KEY WORDS: 

MEDINA: This is the centered wall city of Morocco. It's MOSTLY no cars, lots of motorcycles. Very old world. Similar lay out to like a venice italy, all walkable. All of the riads we are staying in, the dinners, the spa, and shopping are all within the Medina. Here is an example of the medina/souks

SOUKS: This is the word for the shops in the medina. Now you understand Soukie Modern. There are areas within the Souks, the spice market, the rug market, jewelry, shoes etc. People bargain in them. They feel safe, but hectic. 

RIAD: Riads are like old homes with courtyards that have been turned into bed and breakfast Air BNB's. The 3 we have rented we have full exclusivity of, and 2 of the 3 have 24 hr. Concierge. 

HENNA: Henna is like a temporary tattoo, it stains your skin for several days. We will be getting it done collectively Friday day as it's traditional. Typically it's done on women, but if men want it there are a few styles you could get . When henna gos on, it's like a thin layer of cake icing, you have to let it dry and get crusty then wash it off. The longer you leave it on the darker it will get and longer it will last. It's important to not let it rub or shed onto white floors or bed sheets etc as it stains. We've purchased white cotton gloves for you to put on once you've ast and let it get crusty so you can let it darken. 

Hammam: Is a traditional spa experience where you are washed and then exfoliated. You should wear underwear but be topless. You can be two to a room or up to 4 to a room, and it can be fun to do with your partner or a friend. Or you can do it solo. On Thursday we are getting 2 hour treatments at Les Bains De Marrakech. A 1 hr hammam and 1 hr massage. Also at all of the riads you can book an extra massage, and you can get a hammam or massage at our house on henna day. You will not want a hammam after henna, as it will come off. 

TRAVEL INFO:

1. You don’t need any additional vaccinations to travel to Morocco.

2. If you have a US passport- You don’t need a visa to fly into Morocco, or to fly THROUGH Europe, but if you want to get out in Europe on a layover or before/after US Citizens supposedly will need visas to be in Europe in 2024. So contact your airline if traveling around Europe!

3.If you don’t have a passport, apply now for a RUSH passport, they are delayed, if yours is expired and you need it refreshed quickly, let me know! If you live near a major city ( DC, NY, ATL, LA, I can introduce you to a company that can get you a passport in one day.)

4. The airport you'll go in and out of is RAK, Marrakech. It's very easy to land in. Beautiful. There is only one hall to walk from international arrivals to border patrol. The guards will speak english. You'll say your visiting for vacation, etc. not business. Then you go through a line to baggage, pick up your bags, then to exit go through a scanner with your bags. Outside a driver will have a sign with your name on it, its about 15 min. to the medina. More details and instructions to come.

FOOD INFO:

1. Moroccan food is delicious and pretty simple/similar palette to things you may be familiar with. Breakfast is often fruit, pancakes, yogurts, nuts, eggs. Seasonings are often garlic, lemon, etc. on meats. Lamb, Beef, and chicken, are common. Rice and CousCous are common grains. All meals will have lots of meet + Fish + veggie options.

2. On that note, its a pretty dry country. No liquor stores, etc. as muslims don't drink but a few restaurants we are going to have cocktails and wine so you'll have a few chances to indulge.

3.You can get all of your favorite Sodas/Snacks at Bodegas. There are many located walking distance from each of your riads so if you need some extra crackers and sodies, or bottled water- you're covered.

CLOTHING:

1. It is a modest/muslim country. Tourist don’t need to wear Hijab, etc but it is respectful to dress conservatively. We are asking if for your day of the wedding outfits to not be too revealing as we'll be spending the day with Taib's family and they practice a more modest lifestyle.

2. You'll want basically outfits for two cocktail type dinners, and the formal wedding day. For Henna day ( Friday) You'll want something short sleeved so you can have your arms exposed.

3. I am working on outfit inspo for the wedding and suggested links: HopeandTaib.com/attire ( best viewed on desktop).

4. If you want a traditional wedding outfit, women wear something called a Takchita or full coverage Kaftan. You can order one in advance online you like, or get one there. Men tend to wear moroccan shirts with suits or a knee length thobe  or jabadoor or Gandora with pants.

5. Weather for clothes, Should be 60's-80's. Dress in layers. Cooler at night, same temps per time of year as Palm Springs! Warm in the sunlight during the day. Could rain!

6. Everyone loves Moroccan Shoes! You can buy them all over the medina on Thursday ( our shopping day) and they are generally $10-$30 max. There are soft bottom ones for indoor, and had leather bottom ones for outdoor use. 

7. Bring a bathing suit. There is a pool at the spa we are visitng Thursday, and all of the riads have cold soaking tubs or hot tubs. Also you may want to wear a bikini bottom in the hamam. 

MONEY

1. You can use your credit cards at many spots, or pull out their currency the Durhem, which is about 1/10th of a dollar. A lot of stores in the medina prefer cash. You can use a Banc of Afrique ATM, or bring cash and exchange in the airport, or at a cash exchange near your riad.

COMMUNICATION

1.The most common languages are Arabic, French, and english.

2. Most cell phone carriers offer international daily plans for 9-12$/day where your phone will work the exact same. Otherwise, if you go on airplane mode and use wi-fi at restaurants/riad, etc. I recommend you download google maps of the area if you don't want to use 5G as you can walk through the medina using the map easily.

ELECTRICITY:

1. The use the same plug converters as the EU. A good one to get: https://amzn.to/49tPecH

2. Your road should have blow dyers. If you need a curling iron, it HAS TO BE DUAL VOLTAGE. The converter won’t do it. The device must be dual voltage. I use this one: https://amzn.to/3u71Qax