....and we were really excited,until what seems like loads of people,have told us various horror stories :(
Has anyone on SF been?Got any tips for us? We'll be staying in Marrakesh.

Hopefully,i'll get some positive stories,although feel free to pass on further tales of woe :rolleyes:
Cheers guys :D

Just remember its a muslim state, so women and children have to walk behind the man, and the women HAVE to do as they are told at all times :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Just remember its a muslim state, so women and children have to walk behind the man, and the women HAVE to do as they are told at all times :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Ho-hum,it just gets better n better :hihi:

Cant help but wonder if this is why Mr.gnomi wanted to go so much? :suspect:

I went to Tangier in 1969 and couldn't say I felt comfortable. Safest I felt was the day trip to Gibraltar and most of that day was spent taking kaolin and looking for loos!

Many years ago I went to Tunisia and apart from the slightly OTT market traders in the souks found the people there very pleasent, friendly and helpfull. There were some strictures, such as covering up and taking your shoes off before going into a mosque, but not anything that caused any real problems.

Many years ago I went to Tunisia and apart from the slightly OTT market traders in the souks found the people there very pleasent, friendly and helpfull. There were some strictures, such as covering up and taking your shoes off before going into a mosque, but not anything that caused any real problems.

See,im happy to cover up,and dont really mind overzealous traders.I was more interested in the local way of life there,the atlas mountains,the desert,the locally produced brightly coloured rugs etc.My parents used to go in jan every year(without the kids!) so we thought we'd do the same.
Problem is,im scared to go now,based on what some people have said.
:help:

You may be fine and have a wonderful time but in Tangier in '69, we were always told to take a taxi from the town to hotel. We went on trips to markets where there were emaciated animals and then those horrible snakes in the Casbah. A single guy in our hotel even had his taxi ambushed one night.
On arrival at the airport, the first words of the courier were to tell us "we were no longer in Europe and not to expect European honesty - it's a way of life in Africa!"
In Tangier town, there were guys offering services of girls, pulling scams which in 1969 were a bit unnerving. I'm afraid it was a case of looking over your shoulder. Your resort may be fine and tourism has moved on. You may have a great time but do be careful and not too trusting. Certainly watch bags and possessions. We were told of someone who was approached for something, he turned his hands over to indicate he didn't have anything and they snatched his watch from his wrist - I kid you not!
Morocco wasn't for me. I've been to many countries and Morocco, if Tangier was representative, would not be one I'd return to, even on a 'freebie'. Just take care.

I knew a guy years go who ended up living there, purlely for the easily obtainable draw he could get.
He had managed to blag himself an RV as big as single decker bus, with all the luxury fittings, and took it out of the country without paying for it.
The finance people could never track him down, as he was always moving on.
He ended up selling it to a film crew, who were filming a James Bond film out there. They were up in the mountains and had no decent accomodation.
He later returned back home, as he was dying of the big C at the young age of 48.
I dont think they ever got any money from him, and he floated off this mortal coil on cloud nine.
One of the last of the true hippies.

Another thing, never ever pay the asking price for anything.
The first price quoted will be at least double the value.
it is apain in the backside, but you have to argue.
You will usually get whatever it is for at least a quarter of the first price.

i went to marrakesh last summer and absolutely loved it. So much culture, very warm and you're meant to cover up but in touristy areas like marrakesh you won't have a problem, we were in the market areas in shorts and t shirts and noone even took a second glance. Make sure you get lots of souvenirs, there are some beautiful things, very nice (v v cheap) jewellery and loads of pretty things. Ooh and beautiful freshly squeezed orange juice for about 2 dirhams (15p?) If you get a taxi make sure you agree the price before the journey otherwise they charge much more - if you arrange it they are very very cheap. But there are loads of tiny kids selling jewellery which is a bit sad. And monkeys! they make you hold their monkeys and then take a picture and charge you! But the monkeys are so adorable!

Got me all excited reminiscing! Hope you have a great time.

Just remember, it doesnt matter where you go (unless you are in a war zone), anywhere is better than England in November. :thumbsup:
I wish I was going.

I went to Tangier three years ago; on the whole it was a very good experience. We nearly had a little incident, but that happens everywhere! I nearly got robbed in Madrid but you wouldn’t think of warning people off going there.

Just have a good time and keep your eyes on the look out (as you would do anywhere unfamiliar). Don’t let your preconceptions ruin what is bound to be an amazing trip.

HeHe, have you any idea how many little boys uncles carpet factories you are likely to visit unless very firm :hihi:

And if you go to one, don't think you can talk your way out of it - they take visa and can ship worldwide :hihi:
(they'll likely give you a free hot mint tea in a glass, served out of a silver teapot on a silver tray - enjoy)

You'll be approached by dodgy geezers muttering 'kif, kif - you want kif?' (marijuana) - you may get weed or it may be dried lawn grass if unlucky :roll:

Watch out for the donkeys transporting bright red crates of Coca Cola.....:thumbsup:

Watch out for your wallet or purse....

And don't miss the entertainment in the square - I saw one guy with hundreds of human teeth scattered on a blanket on the ground - he was the local dentist - a crowd of people stood watching him pull a guys tooth without anaesthetic (I kid you not)

And the snake charmers...

Have fun ;) ;)

....and we were really excited,until what seems like loads of people,have told us various horror stories :(
Has anyone on SF been?Got any tips for us? We'll be staying in Marrakesh.

Hopefully,i'll get some positive stories,although feel free to pass on further tales of woe :rolleyes:
Cheers guys :D

Don't listen to horror stories, none of this walking behind the men business either. We did a tour of Morocco a couple of years ago and it was brilliant. Marrakesh is a fantastic place. The market place at night is such a bright and exciting place full of entertainers and food stalls. Don't miss it. I did wear long skirts and long sleeved cheesecloth tops (these are good to keep cool anyway). I got more respect from local men and women dressed like this rather than the ones dressed in shorts and t shirts (some women tend to spit at you and the men tend to slap your rear). I still recommend you hide your money, but that is no different to anywhere you travel. The tradespeople like to haggle with the woman rather than the man, I think they are used to haggling with their women. They will want to end the deal with a shake of the hand, as they say if you are happy with what you pay and they are happy with what they sell it for, you are both happy people.If you get chance to visit Ait Benhaddou, take it. It's a fantastic place, where they filmed things like Gladiator and Jewel of the Nile. You will enjoy yourself in Morocco. Do not go with an attitude of feeling intimidated or scared and you should be ok. I will definitely go back especially to Marrakesh the sights in Morocco are wonderful. To put your mind at rest I have just got back from San Francisco and I can tell you I was more scared on the streets at night there than in Marrakesh. Our hotel was in a dicey area and it was best to return to it before dark. Have a good holiday, I'm sure you will. :thumbsup:

thanks guys
the positives you have told me are the reason we booked the holiday in the first place-that,and to escape england in november as well!
I really appreciate hearing your experiences,good and bad and feel better about going now :thumbsup:

we went to morocco in jan this year and I'd never go again!

weather was nice but the country was dirty and when I walked round in a knee length skirt I got shocked looks from the local women and men!

we went to the maldives last year - beautiful scenery etc but the people - rude as anything.

Personally I'd never go on holiday to a muslim country again.

Morocco = fantastic! Spent a few weeks, I'm single, red-haired, fair skinned and got not more hassle that you would in downtown Sheffield on a Saturday night. The trick is to be confident, careful and respectful - and remember to have fun - you'll love it. I've been to lots of muslim countries and the hospitality and friendliness of the people I have met has always been great. Just keep your wits about you, there's scammers everywhere in the world and Marrakesh is no different. Ethiopia next...

I'd like to echo some of the comments above. Morrocco is an incredible place. If you have any chance to leave Marrakesh then do because although it's lovely it's like the Blackpool of Morrocco. Tangiers isnt much better either, completely geared up for the Cruise Ships etc. The Atlas Mountains arent too far away and are amazing as are some of the smaller towns around Marrakesh. As previously mentioned a pre-arranged taxi will be quite cheap and even cheaper if you share it with other people too.
As for the 'what to wear' problem - my travelling partner got away with trousers and T-shirts or full length skirts.
Morrocco and the Maldives are uncomparable really. It may be dirtier and less sanitised but this adds to the charm and feel of the country that's so rich in culture. If you want white sands, squeaky clean hotels and Americanised food then maybe Morrocco isnt the right place to go.
Alex

Gnomi
As I said before Morocco is fantastic. Travel is all about seeing how other nationalities live. Must say in defence of Maldives - this is the most beautiful place I have been to. The people were friendly, the food was the best I have ever tasted, the islands the most wonderful, the sea the clearest, the weather the best. If you just want to relax and do nothing at all this is the place to be. Morocco is totally different, so vibrant and lively. You are best listening to what everyone says and make your own judgement. I would not be put off visiting Muslim countries.

Gnomi
As I said before Morocco is fantastic. Travel is all about seeing how other nationalities live. Must say in defence of Maldives - this is the most beautiful place I have been to. The people were friendly, the food was the best I have ever tasted, the islands the most wonderful, the sea the clearest, the weather the best. If you just want to relax and do nothing at all this is the place to be. Morocco is totally different, so vibrant and lively. You are best listening to what everyone says and make your own judgement. I would not be put off visiting Muslim countries.

Thanks,i wont!(be put off that is)
Im not into the type of all inclusive,sit round the pool and dont venture into the local neighbourhood,holidays,which is why we booked morocco.I dont feel the need to flash the flesh,and have a respectful attitude generally,so i think we'll be ok! :)
I dont need vaccinations,do i?A friend of my partners reckons we do?
Anyone know? :thumbsup:

I dont need vaccinations,do i?A friend of my partners reckons we do?
Anyone know? :thumbsup:

Here you go
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/africa/morocco.shtml

I have been to Morocco 2 years ago on a walking holiday in the Atlas mountains and I had a lovely time. The idea is wherever you travel to if u stick to the touristy places, u wouldnt enjoy it. You do need to explore off beaten track and get out of the souks to make it a holiday holiday. Im going with my gfriend this september to Mgoun Massif trek 9 days. this is organised by a trustworthy local guide based in sheffield . www.realmorocco.org.uk. looking forward it. anybody interested can join us as not many places left.

Ethiopia next...

Have fun :thumbsup: (:loopy:)

Just remember its a muslim state, so women and children have to walk behind the man, and the women HAVE to do as they are told at all times :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

It's very free and easy for a muslim country. You can buy booze and hashish anywhere and even the phrase 'Morroccan Girls' is laden with innuendo and meaning in North Africa.

If you know what I mean.

you'll be fine - just remember - whatever you do, do NOT leave your room.