You can also watch this episode on video, where you'll see some of John's fabulous photos!

You can find it on our YouTube channel here:

A Morocco Travel Itinerary That's Made for Photographers!

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Photographer and dedicated world traveller John Hernandez joins Azdean today to share his inspiring travel experience to Morocco, with an emphasis on photography.

John recently travelled from Tangier, down through Chefchaouen, Fes (visiting Volubilis on the way), then Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains, Essaouira and the Agafay Desert. This two week trip gave him enough time to get to know a few different places throughout the country, while not feeling rushed, something helped in turn by flying from Fes to Marrakech and thus saving the six hour drive.

John delves into rich cultural interactions, including playing with musicians in the desert, captivating street scenes and amazing street food, staying in stunning riads (particularly in Fes), discovering pleasantly surprising local wine, incredible coffee, fresh olives and olive oil, leather goods and crafts, and picturesque landscapes that are a photographer's dream.

A key concern for any photographer or videographer is of course the safety and security of their gear. John felt very safe throughout Morocco, particularly in Fes, which had a more relaxed vibe, and is less subjected to the buzz of motorbikes everywhere. Marrakech is however well-known for this scourge, and Azdean does include a warning to hold your items a little closer when you're in the souks there, lest they get snapped off your shoulder as a scooter whizzes by!

Ultimately, John emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the local culture to truly appreciate and capture the essence of Morocco through photography. Take the time to chat with locals, wander at your own pace, give yourself free time and flexibility in your itinerary. Hire a local guide with the instructions to really get past the tourist stereotypes and uncover the true story of a place.

As John says, "The only way this planet's gonna survive if we can get out of our own way and start connecting with folks from different cultures and learning. Because ultimately we all want the same thing.

Cover photo credit: John Hernandez

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We recommend watching this episode on video, on our YouTube channel. You can find it here:

Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech: An Insider's Tour!

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If you want to see what it's like visiting the souk, going into a real artisan shop: the sales pitch, the bartering, the valuable information and explanations, the language barriers and yet finding common ground and understanding - this will be an eye-opening episode.

Azdean tours the souk of Marrakech, and visits two artisan craft workshops. Our camera crew was there to document the entire experience.

He starts with the artisan wool shop, in fact a cooperative that provides hand-dyed wool for the women's cooperatives that we've featured on the podcast. You'll see the different types of coloring, in powder form, and watch as the wool master adds a few little drops of water to make it transform into a vibrant indigo blue.

We go from the initial stages of steaming and spin drying to seeing the finished product: pashmina shawls, scarves, pillow cases, carpets, hand bags and more. Azdean tries on a Saharan turban, designed for keeping out sand while you're on your camel crossing the desert.

We then go over to the wood-carver's shop, where we see a complex system of tools and chisels that requires three limbs for operation. That's right: if both of your hands are busy, you need to use your feet too! The carver deftly holds the chisel between his toes as the wood is spun by one hand and the other hand manoeuvres the angle of the chisel.

The wood shop features all kinds of intricate carvings and contraptions, but for very useful and practical things: tissue boxes, door knockers, jewelry boxes, backgammon and chess boards - items that don't just look nice on a shelf but gathering dust, but that you can actually use and enjoy regularly.

Although, there are also the soccer balls. Decorative wooden balls with inlaid pieces of wood, designed to mimic a real soccer ball. Okay, these ones you won't want to kick around but they are beautiful works of art.

The souk can be a little intimidating and overwhelming. It takes some getting used to. This episode will help get you not just prepared, but excited to see and touch, and dive into the shopping experience.

Check out the beautiful video on our YouTube channel, put together by our videographers in Morocco, Youssef and Fatah.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"From Texas to Marrakech: American Impressions of Morocco"

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One evening in Marrakech, at the conclusion of their tour, Azdean sat down with three of Destination Morocco's tour guests from Texas: Eric, Allison and her brother Matt, to chat about their tour experience, and their impressions and reflections upon visiting Morocco.

If you're wondering what it's really like to experience Morocco for the first time, this fascinating conversation gives you a window into their discoveries.

The setting: the beautiful Safran rooftop restaurant, overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque, and around the corner from the Royal Mansour Hotel and the famous Marrakech medina.

The conversation revolves around the deep cultural exposure that the group experienced during their tour, highlighted by the enduring nomadic traditions within the Berber culture. Even in this modern day world, that attachment to the land and lifestyle is never far removed.

The group discuss the importance of personal connections, warm hospitality, and the unique, sensory-rich encounters that transcend what can be captured in photos or videos.

They emphasize the value of using personalized tours by Destination Morocco, which allowed them to explore the country intimately and safely, leading to a profound appreciation for the country's diversity, history, and daily life. Their itinerary was crafted in collaboration with Azdean and his team, and so it is not a, "Go here, do this," style of tour, but rather one that incorporates the interests, priorities and pace of each individual guest.

Eric, Allison and Matt also touch on their preconceived notions before arriving in Morocco, versus the reality of actually being there, with a focus on the welcoming nature of the people, the unexpected joy found in local traditions like mint tea, and the genuine hospitality and warmth that was found.

Allison: "The feeling I'll take home with me, and it's at the heart of the people of Morocco, is on a day to day basis I will think about how can I receive people and show that heart to the people in my life."

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!