Through ancient ruins, Moroccan medinas and many more experiences, we spent our Project Week exploring Morocco with our chaperones, college counselor Devon Jones and Upper School math teacher Helen Jeno.
Following a long day of travel and connecting flights, we started our time in Marrakech with a guided tour of the medina. These bustling historic markets of most Moroccan cities can be difficult to navigate because of the winding roads and narrow alleys, so we had tour guides with us throughout the week to help us.
For lunches, we ate at restaurants in the medinas or traditional Moroccan houses called riads. Each meal varied, although it was routine to start with flavorful olives and Moroccan bread, and end with mint tea and platters of fruit.
Sophomore Arden Brown said, “I enjoyed the different meals we had because it gave me a chance to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.”
Next on our itinerary was Fez, which is the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities and home to the oldest university in the world, the University of al-Qarawiyyin.
In Fez, we explored the medina and spent time at sites such as the university, a calligraphy workshop, a cooking class, and the tannery. Through these experiences, we learned about the rich history of Morocco and its citizens.
To finish our time in Fez, we practiced our negotiation skills at some of the medina’s shops to purchase souvenirs, unique artwork, and fresh fruit.
After a bus ride through breathtaking mountains, we took a short stop at Volubilis, a partially excavated Berber-Roman city. Despite the substantial amount of rain, visiting historic ruins was a unique look into the past.
Concluding our trip to Morocco, we spent a day in Rabat, the capital of Morocco and home to the royal family. In Rabat, we explored the breathtaking architecture and sights of Kasbah des Oudayas, a charming white city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
For our last sight of the trip, we rode to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. At 210 meters tall, it stands as the second largest functioning mosque in Africa. The intricate design and oceanfront view made it an unforgettable sight.
