R
ray_g
Guest
Looking forward to a trip in mid-March. My wife and I will be travelling to Casablanca, Fez and Marrakesh. Any advice (photography-related or otherwise) would be most welcome. Thanks.
Travel to Morocco: Tips?
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back alley
IMAGES
play it again sam?
sounds like a great trip.
pack light.
sounds like a great trip.
pack light.
DavidH
Overweight and over here
I spent some time in the Atlas Mountains and Rabat but some general things to look out for...
Contrasts of old and new - donkey pulled carts and Mercedes on the road together, markets, interesting side streets, people full of character, mosaics in some of the nicer hotels (many blue in color and contrasting nicely with whites)...
There are Roman ruins in many areas - and some are fantastic to explore - for a very small fee.
I always found the people very friendly. Enjoy local olives with beer - they're great, careful with salads, careful with eggs (i.e. where you eat). The trains are an experience. The mountains are awesome. As with anywhere in the world...avoid the tourist masses and explore...with care.
Have a fantastic time.
Contrasts of old and new - donkey pulled carts and Mercedes on the road together, markets, interesting side streets, people full of character, mosaics in some of the nicer hotels (many blue in color and contrasting nicely with whites)...
There are Roman ruins in many areas - and some are fantastic to explore - for a very small fee.
I always found the people very friendly. Enjoy local olives with beer - they're great, careful with salads, careful with eggs (i.e. where you eat). The trains are an experience. The mountains are awesome. As with anywhere in the world...avoid the tourist masses and explore...with care.
Have a fantastic time.
MelanieC
Well-known
Hey Ray,
If all goes as planned, I'll be joining an excavation in Morocco in May and staying for about a month and a half. The site is in Temara, which is near Rabat. I haven't started planning for the trip yet in case the funding doesn't work out and I can't go, but I have tentatively thought about what camera(s) I might bring and reluctantly decided that the M3 should probably stay at home since I'd die if anything happened to it.
If all goes as planned, I'll be joining an excavation in Morocco in May and staying for about a month and a half. The site is in Temara, which is near Rabat. I haven't started planning for the trip yet in case the funding doesn't work out and I can't go, but I have tentatively thought about what camera(s) I might bring and reluctantly decided that the M3 should probably stay at home since I'd die if anything happened to it.
Khaled
Chaka
There's a beautiful small town called Chefchaouen about 2 hours south of Tanger, all the houses are painted in blue tones, mountains all around and since it's not a tourist spot, people are friendly but not to the point of harassment as in better known cities.
Khaled
www.chaka.fr
Khaled
www.chaka.fr
rogue_designer
Reciprocity Failure
Morrocan Tea is one of my favorite things in the world. Green tea and mint brewed with sugar.
Yum
Very jealous of the trip. We're looking at finding a way to move to Spain, and easy trips to Morroco would be a big bonus.
Take lots of pics.
Yum
Very jealous of the trip. We're looking at finding a way to move to Spain, and easy trips to Morroco would be a big bonus.
Take lots of pics.
iml
Well-known
Fez is a brilliant place to take photographs. You won't need anyone's help to spot all the opportunities, just get into the medina and off you go.
Ian
Ian
kbg32
neo-romanticist
I went to school in Morocco. It was the first time I traveled out of the country. A fascinating and fantastic place. I have always dreamed of going back. Someday soon. Enjoy. You will have a great time.
Some imagery from my trip - http://www.pbase.com/keithbg/morocco
Addendum - travel light as possible. I carried 2 M4s, 21mm/28mm lenses and a ton of HP5 at that time.
Some imagery from my trip - http://www.pbase.com/keithbg/morocco
Addendum - travel light as possible. I carried 2 M4s, 21mm/28mm lenses and a ton of HP5 at that time.
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monochromejrnl
Well-known
i spent 11 days in Morocco in late Oct - early November 2006... a magical place...
my girlfriend and I brought the following with us:
SWC
M3/ Bessa L with 21/50
F100 with 35/2
Yashica T4
If i could do it over again, I'd take the SWC, Gr1S (instead of the T4), R2A with 21/35/85 lenses... (fast lenses are a must in the medinas where the walls are high and light doesn't get a chance to get in)...
bring something that is a fast p&s if you want to shoot people... or if you choose to respect them, don't shoot people at all as it was my experienc that most didnt want their photos taken (i asked)...
some pics from our trip can be viewed here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monochromejournal/sets/72157594365438278/
my advice is to travel light (less is definitely more in a country where you will likely have to rely on notoriously unreliable pubic transportation - we got stuck on a bus in a small mining town due to flooding, another bus we were riding on burst into flames and was evacuated, typical intercity taxi seats 7 (including driver) in cars designed for 5 (window cranks in the back are removed to make a little more room)... bring lots of ziplock bags, duct tape and/or electrical tap, a light tripod and a well sealed camera bag... (fine sand permeates the air)...
highlights - Chefchouen, Fez, the Djamma el'fna in Marrakesh and the Sahara - accessed by way of Zagora...
have fun and feel free to send me specific questions...
my girlfriend and I brought the following with us:
SWC
M3/ Bessa L with 21/50
F100 with 35/2
Yashica T4
If i could do it over again, I'd take the SWC, Gr1S (instead of the T4), R2A with 21/35/85 lenses... (fast lenses are a must in the medinas where the walls are high and light doesn't get a chance to get in)...
bring something that is a fast p&s if you want to shoot people... or if you choose to respect them, don't shoot people at all as it was my experienc that most didnt want their photos taken (i asked)...
some pics from our trip can be viewed here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/monochromejournal/sets/72157594365438278/
my advice is to travel light (less is definitely more in a country where you will likely have to rely on notoriously unreliable pubic transportation - we got stuck on a bus in a small mining town due to flooding, another bus we were riding on burst into flames and was evacuated, typical intercity taxi seats 7 (including driver) in cars designed for 5 (window cranks in the back are removed to make a little more room)... bring lots of ziplock bags, duct tape and/or electrical tap, a light tripod and a well sealed camera bag... (fine sand permeates the air)...
highlights - Chefchouen, Fez, the Djamma el'fna in Marrakesh and the Sahara - accessed by way of Zagora...
have fun and feel free to send me specific questions...
Xmas
Veteran
Pack nx 1$s bills the locals will pose as required if assuaged.
Noel
Noel
kbg32
neo-romanticist
Xmas said:
From what I remember, this would be a really bad idea, but I was there 27 years ago. Kids and teenagers will be following you around asking for money for anything - as a guide in the medina, to showing you their uncle's carpet shop. Everyone has an angle to get your money from your pocket. Just try to be as unobtrusive as possible and show respect. The latter goes a long way especially when Moroccan women are around. Moroccan men won't hesitate to let you know just how they feel if you do something they don't like. A woman classmate I was walking around Tangiers with one afternoon, was slapped by a middle aged for showing too much skin. Her shoulders and legs were bare. The further south you go the worse it gets as people outside of the big cities and tourist places don't have that much contact with foreigners.
Remember, you are in a Muslim country, though a fairly progressive one. Just be ware and don't be a loud obnoxious foreigner. You are a guest in their country. I would read as much as I could about the places you are visiting. This will help a lot.
Cheers,
Keith
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OurManInTangier
An Undesirable
I was out there from March '03 until July '03. I won't bother with too many hints and tips as you'll find you're own way - also if you've gone anywhere else in the world then you'll know the general score.
I will say that everyone seems to have an opinion on whether Morocco should be photographed in colour or black and white - I say do both, you cannot take enough film ( or flash cards?!)
It's a beautiful country with very friendly and hospitable people who'll want to show you their country/city. Like everywhere there are a few dodgy types but not enough to put you off....like London ;-)
One last point. Don't get caught out by the rug sellers, they're the best salesman I've ever met. Infact if you're in the Atlas mountains and come across the guy below, sit on your wallet...I left his workshop laden with rugs, filled with mint tea and dizzy from bartering - brilliant!
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=49110&ppuser=8001
I will say that everyone seems to have an opinion on whether Morocco should be photographed in colour or black and white - I say do both, you cannot take enough film ( or flash cards?!)
It's a beautiful country with very friendly and hospitable people who'll want to show you their country/city. Like everywhere there are a few dodgy types but not enough to put you off....like London ;-)
One last point. Don't get caught out by the rug sellers, they're the best salesman I've ever met. Infact if you're in the Atlas mountains and come across the guy below, sit on your wallet...I left his workshop laden with rugs, filled with mint tea and dizzy from bartering - brilliant!
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=49110&ppuser=8001
Topdog1
Well-known
Is it safe for a Westerner to go to Morocco these days?
/Ira
/Ira
meven
Well-known
Travel to Morocco: Tips?
Travel to Morocco: Tips?
I went to Morocco 2 years ago, it was my best trip ever.
If you think Marrakech is too busy just take a day trip to Essaouira, it is on the Atlantic coast (about 3 to 4 hours drive from Marrakech as I remember), it's a beautifull fortified city with narrow streets, the fresh ocean breeze, the fishing port is amazing with all the blue fishing nets. It is definitely worse having a look.
An other must do is the desert, it's absolutely breath taking... Obviously if you go the desert protect you camera, the sand goes everywhere (especially during a sand storm as I experienced).
The Draa and Dades Valley are also nice places and quite easily accessible from Marrakech.
Morocco is a fantastic country with very friendly people and delicious food.
I hope you will enjoy it. I wish I could go back there (although I am going to Cambodia and Vietnam at the end of March so I won't complain
).
Have a good trip
Max
Travel to Morocco: Tips?
I went to Morocco 2 years ago, it was my best trip ever.
If you think Marrakech is too busy just take a day trip to Essaouira, it is on the Atlantic coast (about 3 to 4 hours drive from Marrakech as I remember), it's a beautifull fortified city with narrow streets, the fresh ocean breeze, the fishing port is amazing with all the blue fishing nets. It is definitely worse having a look.
An other must do is the desert, it's absolutely breath taking... Obviously if you go the desert protect you camera, the sand goes everywhere (especially during a sand storm as I experienced).
The Draa and Dades Valley are also nice places and quite easily accessible from Marrakech.
Morocco is a fantastic country with very friendly people and delicious food.
I hope you will enjoy it. I wish I could go back there (although I am going to Cambodia and Vietnam at the end of March so I won't complain
).Have a good trip
Max
sooner
Well-known
Nice photos, folks. We're headed to Marrakech next Saturday via Algeciras and the ferry to Tanger, so I've read this post with great interest. I'm taking an Oly XA and a digital p&s, as I just sold my Contax G2. Enjoy your trip, Ray-G.
monochromejrnl
Well-known
oops forgot to mention... passing out money is definitely a bad idea... the kids (friend and harmless but very persistent) will follow you offering to take you to a great restaurant, carpet artisans or ryad... we told people we were students (we backpacked) and spent very little (didnt want to attract attention)... we also booked our ryads on town in advance (we were there in low season)... when you get to the town many young men will offer to take you to a cheap but beautiful ryad... decline and tell them you have a reservation if you don't want to be hounded..
you may also want to prenegotiate grand taxi (only run between towns and cities) and mini taxi (within the cities)... otherwise you'll be in for a surprise...
have fun, it's an awesome country and quite safe if you're observant and aware of your surroundings...
cheers,
Ken
you may also want to prenegotiate grand taxi (only run between towns and cities) and mini taxi (within the cities)... otherwise you'll be in for a surprise...
have fun, it's an awesome country and quite safe if you're observant and aware of your surroundings...
cheers,
Ken
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Glenn2
Well-known
Take a fast wide lens for photographing in the bazzars and narrow lanes of the casba. Was there during Ramadan years ago and got some interesting night shots using tri-x. Unfortunately was travelling light with just the 3g that trip and f/3.5 doesn't cut it for serious available light. Was into the slow speeds too much of the time and missing the 35mm f/1.4 <img>
The mention of menthe tea brings back memories... A wad of fresh mint goes into the glass, then it's filled with hot black tea. Add sugar if you like. Food was very good and my favorite was a dish called tajeen. It's a meat or vegetable stew prepared with spices and usually served will a mound of couscous. Very inexpensive, especially if in a non-tourist place. Have FUN and shoot lots of film.
Glenn
The mention of menthe tea brings back memories... A wad of fresh mint goes into the glass, then it's filled with hot black tea. Add sugar if you like. Food was very good and my favorite was a dish called tajeen. It's a meat or vegetable stew prepared with spices and usually served will a mound of couscous. Very inexpensive, especially if in a non-tourist place. Have FUN and shoot lots of film.
Glenn
Attachments
alan davus
Well-known
I was in Morocco last in 1979. It was the final port of call as I'd spent 15 months hitching through Africa and Morocco was the jump off point back to Europe. I remember it as being incredibly beautiful but because tourists had been going there in large numbers for decades the kids could tell you to go and get f*** ed in about 5 different languages. Take bucket loads of film but please don't pay for photos. Most people anywhere will be more than happy to pose for a photo if you take the time to chat and be friendly.
SergioGuerra
Well-known
Oh I miss that tea and the wonderfull orange juice!
I have been there last year, and have loved those vacations.. I went with a car (if you go driving, beware of speeds, their agents are very alert) and have done: Rabat - Fez - Marrakech - Essaouira. Loved Fez, Marrakech and Essaouira... specially Fez Medina.
Beware of the ice and the places where you eat, fortunately we had no problems.
Unfortunately my poor english writing capabilities doesnt allow me to give you a lot of tips, but if you can read french please buy one "Guide du Routard" of Morocco because It was really very very usefull.
Have fun and take lots of film with you
Sergio
I have been there last year, and have loved those vacations.. I went with a car (if you go driving, beware of speeds, their agents are very alert) and have done: Rabat - Fez - Marrakech - Essaouira. Loved Fez, Marrakech and Essaouira... specially Fez Medina.
Beware of the ice and the places where you eat, fortunately we had no problems.
Unfortunately my poor english writing capabilities doesnt allow me to give you a lot of tips, but if you can read french please buy one "Guide du Routard" of Morocco because It was really very very usefull.
Have fun and take lots of film with you
Sergio
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pakodominguez
yo mismo soy
Topdog1 said:
why?
you did watch "Babel" ?
and you spect berebers shoting any turist bus?
...
Pako
PS: I (peruvian-spanish) went to Marroco and Mauritania 4 years ago, with my ex-wife (she's american with an american passport) no problem at all. Actually, they were specially kind with her...