Why Morocco?
Tune into an impromptu interview nestled by the cosy fire from New Zealand mid winter between Caroline and Olivia.
Olivia Lee is a wonderful friend, graphic designer, photographer and absolute honey. Only last year in August (2024), Olivia courageously said yes to a solo trip to Morocco. Inspired by her experience, insights and awe for her time in Morocco, we mentioned that she would infuse such a beautiful quality into our Morocco Retreat, asking her to come along and capture the experience. So if you’re curious about Morocco, hear firsthand from Olivia and her experience. If you’re joining us, lucky you, you get to meet her!!
Liv, what do you love about Morocco?
“The people. Not only local people but other travellers - it calls in people on a search for adventure, through culture, surfing, food and the way they live there. It’s so different. The land too is really beautiful itself. Rough and rugged. Desert and ocean. Orange dirt and sand. Where it’s not beauty as in luxury but beauty from a really authentic place. At the core of it it’s real rather than flashy things on the outside.
Oooh and time also felt different there. It moved slower.”
Did you travel to Morocco alone or with company?
“I travelled there alone and I definitely was not alone the whole time. I met easily the best people I have met whilst travelling in any country. With consistency. In not long I made not one good friend but formed good friendships with every person I met. You could tell they were there for the same reason as you but on their own journey. Shared intention. Deeper appreciation for those differences, the culture, surfing, people. They weren’t there for a luxurious holiday or to sightsee. Instead, to simply have that experience with that place.”
Were you afraid to go? How did you feel when you first arrived?
“While there was still a big challenge and a big difference in walking around the streets there compared to home. There still is a big sense of safety which I felt after to speaking to locals. As a tourist you’re really protected. People will look at you differently but you’re never unsafe. Different doesn’t mean bad. It all adds to the experience too. That’s why you go to these places, to cultivate a deeper sense of steadiness within yourself and within different environments that are outside your norm. It’s in those moments that you have the best experiences as well. It’s those moments of coming across a fisherman, he’s holding a fish, got a big grin and that in itself becomes a whole interaction past the language barriers. You feel giddy and full of life.”
What would you say to someone curious about Morocco but apprehensive?
“Do it. You will just be so happy!! You will have a unique experience. Uniqueness in this world is quite a rare treasure.
And yes, there is an assumption of not being safe but the amount of young women I met, solo travelling, was quite a lot. You’re not alone. To have that call and bravery to go is shared by other people.”
