Lost Cities and Local Smiles: The First Glimpse of Morocco
A Land Woven with Centuries of Change
Morocco’s story stretches back through centuries of rich and layered history. From ancient Berber tribes and Phoenician trade routes to Roman settlements, Islamic empires, and French colonization, Morocco has always been a meeting point of cultures, faiths, and ambitions. Its cities once thrived as key nodes in Saharan trade routes. Dynasties rose and fell, each leaving architectural and cultural traces. Today’s Morocco is a tapestry of Arabic, Berber, African, and European influences. A place where old stones still whisper stories of power and purpose.
Landing in Nador: The Journey Begins
We shipped from Almería into Nador, Morocco’s northeastern gateway. The ferry ride felt like a line drawn in the sand between Europe and North Africa. No easing in with two full days and 630 kilometers of driving through vast and changing landscapes. We kicked off our Morocco adventure with what felt like two marathon stages.
The first night offered little charm. We parked in front of a police station. Safe, yes. Picturesque? Not really. But the quiet night reminded us that not every stop on the road is out of a postcard.
The Beauty Begins at Meski
Our second night was a sharp contrast. We found ourselves perched on the edge of a canyon, overlooking a lush valley of palm trees that followed the line of a river. Across the canyon stood the remains of the old town of Meski. The town is completely abandoned now, yet full of silent stories.
Impressions from Meski
Meski was built using traditional rammed earth construction, where walls are formed by compressing layers of natural materials such as clay, sand, and straw. Today, these walls crumble under the slow pressure of wind and time. But the scale of the ruins hints at the importance this town once held, as a stopover on ancient trade routes that connected distant corners of the desert.
As we explored, we were invited into a local family’s home. They served us traditional food with warmth and generosity. These moments are the kind you never plan and which are the ones that leave lasting impressions.
Between Smiles and Reality
As we roll further south, we drive as the fifth vehicle in a convoy. When we pass through small towns, the first trucks stir curiosity. Children run out into the streets. Many wave joyfully, smiling and chasing our dust trails. Some stretch out hands asking for food or coins, others try to sell things to tourists. It is a reminder that while our adventure feels magical, the everyday life here can be tough and uneven.
The Road is long.
Landscapes That Steal Your Breath
The Moroccan landscape is truly something else. We’ve seen sunsets fall over quiet dunes with no one else in sight. We’ve driven where there are no tracks, carving our own path into the sand. We’ve steered our truck through tight village streets with barely a hand’s width on either side. As an excercise we even changed a tire, which, on a truck like ours, is no joke. That’s not just a chore, it’s a workout.
Morocco is beautifull.
What Lies Ahead
The coming days promise more: workshops, long drives off the tarmac, and more encounters with people and places that reshape the way we see the world. It’s a beautiful journey. One that teaches us something new every day.
We’re here to explore. To learn. To connect. And we’re just getting started.
Explore. Dream. Discover.