When I was 19, I embarked on a life-changing journey to Morocco with my Moroccan boyfriend. Our purpose was to visit his mother, and for a month, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of this enchanting country.

The trip began with uncertainties about cultural differences and appropriate clothing, but my boyfriend's reassurances eased my worries. Meeting his mother, I was surprised by her kind words about my legs, shattering my preconceived notions about modesty in their culture.

Throughout the journey, I formed connections with locals, experiencing their open-mindedness and warmth firsthand. One remarkable memory was visiting a small village during a festive celebration, where as the only blonde woman, I became a source of fascination for the local children. It was an intriguing experience that revealed the cultural diversity and captivated me.

Although challenges were few, I vividly recall the exhilaration of climbing rocks to reach a secluded beach. The effort was rewarded with serene seclusion, a sanctuary of nature's beauty.

This trip taught me the value of open-mindedness and cultural appreciation. It shattered my preconceptions and deepened my understanding of Moroccan culture's similarities to my own. From bonding with my boyfriend's family in Marrakech to witnessing the simple rituals of communal dining and bathing with buckets of water, every moment enriched my experience.

Looking ahead, we have plans to visit destinations like Madagascar and Costa Rica also beckon, promising nature's wonders and photography opportunities.

I was 19, a long time ago, and I traveled with my boyfriend, a Moroccan boy. We went to Morocco to see his mother since his father had passed away. We stayed there for about a month and traveled throughout Morocco.

Can you describe a memorable moment or interaction that you enjoyed from this trip?

Yes, I was excited and didn't know what to expect. It was a different culture, unfamiliar to me at that time. Before visiting Morocco, I asked my boyfriend about appropriate clothing to bring. I wondered if I could wear short skirts or dresses. He assured me that it was acceptable. When we met his mother, she was very nice. She even complimented my legs, which surprised me. I realized that showing my legs wasn't a problem. It made me realize that the culture was more Westernized than I thought.

That's interesting! Did you make any new friends or learn about the local culture?

The people were more open-minded than I expected. I made connections with a family and other individuals we encountered. We stayed in places I had never been to before and met new people. Although they are not my friends anymore, it was an interesting experience to immerse myself in the country and its people. I was surprised to discover that their culture was more similar to ours than I had anticipated. One time, I visited a little village during a festival. I was the only blonde woman there, so the local kids were fascinated and stared at me with amazement. It was quite interesting to see their curiosity. The villagers were all Moroccan, not very modern but lovely to interact with.

Did you feel uncomfortable as the only blonde woman, or were people generally friendly?

People were friendly, but it felt a bit strange when the kids stared at me. However, I wouldn't say it made me uncomfortable.

Did you face any challenges during the trip, and how did you overcome them?

Not really, as a young person, it can be intimidating to meet new people. But being with my boyfriend made it easier. The only challenge we faced was reaching a quiet beach. We had to climb some rocks, which was a bit dangerous. However, once we reached the beach, it was peaceful and secluded. There were no major challenges, just new experiences. Anything you do for the first time can be considered a challenge, I guess.

So what did you learn from this trip? It seems like you stepped out of your comfort zone and had an adventurous experience.

I learned to stay open-minded and be receptive to different people and cultures. I had preconceived notions that were proven wrong. It made me realize that privilege plays a role, as well as my age at that time. The people were genuinely kind, and their culture was beautiful.

Could you share some of your favorite moments from the trip?

One of my favorite moments was in Marrakech. I was there with my boyfriend's family, and we interacted with little children. It was a heartwarming experience. Instead of a regular shower, we used a bucket of water to bathe, which was different but refreshing. Sharing food from a large communal bowl and eating with our hands was another unique aspect of the culture. We also took a trip from Marrakech into the mountains. We saw waterfalls, encountered apes, and witnessed women washing their clothes in the river. It was a simple and peaceful way of life.

That sounds amazing! Is there anywhere else you'd like to visit?

My trip was incredible, mainly because I was with someone from the country. If I were to go alone or with my partner, who isn't from there, I think it would be a different experience. However, I'd love to see more of the country and travel to different places. Madagascar and Costa Rica are on my list for their nature and photography opportunities.