Moroccan Adventures: A Last-Minute Getaway

Last-minute decisions can often lead to the most unforgettable experiences, and my recent holiday to Morocco was a perfect testament to that. It all started when my partner proposed the idea of a spontaneous trip, and I, preoccupied with various thoughts, simply replied with a nonchalant "Yeah, okay." Little did I know, this journey would become a lesson never to be forgotten.

Our adventure began with the typical last-minute travel hiccups, like struggling to check in online with Ryanair. Nevertheless, we arrived safely in Morocco, greeted by a taxi driver holding a card with our names. As we cruised through the city and arrived, I noticed the unusual design of our hotel – its windows facing inward towards a central courtyard. This peculiar architecture stemmed from the hotel being surrounded by other buildings, leaving them with no choice but to create windows that looked inward. Despite the lack of air conditioning or a fan in our room, the hotel manager, Syed, was incredibly accommodating, which swayed us to stay.

The heart of the experience lay in the bustling city square. Initially overwhelming, it quickly became our daily routine. With shops lining the streets offering everything imaginable (even if some of those "authentic" trainers weren't quite genuine), we couldn't help but immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere. The food was a highlight of our trip, though we learned to be discerning about where we dined. A particularly disappointing meal at TubRuk taught us to trust our instincts when it came to choosing restaurants.

One memorable day, we embarked on a thrilling quad ride through a desert-like terrain on the city's outskirts. Along the way, we met Ade, ISA, and Lotte – couples from America and Belgium on an adventurous European journey. Laughs and camaraderie made the day even more enjoyable. Back in the square, we freshened up and dined at AKO restaurant, where I savoured a vegetarian lamb Tagine that left a lasting impression.

As I enjoyed each day in Morocco, I couldn't help but think about the camera I had left behind at home. Nevertheless, we pressed on with our plans, including a hike in the Atlas Mountains that included a camel ride. The hike was manageable, with breathtaking views and a surprising visit to what our guide claimed was his grandmother's house, where we were treated to delicious food.

The camel ride was a highlight of the trip, with these incredible creatures carrying us effortlessly. We encountered a range of camels, and I was amazed to be carried by a six-year-old camel. It was an experience I would repeat, even though I missed having my camera with me.

As we headed back to the airport, we reflected on our Moroccan adventure. The country's beauty, culture, and people left an indelible mark on us. Despite the recent earthquake's visible effects and the prevalence of poverty, the resilience and hospitality of the Moroccan people shone through.

Our return journey with Wizz Air to Gatwick went smoothly, with excellent customer service and a swift airport experience. We left Morocco with hearts full of memories and excitement for our next adventure, already planning our next trip in our camper.

In the end, our spontaneous holiday to Morocco turned out to be an incredible journey filled with unexpected discoveries and lifelong memories. It's a testament to the magic of last-minute adventures, and I can't wait to see where our next adventure takes us.