1. Is Morocco a poor country? / Is Morocco glamorous?

Morocco is technically classed as a third-world country. There is still a percentage of people living in poverty, however there is also a lot of development occurring, especially in the major cities like Casablanca and Rabat. We live in Sale-Rabat, and just in this city alone, you can find all ends of the spectrum. There are families living in poorly constructed sheds, to families living in well-built homes that have been in the family for generations, to those living in villas and owning multiple properties on the beach or Marina. There is such a large spectrum across Morocco that is quite endearing and there are a lot of positive changes that are taking place. There is still corruption within the country (especially within the police/law enforcement) and the country has a government, but headed by the King. A lot of people are money-motivated as would be expected/natural given the situation of the country, however as a visitor, you probably won't experience this side of things.

As for glamour, I feel like this is a common misconception that derived from social media - particularly Instagram influencers. Moroccan design is about colour and flair, with a big emphasis on beauty. A lot of people would ask me if Morocco is truly as beautiful as Instagram! There is definitely beauty that I truly appreciate innate in Moroccan culture and traditions, however it is still a developing country and there is litter, sewerage smells and roaming cats and dogs on the streets. 

As a vistor of the country, you can really make the experience your own depending on which style of travel you like, or what kind of experience you wish to delve further into within Moroccan way of life. You have options to stay in the rural areas of the mountains where people live a very humble and traditional lifestyle. Or you can have experience a mid-range style of life, within a moderately priced Riad or hotel, visit the restaurants within the local area etc. Or you can go all out and have a truly elite experience within some of the country's most renowned hotels which WILL give you the 'glamour' effect of Morocco, highlighting all the beauty within the traditions of the country. 

2. Is it unsafe for women? / Are women treated equally?

Moroccan life is slow-paced and relaxed. A traditional Moroccan day (so that not of someone working a 9-5) looks like waking up around 11am or 12pm (excluding waking up to pray, if they choose to), having breakfast as a family, which then proceeds to cleaning up and maintenance around the house until lunch time, which is around 2pm or 3pm. This again, usually happens as a family. Students come home from school to have lunch, and most hanouts (stores) close during this time to attend lunch and enjoy an afternoon nap. Around 6pm or 7pm, it's time for atay (tea) which is a tea/coffee break with the family, including Moroccan tea, coffee, lots of sugar and biscuits or cakes as a snack. Dinner time is around 10pm - 11pm, enjoyed again as a family. Meal-times are times for catch-ups and laughter, as well as a technology detox (no phones!) On Friday afternoons at 1pm, most stores and businesses close as this is an Islamic Holy Day, in which workers go home to enjoy cous-cous with their families, afternoon naps and an afternoon of devotion to God. (Keep this in mind if you're travelling! In most tourist areas, business will carry on as usual, however further out from that, resources may be more sparse!) 

In terms of going out, men usually frequent around cafes, especially when there is a soccer game on. In one street, you may find that every second establishment is a cafe. Women tend to enjoy going shopping which can happen in traditional malls with international brands, or more commonly, the souk (markets) where you can find groceries, gifts, clothes. Men and women alike can enjoy the hammam (public baths) for their showers (most locals don't opt for massages that are offered in tourist places!) And if you live near the Atlantic, going to the beach is a very popular activity. 

More recently, a lot of younger adults tend to enjoy the bars and clubs that are starting to pop up in the cities, as it is legal to drink within these establishments. 

4. What language is spoken in Morocco?

Morocco is a mixed-bag of cultures and you can try your luck with a few different languages! The official language of Morocco is Arabic; this is the language taught in schools and it's important for them to know Arabic as this is the language of the Quran. This also means they are able to interact with other Arabic-speaking countries and can understand a majority of the languages spoken in other Arabic-speaking countries. However, this is a language that is taught within school, so not everybody is able to speak traditional Arabic fluently. And an even lesser amount of people are able to write traditional Arabic.

The common spoken language of Morocco is Darija which is the Moroccan dialect, and is not used in other Arabic countries. The sounds of this language is similar to the alphabet of traditional Arabic and also a little bit of French and Spanish mixed into it as well. In my personal opinion, the language is much softer than traditional Arabic (not to say that Moroccans are soft/quiet. Quite the contrary!) Knowing this language or at least a few key words will mean that you will be able to communicate with pretty much anybody you come across. 

Berber is also technically considered a national language of Morocco, however most younger generations don't speak this and are not taught this dialect. Those living in rural areas and the mountains tend to communicate in Berber as their primary language and older generations may know this language, however those living in cities and those of the younger generations don't know how to speak Berber, and it doesn't really have much connection to Darija. 

A majority of Morocco was colonised by France, and so most people speak French as a second language. French is also taught from primary school, however that does not mean that everybody is fluent in French. They would know the basics and how to carry a conversation with small talk, but probably not in-depth. An in-depth understanding of fluent French would require further education or self-learning outside of school, however it is a safe bet that if you speak French, you would be able to find people to communicate with. 

Spanish is also spoken within the northern parts of Morocco, closer to the Spanish border. In places like Tangier, Spanish is more commonly spoken than French. Further down south, it's not as common to find people speaking Spanish (I personally haven't come across anyone who speaks Spanish) however the news is delivered in Darija, French and Spanish.

English is less commonly known around Morocco. Those who have had further education or are self-taught can communicate in English, however not everybody can or at most, would know just the basics or have heavy accents. There is however, a growing population of English speakers within Morocco as it is also taught in high school, although at a very basic level. 

Some basic common phrases that will help you in Morocco:

Salam Alaykum = Hello 

La bas? = Are you fine? (To answer, you can say, la bas.) 

Afak = Please

Shoukran = Thank you 

Bzaf = A lot

Chwya (Shwee-ya) = A little

Atay = Tea

Cafe = Coffee

5. Is Morocco expensive?

After spending six weeks in Morocco, having a lot of time to myself as I'm currently not working, it felt so good to stretch my legs and wander again in a foreign city. This striking comparison between being at home and travelling intensely for three days reminded me of why I fell in love with travelling in the first place. It's the beauty of being present, of having your time be yours, of feeling like everything is possible and within reach, of having food be such an intentional choice and most importantly, for finding the joy in every single moment. 

They say comparison is the thief of joy. But I really believe comparison is what allows us to realise what we do and don't want. For there is abundance for everyone in this world. We only need to choose what abundance we desire.