Morocco

Jemaa El-Fnaa Square in Marrakesh takes on two contrasting, yet equally captivating personas. During the day, you’ll find endless orange juice and date vendors vying for your business, along with snake charmers and monkey handlers hoping for photo opportunities with tourists. Hopefully, by the time you make it to the square you have experienced enough of Morocco to know better than to expect anything for free because there are definitely no complimentary services in this square! By night, the square becomes crowded with food stalls offering a good range of Moroccan cuisines. Once you’ve had your fill of harira and grilled sausages, grab a ginseng tea with cinnamon and ginger and explore the mind-boggling array of entertainment. From public storytelling, magicians, political speeches and musical performances there’s plenty on offer. Do not miss the opportunity to watch the square come to life as night falls. Secure a spot in one of the rooftop cafes surrounding the square and watch as the transformation happens before your eyes.

Moroccans are Muslims, so they do not drink alcohol - and alcohol is generally hard to come by. Instead, you are offered everywhere their special mint tea. You can find it at restaurants, if you buy something in the souk, with the Berber people in the mountains and on the market where mint tea dominates. The tea consists of green tea supplemented with a big bunch of fresh mint and sometimes sage. There is a special ritual surrounding the drinking and the way the locals make the tea, and it suddenly becomes quite solemn to drink tea. The Moroccans, however, are very fond of sugar, so be sure to ask for sugar free, if you do not share their sweet tooth.

Only an hour's drive outside Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains are located. The mountain range extends over 2500 km of North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria) and is over 4000 m at its highest point. There is ample opportunity for a day trek, but there may be very uneven terrain, so it is a good idea to bring real hiking boots. There are lots of little tacky souvenir stalls and "coffee shops" at the beginning of the trek, but when you get past them, there are several beautiful waterfalls in the mountains and a beautiful view of both small Berber villages and snowy peaks.