Most travellers heading for Morocco always get a completely different picture of the places from their former perception of the place. The almost medieval-like activity and commotion of Morocco appears for most holidaymakers a completely different world from their own cities and towns. It all begins from the culture and people who often times seem so different from what they had in their minds. These tourists often find themselves in situations beyond their reactions.
To avoid all these misconceptions about Morocco, we present you the following brief explanation of Moroccan art and culture; and this is designed in order to help you acquire the your best experience from the time you spend in this wonderful country.
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Moroccan Culture
The Moroccan culture is such an exciting and wonderful experience that any one interested in adventure should try out. Generally speaking, the citizens are that friendly that they make the place absolutely colourful. They have made hospitality to part and parcel of their culture. Actually, you can beat up friendships virtually everywhere but that depends on your attitude; in other words you need to have the right attitude. If your attitude is really good, you will experience further association with these full of life and appealing people and thus a real taste of the whole Moroccan life.
The Souks form a way of life in Morocco and trust me; you definitely won’t have to go far away to come across one. You can be assured of getting good bargains here. Remember that most of the natives have got a lot more experience than you a mere visitor, therefore when it comes to negotiating the price you will often find them capable of getting better than the price on offer.
If you are a kind of person who makes friends easily, you may find yourself getting on with the locals very soon. However if this happens and you are invited to a meal, remember some of the local customs and make all endeavours to observe them. For example, you will be forced to always take off your shoes while entering in a house. All you need to do is to follow your host’s example as you observe whatever actions he / she does. Also remember always that it’s a nice idea to take along with you a gift of some sort.
If you happen to be in a home that is within the city, you may probably carry along some pastries or even some sugar with you. For those in the country side you may think of buying a live chicken to give to the household which may not be quite all that well off. In case you happen to get a home invitation then this will perhaps be the most real means to taste the true meaning of a Moroccan dish. This is when you will actually discover that most of Moroccan dishes are eaten with bare hands. Also you must always use your right hand because to them the left hand is used for toilet duties.
Please note that any plans to enter mosque may always meet up failure as these are taken to be very sacred places accessible to only Muslims. Despite the fact that this is allowed in other parts of the world, the closest you are most likely to get to the interior of a mosque in Morocco is only if you decide to visit some of the ruins and the neglected mosques like those at Tin Mal as well as Smara. In Morocco, you will notice that most other monuments are on view to the public but for a price. You can also be able to observe some of the festivities like the famous Imichal wedding fair.
It is always good and wise to seek permission of the natives before taking photographs of the locals. Taking a photograph of someone without their consent can most times result in an offence mainly in the countryside areas. They may end up demanding some money from you even if your intention was only to take a scenic shot of something small. Alternatively you may first establish friendship with them because then, taking photographs of someone you have become friendly with is usually very welcome.
Many times you’ll find that people that you are familiar with will take you to a place where they can even get a photograph taken together with you just for themselves. Mind the way you react towards this because if you become unfriendly in one way or another you may end up paying for the picture or even getting any further harassment from the locals.
You will always find men taking to the streets while the women remain in charge of their homes, as is the tradition. You will rarely get a woman in cafés or restaurants. For those women who strike up friendships, they will most likely be invited to the person’s home for further association. As for men, they will always be invited to a café for some tea or a meal. Well, such is the tradition in Moroco and so get into it.