Travel Writing about Morocco - #20

The upsurge in interest in Morocco among Americans is continuing. Despite the weak US dollar, the number of visitors is up and the hits on The View from Fez coming from the United States is growing daily. Also on the increase is the number of stories in the US media and the quality of the writing, while not outstanding, is at least conveying useful information.

Jude Townend, writing in the Orange County Register, has this to say...

Morocco is probably best-known to American travelers for cities like Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech. But this country in the northwest corner of Africa is actually a place of dramatic variety. On a two-week or even one-week visit, it's feasible to fit in a trip to a major city or two, in addition to exploring rural areas.

You might explore undulating desert dunes, the magnificent Atlas Mountains, or a tranquil beach like those found near Agadir. Or visit the Volubilis Roman ruins near Meknes, the dinosaur footprints near Azilal, or eerily quiet Berber villages around Imlil, at the base of Mount Toubkal.

The ancient city of Fez is known for its architecture, alluring medina (the old part of the city) and Karaouine Mosque and University, dating from 859. In Marrakech, by day you can explore the Saadian tombs and the luscious Marjorelle Garden, and by night the famous Djemaa El Fna square, with its food stalls, entertainers and peddlers.

In Casablanca, the modern, giant Hassan II mosque looks like it's melting into the sea at sunset. And for fans of the famous 1942 Humphrey Bogart movie, head to Rick's Cafe, opened by American Kathy Kriger in 2004, a marvelous evocation of the film.

Despite State Department travel cautions on potential terrorism, the number of American visitors to Morocco is slowly increasing. In 2007, 131,000 Americans visited, up 13 percent from 2006. The country is a popular destination with European travelers.

"Americans like Morocco – they get a taste of the Arabic world, without having to go to the Middle East," said Yassine Naciri, a hotel worker in Marrakech,


Read Jude's article here: Medieval to Modern in Morocco.


Photo credits: Sandy McCutcheon

Travelers to Morocco must possess a passport valid for six months from the date of entry into the country. Visas are not required for American tourists traveling in Morocco for less than 90 days.

For longer stays, Americans are required to obtain a residence permit and a special visa. For additional information, travellers should contact the Embassy of Morocco, 1601 21st St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009. or phone (202) 462-7979

Check out our earlier travel writing stories:

Travel Writing Nineteen
Travel Writing Eighteen
Travel Writing Seventeen
Travel writing Sixteen.
Travel Writing Fifteen.
Travel Writing Fourteen.
Travel Writing Thirteen.
Travel Writing Twelve.
Travel Writing Eleven.
Travel Writing Ten.
Travel Writing Nine
Travel writing eight
Travel writing Seven
Travel Writing Six
Travel Writing Five
Travel Writing Four
Travel Writing Three
Travel Writing Two
Travel Writing One

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news