Trip to Africa: Rethinking the Way We Travel
A recent trip to Africa made me rethink the way we travel.
See how experiencing the Moroccan traditions of hospitality, family, generosity, and storytelling create true connections.
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher
Thank you Morocco, thank you Marrakech. I am not the same having seen the moon shine in your beautiful land.
Trip to Africa: Where it all began, Morocco
To start a journey of one’s own is not to find yourself along the way- it is to step into who you truly are and have always been.
I want to tell you a story- a story that began with solely me and expanded into the world. When I began Mariposa Skies, I had no idea what I was doing or what my vision was to be for this business. With each country I traveled to the path unfolded before me. With each artisan I met, it became clear- the ability to connect worlds together is who I am and have always been.
And now it’s time to connect you to a culture and a people. Some things you may have seen before, while others will be glimpses into a world not many get to experience while traveling this beautiful region.
So I welcome you to Marrakech, Morocco!
Moroccan Traditions of Hospitality
Hospitality has a new meaning for me- one that contains generosity in its very definition. When I think of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco - I only think of the beautiful experience I had there. An experience I will never forget and not many get to have while traveling in Morocco.
From the moment we stepped out of the car we were met with the hospitality only a Berber village can give. Many who travel to Marrakech don’t see the region outside of the city. I didn’t my first trip, but thanks to Mustapha and Abdelilah, I was introduced to a Berber village.
We were welcomed in as though we were family and invited back to stay the next time we come to visit. With each place we visited we were given mint tea along with wonderful homemade food to eat.
Here in the photo is a meal that was prepared for us in the place where the women of the village make the Berber rugs. It’s a traditional chicken tagine, with stone oven baked bread, freshly pressed olive oil and hard boiled eggs (not shown) so fresh you can taste the difference.
I have never been welcomed as a complete stranger with such warmth and kindness. I fell in love with the people and culture on my first trip three years ago, but on this trip Morocco has stolen my heart completely.
Moroccan Traditions of Family
Meet Zena and the women who make beautiful Berber Rugs. Did you know it can take up to two months to make a rug by hand? I didn’t either.
Handmade has a new understanding for me; one that comes with deep respect and appreciation of the hands who make each of the items I carry here at Mariposa Skies.
This family of women work hard and oftentimes get very little in return for their efforts. But now thanks to Mustapha and Abdeliliah and connecting a family of artisans to the world- they are going to get paid a fair price for their time and talent.
Scroll through to see the women and the process it takes to make a rug from start to finish.
-
- Natural Moroccan Wool
-
- Berber Women making the rug on a loom
-
- The End Result- Beautiful Berber Rugs
Moroccan Traditions of Generosity
Each village has a Mosque in Morocco. The tower stands tall so the call to prayer can be heard by everyone even in the far distance. This particular one has a road leading up to it that is lined with beautiful almond trees. We were lucky enough to visit this Berber village in the Atlas Mountains while the trees were blooming.
Every place I visit here in Marrakech has a different story, but the underlying theme that surrounds each of them is generosity and warmth.
I know much has been going on surrounding Morocco in the news, but I would still encourage you to travel to this beautiful country. Don’t let someone else’s opinion or the news dissuade you. It would be a shame to miss out on such a beautiful experience. You will surely remember it for the rest of your life.
Moroccan Traditions of Storytelling
Storytelling was a dying art here in Marrakech. The Moroccan tradition of storytelling (Hikayat) dates back almost 1,000 years. Hikayat was used as a way to pass on cultural beliefs, such as moral lessons to children and to entertain people on long winter nights. Nowadays, this form of entertainment is in danger of becoming extinct and disappearing. But thanks to Haj Ahmed this great pastime is coming back.
Haj is one of the greatest storytellers in Morocco. He brings the past and traditions to life every Monday and Thursday night at Cafe Clock.
If you are in Marrakech during those days- I encourage you to take the time to go and listen to him. Though it is in Arabic-the stories still have a way to come to life right before your eyes.
TRAVELER’S TIP: Arrive before 7pm to grab a seat and get some mint tea or a bite to eat. The storytelling begins at 7pm.
Trip to Africa: Creating true connections
If you haven’t figured it out by now, for me, creating true connection is the most important lesson one can learn while traveling. Without it, a country is just another place, a people is just another face, and a thing is just that, a thing.
It never fails- each time I travel, the connection is what enriches my experience and makes it just that- an experience! And this trip to Africa was no different.
When all is said and done and you’re old and gray- those connections you experienced while traveling create the stories of your life. After all, that is what brings us together as human beings, the ability to connect to one another.
To connect to Moroccan traditions through the fashion they create, shop our collection of hand loomed scarves and hand tooled leather bags.
To connect to someone else's culture through the traditions of their fashion, you can also check out these fashions from Bali and Argentina:
I hope you found this post on my trip to Africa, rethinking the way we travel inspiring. Please feel free to share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest. Thank you for taking the time to read it!