The people of Morocco, especially Marrakech, are well-known for their hospitality. When expats first聽settle in Marrakech, they usually find themselves in front of authentic, happy people who are always willing to help in every way they can. While you are looking for a hotel or an聽appartment for rent in Marrakech, you will come across people who want to invite you inside their homes. Besides, most Marrakchis speak English and French/Spanish, and this ensures easy contact with them.
Social networking websites
Besides Facebook groups you can join, while surfing the Internet, you will quickly come across websites specializing in international meetups, some of which are free of charge. These meetups cover a range of interests from reading to outdoor activities, social gatherings, or even dating. Therefore, meetups regularly help people to share their passion.
Meetup, for example, is a website that helps you meet locals and other expats in person, whether you are alone or with your partner. You will get to know people willing to share their thoughts and spend their energy through various activities. At these gatherings, the atmosphere is often friendly and relaxed.
Building your social network in Marrakech聽will also help you avoid those street guides that seek only money. It also helps in getting instructions about the dos' and don'ts in the 'Red City'. On top of that, networking websites will allow you to make new connections online, even before聽moving to Marrakech. For example, having a Moroccan by your side on your arrival and throughout your stay can help you avoid extra charges and stick to your budget. You will also get the chance to be invited to a Moroccan home.
How social networking works in Marrakech
Before getting into meetups, you have to decide whether you prefer to join a pre-planned event or organize one yourself. If you choose to join a pre-planned gathering, keep in mind that each has its purpose. If you are to organize an event from scratch, then you should think ahead about the theme or purpose. Once decided, you will have to think about the number of people you are expecting, choose an adequate venue for each participant to feel at ease, and, finally, choose a date.
If you prefer taking part in an聽event in Marrakech, you have to keep in mind that most of them are organized by Moroccans who, for the most, are modest and talented people who seek quality exchanges. They usually make interesting gathering themes like visiting a wedding, quad bike outings, excursions in the Sahara desert, language exchange, discovering the Medina, etc.
Airbnb and Flipkey are becoming more and more popular in Marrakech. Airbnb, for example, offers the most magical, unique villas and Riads in Marrakech. Besides room rentals, they also provide activities like trips in the valleys of the Atlas Mountains, and cooking classes, among many others. You will be amazed by these community hosts that contribute to making your stay magical in a true sense.
Do's and don'ts in Marrakech
When you get to the 'Red City', keep in mind that there are things you should avoid and things that you should not miss. For example,
- You should taste different variations of Tagine and try drinking Moroccan tea and orange juice.
- When in the company of your Moroccan fellows, lose yourself in the alleys of the Souks.
- If you are a woman, try to get a Henna tattoo on your hands.
- You must visit Jemaa el Fna at night.
- When shopping, you have to bargain on everything.
- Do not get into a taxi alone.
- Learn some daily Moroccan words and try to use them as much as possible.
- Moroccans are hospitable, and you will often be invited to drink a cup of the famous mint tea. You should not turn them down, as drinking mint tea is an ideal occasion to make friends with the locals.
- If you are having a聽meal with Moroccan companions, it is appropriate to use your right hand when passing dishes, grabbing something, or eating food. The left hand is generally deemed to be unclean.聽
- You should avoid criticizing the local religion or the king, as this may be regarded as an awful thing by locals.
- In this Muslim-dominated country, clothing codes have to be respected. This does not mean that you have to dress in the traditional way, but you need to be careful not to offend the locals with suggestive clothing.
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