American family - travel to Marrakech?

My wife and I have two children - a son (age 18) and daughter (age
16). In the past, we have traveled to China, Hong Kong, England,
France, Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic. We LOVE to travel!

We've been considering another trip in June - we only have eight days
- we're looking at a few days in Madrid (we can get direct flights
there from Chicago, where we live), and a few days in Morocco
(probably Marrakech).

I know that Morocco is a more moderate Islamic state, but would
Marrakech be an appropriate destination for an American family,
especially with a teenage daughter? She's quite pretty, and to be
honest was bothered constantly in and around Beijing by men who were
always staring and calling things out (which we didn't understand).
We never felt unsafe, but it was somewhat unnerving.

In any case, I've read that Western women should dress conservatively
when traveling to Morocco, but in mid-June it could easily be 90
degrees F or more, so wearing lots of clothes (by Western standards)
could be a bother. I want to travel somewhere where we can relax,
have fun, meet interesting people, eat interesting food, and explore
cultures other than our own.

I hope no one is insulted by my general question here, but I don't
know anyone who has ever traveled to Morocco, so I am looking for
advice.

Thank you in advance for any insight.

Michael W.
Chicago, USA

On Mar 30, 7:57 pm, "keybdwizrd" wrote:
My wife and I have two children - a son (age 18) and daughter (age
16). In the past, we have traveled to China, Hong Kong, England,
France, Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic. We LOVE to travel!

We've been considering another trip in June - we only have eight days
- we're looking at a few days in Madrid (we can get direct flights
there from Chicago, where we live), and a few days in Morocco
(probably Marrakech).


You might want to stick to either Spain or Morocco in that short time
and not try to do both.

BTW, I wouldn't recommend Madrid unless you are very interested in
art. Madrid has three world-class art museums, but Barcelona and
Seville are otherwise far more interesting.

I know that Morocco is a more moderate Islamic state, but would
Marrakech be an appropriate destination for an American family,
especially with a teenage daughter? She's quite pretty, and to be
honest was bothered constantly in and around Beijing by men who were
always staring and calling things out (which we didn't understand).
We never felt unsafe, but it was somewhat unnerving.


There is a lot of hassle in general in Morocco by shopkeepers, by
their agents who walk the streets trying to get customers, and by
people who want to be your guide (and if you allow them to, they will
demand money). If she is dressed modestly it shouldn't be a problem.

In any case, I've read that Western women should dress conservatively
when traveling to Morocco, but in mid-June it could easily be 90
degrees F or more, so wearing lots of clothes (by Western standards)
could be a bother. I want to travel somewhere where we can relax,
have fun, meet interesting people, eat interesting food, and explore
cultures other than our own.


Morocco is fascinating, and has friendly people (the ones who aren't
trying to rip you off) and great food, and allows a visitor to
experience Arab and Islamic culture, but it is NOT relaxing. In the
souks of Marrakech and other Moroccan cities, there is constant action
all around you of an active traditional market district - craftsmen
working, hectic salesmen and buyers, and street performers.

You might like Turkey, which is also very interesting culturally, but
is more laid back than Morocco (far fewer people trying to rip you
off), and is full of historic sights. In Turkey, unlike Morocco, non-
Muslims can enter the major mosques.

On Apr 1, 11:54 pm, wrote:
On Mar 30, 7:57 pm, "keybdwizrd" wrote:

My wife and I have two children - a son (age 18) and daughter (age
16). In the past, we have traveled to China, Hong Kong, England,
France, Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic. We LOVE to travel!

We've been considering another trip in June - we only have eight days
- we're looking at a few days in Madrid (we can get direct flights
there from Chicago, where we live), and a few days in Morocco
(probably Marrakech).

You might want to stick to either Spain or Morocco in that short time
and not try to do both.

BTW, I wouldn't recommend Madrid unless you are very interested in
art. Madrid has three world-class art museums, but Barcelona and
Seville are otherwise far more interesting.

I know that Morocco is a more moderate Islamic state, but would
Marrakech be an appropriate destination for anAmericanfamily,
especially with a teenage daughter? She's quite pretty, and to be
honest was bothered constantly in and around Beijing by men who were
always staring and calling things out (which we didn't understand).
We never felt unsafe, but it was somewhat unnerving.

There is a lot of hassle in general in Morocco by shopkeepers, by
their agents who walk the streets trying to get customers, and by
people who want to be your guide (and if you allow them to, they will
demand money). If she is dressed modestly it shouldn't be a problem.

In any case, I've read that Western women should dress conservatively
when traveling to Morocco, but in mid-June it could easily be 90
degrees F or more, so wearing lots of clothes (by Western standards)
could be a bother. I want to travel somewhere where we can relax,
have fun, meet interesting people, eat interesting food, and explore
cultures other than our own.

Morocco is fascinating, and has friendly people (the ones who aren't
trying to rip you off) and great food, and allows a visitor to
experience Arab and Islamic culture, but it is NOT relaxing. In the
souks of Marrakech and other Moroccan cities, there is constant action
all around you of an active traditional market district - craftsmen
working, hectic salesmen and buyers, and street performers.

You might like Turkey, which is also very interesting culturally, but
is more laid back than Morocco (far fewer people trying to rip you
off), and is full of historic sights. In Turkey, unlike Morocco, non-
Muslims can enter the major mosques.

It,s good to trvel for the mind relaxation it offers, morocco is
better for a diverse culture and an adventure in the hot weather
You have also not experienced an african tour. East Africa is also
best for the cultural tours and other interesting tours i would advice
you visit www.noranairi.com and contact them for an East Africa tour
details.

In message . com
"Nora" wrote:


It,s good to trvel for the mind relaxation it offers, morocco is
better for a diverse culture and an adventure in the hot weather
You have also not experienced an african tour. East Africa is also
best for the cultural tours and other interesting tours i would advice
you visit [my company] and contact them for an East Africa tour
details.

Nora:
The charter of this group does not allow advertising, and it is
generally not welcome here.

Slainte
Liz


--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/g...emberID=165111

In message .com
"keybdwizrd" wrote:

In any case, I've read that Western women should dress conservatively
when traveling to Morocco, but in mid-June it could easily be 90
degrees F or more, so wearing lots of clothes (by Western standards)
could be a bother. I want to travel somewhere where we can relax,
have fun, meet interesting people, eat interesting food, and explore
cultures other than our own.

I'm not offering advice on Spain or Morocco, other than to agree that
it would be better to choose one or the other since you have a short
time and long flights.

Women can wear loose, long clothes of a light weight but not too open
a weave (e.g. 'Swiss cotton'). These are cool - creating their own
draught - and modest. Either a long skirt/dress or loose trousers work
fine, or even a dress over trousers. This is much more comfortable in
the heat than jeans/chinos or shorts.

Slainte

Liz

--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
Photo Gallery:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/g...emberID=165111

"keybdwizrd" ha scritto nel messaggio
oups.com...
I know that Morocco is a more moderate Islamic state, but would
Marrakech be an appropriate destination for an American family,
especially with a teenage daughter? She's quite pretty, and to be
honest was bothered constantly in and around Beijing by men who were
always staring and calling things out (which we didn't understand).

Michael, it's usually not a question of being pretty...it's a question of
respect for other people's culture. How was your daughter dressed when
travelling around Beijing? Morocco is absolutely wonderful, I really loved
it (was there twice) but when travelling there, just like in Egypt, Tunisia,
Zanzibar, eastern Turkey, Iran, Libya, Syria.... well, I love Africa and
Middle Eastern Countries.... you must respect their traditons and culture. I
live in Milan and find quite annoying to see just outside my office (I work
in the historical center, near the Duomo) all these American tourists
dressed like at the beach, with shorts and tank tops. Remember that women
who get a lot of cat calls are not usually being admired....
But do go to Morocco, it's fabulous!