Morocco: The Country That Feels Like a Hug

As you are reading this, make sure your suitcase, bank account, and energy are ready for a trip into the unknown.

Marrakech – I’ve always believed every trip begins with a question. Not the “Did I pack enough shoes?” type of question (though let’s be honest, the answer’s always “not enough”).

No, I’m talking about the deeper ones — questions that whisper as you plan your escape, questions that shout once your feet hit foreign soil.

And so, the question was this: What does it mean to be truly welcomed?

Welcome to Morocco, a country that doesn’t just answer this question — it redefines it.

The welcome mat is made of color

Let’s start with the obvious: Morocco isn’t shy about making an entrance.

You’ve seen the postcards — cobalt blue walls, spice pyramids that defy gravity, rugs more beautiful than any man I’ve ever dated.

But seeing it in person? It’s like walking into a dream someone else is having but somehow you’re invited to stay.

As you wander through the souks of Marrakech, where the air smells like a mix of cumin, leather, and mystery, you will find vendors calling you out, not just to sell you their wares, but to get to know you.

“Where are you from?” they might ask, curious but never pushy. “What’s your name? Oh, Carrie? Like the American show?” (Yes, they’ve seen it.)

And let’s talk about the hustle. These shopkeepers don’t just sell — they perform.

Bargaining here isn’t business; it’s foreplay. “This scarf will make you the most beautiful woman in your city!” you might hear.

The art of saying yes!

Here’s the thing about Moroccan hospitality: it’s everywhere. Every interaction starts with a cup of mint tea so sweet it feels like dessert before the meal.

(Pro tip: always say yes to the tea. Even if you’re running late. Even if you “don’t do sugar.” The tea is non-negotiable.)

Then there are the tagines — those slow-cooked pots of magic. Tender lamb, plump apricots, almonds that crunch just right.

One bite, and suddenly, you will understand the phrase home-cooked meal in a way you never had before.

And here’s the kicker: you don’t just eat in Morocco. You dine. Meals stretch on for hours, with conversation swirling around like the steam from your cup.

No one’s rushing to check their phones or their watches. The moment is enough.

Read more: In Darija, We Say…

They can see YOU!

But the thing about Morocco that will really steal your heart? It’s not the food or the souks or even the Sahara dunes that look like something out of a fairy tale. It’s the people.

In Morocco, you’re not a tourist; you’re a guest. And there’s a difference.

A guest gets asked about their family, their hopes, their dreams.

A guest gets invited into the kitchen to learn how to roll couscous properly.

A guest is someone they want to see.

When you ask a local why everyone is so kind, you might hear “Because you are here.” As if showing up is the only currency you need.

Leaving, but not really

You will leave Morocco with a suitcase heavier than your heart (souvenir overload is real), but the feeling of being welcomed will stay with you.

The thing about this place is that it doesn’t just invite you to visit — it invites you to belong.

And so, dear reader, if you’re ever asking yourself what it means to feel truly welcomed, hop on a plane to Morocco.

Bring an empty bag, an open heart, and a question or two. Trust me, you’ll find your answers — and maybe a few rugs along the way.