Memories of Morocco

There are only a few months left of my around the world trip and I find myself reminiscing on some of my most memorable experiences. Here are a few memories from Morocco.

I’m famous in Morocco: Outside of Morocco, I’m that random brown American doing her backpacking thing. However in Morocco, BABAM! Queen of slay is in the house! If there’s one thing I learned about Morocco is that they love Bollywood and as in Indian American, people couldn’t seem to get enough of me. One time, while waiting in line for the ATM, a young local girl ran up to me and shook my hand. Her face was in awe. “You are Indian?” She asked. “Yes, I am of Indian descent”. “Oh wow! I love Indians and love Bollywood. I just had to shake your hand! Thank you!” And just like that, she ran back out into the crowded streets. Another time, I was at a café, enjoying a shawarma sandwich. I caught the restaurant owner staring at me, after a few minutes he walked up to me and asked me if I was Indian. I said Yes. His face was what my face would look like if Beyoncé had walked into me. Smiling from ear to ear, he told me about his favorite Bollywood movies and actors. Afterwards, he told me the food was on the house and to please visit again soon.

The Marrakech Night Market: The air smells like cumin, mint and smoke. Loud music and voices fill the square. There are snake charmers, henna stands and little children running around selling small packets of tissues. I’m already being hounded by five men to come to their food stall. I beeline to the first one I see. Vegetables and meats are displayed around the open cooking area. I’m starving, and everything looks good! I call down the waiter, “I want everything on the menu and everything on the display.”, “Sorry, miss, what?”, “Everything, give me everything you have on the menu”, “Everything?!”, “Yes, everything”. He stares at me, shrugs and walks away. The food took up two whole tables. Tagines, kebabs, vegetables, fish, breads and sauces. The spread is amazing, the other guests are staring at me and I start munching away. A little girl, about 12 years old, comes up to me with a packet of tissues to sell. I shake my head, I take her hand and gesture her to sit and eat. She hesitates, looks at me, looks at the food and joins me. I put down my spoon and start eating with my hands. She relaxes and dives right in with me. Soon after, an elderly woman comes over and scolds the girl. I take her hand as well and ask her to sit. The girl, the women and I ate almost everything that night. I pack the leftovers for the little girl. Afterwords, she and the old women gave me a big hug, a kiss on each cheek and disappeared into night market.