Morocco is truly exceptional, offering a blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.  We found it  unexpectedly modern with the country now having running water and electricity in nearly all of its rural regions. People were kind and gentle and not at all surprised to see foreigners.  It is modern against the backdrop of rich ancient cultures with donkeys pulling carts down the street also laden with motor cars and motor bikes.  

Morocco also has the world's largest concentrated solar power plant. The project is also known as Noor, meaning "light" in Arabic. The first phase, Noor I, was inaugurated in 2016 and is capable of generating up to 160 megawatts of power, according to UNFCCC. The entire Noor-Ouarzazate complex is expected to produce over 500 megawatts of power when fully operational, enough to power more than one million Moroccan household.

The king who enacted many reforms when he ascended the thrown in 1999 is also committed to developing industry in Morocco.  One of these industries is an olive oil industry hoping to rival Italy and Spain.  We saw them crushing the olives and tasted the sweet gold of their oil.  I'm clearly not an expert and the oil was as good as any I have tasted.

We were on a two week tour of Morocco with Intrepid Travel and loved every minute of it.  Our guide was a delight, the Medinas were reminiscent of ancient Berber and Arab times, with their narrow paths loaded on both sides by merchants hawking colourful fabrics, hand made brass items and wonderfully smelling food and spices. 

There is so much to reflect on about this amazing trip and delightful country but I will just pick one to focus on at the moment.

One of my favourite moments was riding a camel into the vast, golden expanse of the Sahara Desert. The tranquillity of the dunes, the magnificent sunsets, and the sheer sense of adventure made it an experience like no other. Morocco’s beauty lies in its diversity – from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene Atlas Mountains and the historic charm of Fes. Whether you're exploring ancient medinas, savouring traditional tagines, or admiring the endless desert, Morocco is a destination that captures the heart and soul of every traveller.