" What attracts people to Morocco, and what are their perceptions of the country before going there?

Naturally there are always stereotypes and assumptions that build up over time, and as Azdean points out in this episode, Europeans are inevitably more familiar with Morocco than North Americans due to their proximity, and the ease of getting there, perhaps even for a quick long weekend.

But for many travellers, Morocco is a bucket list destination that they may only reach once in their lifetime. Their view of the country is likely formed by movies, media and events, from the positive: soccer success and hit movies, to the negative: a powerful earthquake and rumors of scams and rip-offs. 

Our podcast is here to tell you about the real Morocco and break down those stereotypes, and indeed many listeners have taken that information and made clear, confident requests for particular sights and activities that they want added to their itinerary when they book a tour.

We get in a bubble though sometimes, and this episode is a chance to take a step back and try to understand perceptions of Morocco, where does myth meet reality, and who are the travellers to Morocco. From newlywed couples to empty nesters, adventure seekers and cultural pilgrims, there's a good chance you'll see yourself identified in this episode.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Continuing our recent theme of shopping, tipping and travelling safely in Morocco, today's episode features the Akhnif Glaoui Carpet Co-Operative, located just south of Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, about 150 miles south of Marrakech.

Azdean visited this wonderful, genuine boutique back in June of this year, during the summer trip to Morocco, while on the Southern Morocco tour. It was here where he met Sarah, host and guide of the facility, who gave Azdean and family a tour and showed them the incredible weaving and rugmaking that is done there, all by women.

This Women's Co-op is groundbreaking, and crucially important not just to the local economy, but to women's recognition and self-sufficiency. Instead of relying on others, typically men, to sell their detailed and complex creations, products of hours of hard work and labour (which are then often resold at even higher prices, for which the women don't see an extra dime) - at the co-op, each weaver has a say in the price and value of their rug, and when it's sold they get a very generous and appropriate percentage.

Imran and Azdean sat down with Sarah to learn about her story and what brought her back to Aït Benhaddou, now working to showcase the co-op and its efforts, as well as teaching the women some English!

Sarah explains the shopping experience there, which puts an emphasis on removing the stress and pressure to buy that you typically find elsewhere. At Akhnif Glaoui, you are free to browse, learn about rugs and carpets, and perhaps even order one later from back home, once you've made the correct measurements in your house.

It's a breath of fresh air when it comes to shopping in Morocco, which you'll appreciate after our last episode on Tipping in Morocco, and our November Live Q&A, which talked about safety and security, especially while shopping. It is refreshing to find a place that allows you to really appreciate the craft and work that goes into these unique, individual creations.

The Akhnif Glaoui has a bright future and we are pleased to support them and send our guests their way.

Speaking of which, we are offering 30% off any of our Destination Morocco tours when reserved by Cyber Monday, November 27. Your travel date can be any time in the next year, or even later!

Simply visit our website, destinationsmorocco.com, and mention the code "30% podcast" in the comments section when you request either one of our standard 8 or 9 day tours, or your own custom-built tour. 

We'll have many more special offers and exciting options coming up in the new year, including more themed tours, private itineraries and small group tours. So stay tuned to the podcast and our social media accounts!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

You can find the video version here.

We get a lot of questions about safety and security in Morocco, once you are there and making your way through the souks, squares and even the restaurants.

Your Destination Morocco tour director is always there for guidance and advice, as well as your local guide, for when you're first exploring a new city.

But we always want to encourage people to then explore on their own, follow your nose and see what else you can discover. If that's something you're interested in doing!

Imagine, you're in Marrakech, Fès, wandering the souks and shops, the markets and squares, and have lots of people pulling you in many different directions.

There will be people beckoning you into their shop, there will be "guides" offering to take you here or there (even if you've already been), with no guarantee that they are trustworthy.

It's an exciting, adrenaline-filled environment, and it can be a little overwhelming. Especially if you are on your own, how do you keep your wits about you, and enjoy the experience?

These things are a part of travel, and common to any country in the world. Knowing what to expect though is crucial to having an enjoyable experience.

Shopping and browsing is perfectly safe in Morocco, but to help you navigate Morocco and be prepared, we answered your questions on safety, local customs and what to do in certain situations.

And take a moment to listen to our most recent episode on "Navigating Tipping and Shopping in Morocco," which covers many similar issues:

https://destinationsmorocco.com/latest-episode

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

The culture of tipping in Morocco is something we get a lot of questions about, and indeed many people aren't sure if they should tip at all, or when, and how much. It can quickly get overwhelming and a little awkward, if you don't know what to expect.

Azdean is here today to set out a comprehensive guide to tipping when you're travelling in Morocco. The short answer is yes, tipping applies in many cases across the country, in many different situations. The culture has evolved to something similar to the United States and other countries. You can expect to tip in a lot of familiar circumstances, but the question still remains, how much? And where do you get the small bills and change that you'll need?

Tipping might not be mandatory in Morocco, but it's a key part of the culture deeply appreciated by locals. From cab rides to restaurant meals, the tipping norms vary, and Azdean will  help you navigate them like a pro. This episode is a mix of listener questions and Azdean's own experience as a traveller in Morocco himself.

We'll equip you with the know-how to identify different Dirham notes and why the humble 20 dirham note is your ultimate travel buddy. Plus be prepared for moments where you aren't used to tipping, and try not to be caught out.

As we journey deeper into the episode, we switch gears to tackle Moroccan shopping realities.  There are shopping pitfalls where unsuspecting tourists can be exploited. Destination Morocco is there to help you out, but awareness and precaution are crucially important. Azdean explains what can happen and how the company tries to circumvent it.

Tipping is one of those things that can be an afterthought in your tour preparations, but when you're there, in the moment, you'll appreciate having learned how to navigate as a confident traveller. 

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You've heard his baritone podcast voice for the past year and a half, and picked up bits and pieces of his story. But as we approach our 50th episode of Destination Morocco podcast, have you wondered, "How did Azdean come to live in Houston, and how did Destination Morocco get its beginnings?”

Azdean did in fact grow up in Marrakech, never imagining that he would wind up in the United States, raise a family, start businesses and build connections around the world. It's an inspiring story of perseverance, opportunity and getting much help and support along the way, a big reason why Azdean is happy to pay it forward now that he's in position to do so.

Until he was in his early 20's, Azdean barely spoke more than basic English, and yet to immigrate to the US he needed to pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam.  He had just a few months to go from beginner to functional level and get a passing grade, and the steps he took were astounding, from music to movies to cramming at times 15 hours of study per day.

Once established in Houston, he developed a passion and understanding for hospitality, American-style, and ultimately applying that mindset to tourism. Starting Destination Morocco wasn't so much a lifelong dream, but rather one that materialized once their son Imran was born, a desire to include Morocco in his life and to foster an understanding of it. This then morphed into providing that opportunity for others, but with the wealth of knowledge from being a native-born Moroccan.

Stemming from the family-run business beginnings, the company has maintained its focus on private tours and small group travel, so that guests can have as much flexibility and control as possible, just as if they were visiting on their own. 

Azdean talks about how helping people avoid scams and know who to trust has been a big part of the motivation for organizing tours, and he shares some unpleasant examples, including the time that a waitress at a restaurant in Fès mentioned, unprompted, that the tagine Azdean's clients had just purchased was a fake. 

Of course, they were surprised and put off by this, and weren't sure what to believe.  Fortunately he knew what to tell them so that they could identify for themselves if it was true. 

Morocco is a bucket-list destination, the type of place you may only visit once (or twice!), and you should always put your faith and funds in people you can trust. We're here on the podcast to build that trust, to have fun talking about Morocco and make sure you get the most out of your trip. From Azdean to Sam and the entire team, we help you navigate Morocco's distinctiveness and complexities, coming from Azdean's own perspective as a Moroccan and a traveller himself.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Take yourself on a tour and gain new understanding for the beautiful country of Morocco on the Destination Morocco Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more. 

Our goal is to introduce you to the real Morocco, showing you how to prepare, what to see, what to expect and how to make the most of your time.

Join host Azdean Elmoustaquim as we meet locals and guides, learn about costs and prices, safety, the kinds of scams to look out for in the bazaars, what languages to expect, types of accommodation and so much more.

Destination Morocco Travel Agency offers private and small group tours, creating custom-designed itineraries that cater to your interests and priorities, taking you on a wonderful adventure with memories that will last a lifetime.

With great stories, anecdotes and conversations, Destination Morocco podcast will leave you ready to discover this amazing land, its distinct culture and vibrant history.

Visit www.destinationsmorocco.com to learn more, and for special discounts on upcoming tours.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

One year ago exactly, Pablo Juarez and his partner Harmony were touring Morocco with Destination Morocco, experiencing incredible variety from Fès, Merzouga Desert, over the Atlas Mountains, through Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou, and ending up in Marrakech. 

After they got back home to Ottawa, Canada, we had Pablo on the podcast to talk about their trip, the amazing sights, and some surprising and unexpected discoveries along the way. 

It was such a great episode that we felt we should do it justice by sharing it with you again. This is a great episode not just for those dreaming of going to Morocco, but for those who have been. It will rekindle fond memories and nostalgia, and will probably get you thinking about your next trip!

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It was the first trip to Morocco for Pablo and his partner Harmony, and it was full of pleasant surprises. From the food, the generosity, the riads, the landscape and most of all, the people, Morocco was at once modern and wonderfully traditional.

Even experienced travellers turn to tour companies from time to time, to help them get the best out of their vacation, and have access to places and experiences they otherwise would have never known about. The great thing is you can combine a guided tour with some of your own independent sightseeing, it doesn't have to be all one or the other. 

Having some prior knowledge of Morocco, thanks to the podcast, helped complement the guided tour once they were actually there. The show provided a solid foundation for what to expect and how to prepare.

Pablo describes their riads in great detail: hot tubs, pools, rooftop patios, and lounges where you can meet the other guests, who rarely number more than 7 or 8 in total. "It feels like you're visiting with a family member or friend. We ate so much amazing food in Morocco," he says.

Thank you to Pablo for sharing his journey with us, and encouraging more people to discover this amazing land.

Experiences you're about to share:

• Visiting the Hassan II Mosque: what it's like inside, the way the light comes into the spaces.
• A touching story from Aït Benhaddou, and an experience that you don't find in other large group tours.
• The fascinating experience of learning about hand-woven rugs at the Ouaouzguite Rugs Cooperative, getting to try it himself and how long the entire process can take.
• What might be an "Omelette with drippy meat" ?!
• Devouring stone-baked bread, off the beaten path.
• Discovering hidden underwater aquifers, in caves that have existed for centuries.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Pablo Juarez on Instagram

Ep. 7 Xavier, Essaouira

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

You can find the video version here.

In today's conversation with Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, we'll focus on what's included in a typical Destination Morocco tour, how we go about building itineraries, and how we build from your preferences and priorities to shape a tour that works for you, and is specific to you.

This is a big part of what makes Destination Morocco an ideal travel partner: we don't force you to follow the tourist path, or insist on "must-see" sights that don't interest you. We'll give you advice, certainly, when you want ideas and recommendations. But you can always bring your list of sights and attractions, and we then use our connections and experience to craft a smooth, sensible itinerary that goes at your pace.

Ready to discover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of Morocco? We've got you covered.

If you're curious about when to book a tour, how long they last, how much flexibility you have while on a tour, what are any additional costs, how much driving is there, what do we eat and where: Azdean will have you covered. 

Are the tours private, or with large groups? Do we offer day tours, and can you book a day trip or overnight if you are already in Morocco? How is the travel market in Morocco changing, especially post-covid?

These questions and more will help you learn about our offers and make an informed decision on finding the best tour for you.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.