Our trip to morocco began with a cozy evening in bed in Brooklyn. We were watching Almost Famous, one of my all-time favorite movies that I would just about do anything for. When Penny Lane said, "I've made a decision, I'm gonna live in Morocco for one year. I need a new crowd. Do you wanna come?"
I think I took that invitation a little to realistic because the next week, my boyfriend and I were booking tickets to Morocco for the holiday. We were already looking for a place to spend the winter vacation, so this seemed as good of an idea as any.
Just like I learned at a young age that there is so much good music to listen to, this year I began to learn that there are so many good places to see. Prior to this fall, I had only been to one other country. In December, Morocco became the fifth country I visited.
To me, different places are like different music. They have a sound, a vibration, an image and a feeling that just stick with you. When you think back to that certain song or place, you get nostalgic for it's taste.
For me, Morocco is by far the most beautiful song I have ever heard. I have never been to an Arab country before, so I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. At every place I went, I was greeted with such kindness and respect. I have never felt such good energy from strangers in my life. Each place treated us to the most wonderful mint tea and sweets, and that was just the hello.
Aside from New York (my home) and Los Angeles (second home), it's hard for me to let other places in, the way it may be hard for some people to let new people in. I guess I just have such a love affair with Manhattan and sunny California, that it's like I don't have anymore room in my heart. It's like I don't want to have to fall in love with any more places and feel nostalgic for their presence.
But this year, I made the decision to let that go and expand my perceived limitations. What I have found, is extreme beauty coming from the world around me in all shapes and sizes. And what I have witnessed in myself is intense growth. There's just something about traveling to a new place that makes you grow as a human. I can't make a detailed graph of exactly how this growth happens, but it does.
We spent two days at a palace outside of Marrakech, one night in the desert, and four nights at Royal Mansour, a hotel that was originally created by the king for his guests visiting the country.
I learned the mannerism and traditions of Morocco. I learned what was respectful to do and what was not. I observed the people in the streets and saw them in awe of my bleach-blonde hair. What they probably didn't know, that I was in awe of them as well. I have never seen women covered up in full Hijab, the modest dress of women in Islamic culture. I looked into the eyes of many that lived such a different life, but could only see myself.
So when the New Year rang in that warm evening in Morocco, I made a promise to myself. I promised that I would do more, see more, feel more. Because I can't help but completely believe that it is essential to my growth as a human-being. And I think Penny Lane would be proud.
xx
as seen on C-heads Magazine
white babydoll dress by Fete
printed dress by For Love & Lemons