Like all countries, the best way to fully immerse yourself in a country’s culture is to be there in person. Initially, I thought I had a decent idea of what I was coming into, and for the most part, I think I was right, however, my misses were far off. It was obvious from the start that Morocco is working hard to develop and expand the country. On our drive to the Mosque, we drove by countless buildings in progress that looked huge with great potential, while many were abandoned and abused with graffiti. This contrast is interesting because it is clear Morocco is trying to move away from such properties and move toward more Westernized strips of businesses such as car dealerships and fast food options along the highway.

Interestingly, I think if we did not travel in a group of 22+ people, we would not stick out like a sore thumb as much as I thought. While we were in the touristy area, during the touristy time of day, I was surprised to see so much skin showing in many outfits. Even the locals clothing reminded me of very Western style rather than the conventional head-to-toe coverings you might expect. In Italy, I was kicked out of the Scala Sancta, or the Holy Stairs, for wearing jorts, so seeing people walk around barefoot in such a prestigious building was a massive switch-up. To be fair, Holy Stairs consist of 28 white marble steps in Rome theorized to be the ones that Jesus is believed to have walked up to in Jerusalem, so it was probably warranted.

Visiting the Hassan II Mosque was a super eye-opening experience. It sits along the ocean and is massive in person (the pictures don’t do it justice). Being allowed inside such a sacred and important building throughout Moroccan culture felt like a privilege in of itself. After visiting the 144 year old work-in-progress Sagrada Familia in Spain this past summer, hearing that the Mosque was built in just six years didn’t feel right. You would think with a building of such magnitude being built in such little time, it would not come with all the hidden features it does. The floors are heated for use during colder months and the roof has a dome-like structure that can open and close depending on the weather. Another unique detail was that the King of Morocco has his own personal runway inside. It is interesting to me that he prays with everyone else because I can’t imagine President Trump or any President in general doing such interactive activities with the public, in public. In Morocco, Friday serves as the holiest day of the week, similar to how Sunday is view in the U.S. Overall, the tour was not only magnificent and humbling to see in person, but also gave me a good idea of what is to come in Moroccan traditions and daily life.