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DCgrl

Hi everyone!

I'm an American woman, born, raised and lived my entire life in the Washington, DC area. I've been married to a Moroccan for 12 yrs. My husband recently returned to his home in Morocco. He had his own very small flooring company here in the DC area. After the housing bubble burst and all the US economic troubles began, there just wasn't enough work to keep him busy and pay the bills. He went back to Morocco to work in his family's business and I'm still here in DC. I'm retired so my time is very flexible. I've never been to Morocco and want to go for about a month to see what it's like. Does anyone know a good English speaking guide that they can recommend? My husband is working and not very available to show me around. Also, I'm very interested in areas where English speaking ex pats live.

Thanks.

Abdel

Hey DCgrl - Welcome to GoMorocco.com I'm amazed you've been married to a Moroccan for over 10 years and never been there Anyway, Morocco is very nice country and it's always a good idea to go visit for a month or so before you make a final decision to move there...
there's so many cities where Americans live especially Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger, Marrakesh, Essaouira... Do you know which part of Morocco your husband is moving to?
I will say as a general rule wherever there's an American cultural center there's Americans living there: you can refer to this thread i just posted.
Concerning the guide, Once you know your trip itinerary we can help you find someone to assist you with your visit as a guide. I'm sure our members will be more than happy to help you and you will be in good hands.

Hope this helps and again thank you for joining.

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DCgrl

Thanks for the fast response, Abdel. I didn't go to Morocco mainly for health reasons, long story. Anyway, I'm up to traveling now. My husband still owns a house in Azzemour on the Atlantic coast. That's where he's living. His family also lives in Azzemour. It's near El Jadida. I think it's an hour or so south of Casablanca. He's traveling around quite a bit with his work so he's really all over the place, but Azzemour is his home base.

I'm thinking that there wouldn't be much for me to do in Azzemour and I don't know how much he would be there anyway. I'm used to having my own life, friends and interests. You know the type, independent American career woman. I need to learn MSA, of course. I studied a little bit here, but didn't really apply myself. I can say a few things in Moroccan Arabic.

What cities or places do you think I should see as a first time visitor? I'm totally in love with the Mediterranean. I'm a Greek American (2nd generation)and went to Greece for the first time in Sept. 2007. That was also my first time seeing the Mediterranean.

Thanks.

Abdel

You are welcome and that's why we started this website and forums to help
I know Azemmour it's a town between El Jadida and Casablanca. You can find a detailed map of the region here.
I agree it won't be a good idea to stay there. small cities are usually limited as you will run out from things to do or to see and especially people of the same interest to hang out with. if you are planning on staying closer to your husband I will suggest El Jadida, and Marrakesh. Now if you consist on living on the Mediterranean, you should definitely visit Tanger, Tetouan map Asilah is also a good alternative since it's on the Atlantic but very close to the Mediterranean.
As a native Moroccan here's a list of cities that you should really consider visiting:
Coast option: Casablanca,Rabat,Tangier, Essaouira, Asilah, Agadir. off coast cities: Fes, Marrakech.
Concerning the language. the best way to learn as any other language is to practice them we have a forums called: speak Moroccan language / Darija where you can ask help learning the MAS, feel free to ask and we'll be glad to help.
Do you speak Greek? I worked in the past with Greeks and I learned few words, mainly the bad ones! lol but i can manage to say the basic words expl: Kalinita
Good luck and don't hesitate asking if you have any other questions.


Cheers

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lahcenrizani

Hi and welacome to gomorocco, in fact there are many Moroccan cities worth visting coz each one has its own featurs; so it is up to you to choose what you want to see, then if you would like coastal cities, you can go therefore to Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir or El jadida. They are all beautiful cities. But if you prefer to see mountainous cities, there are also many ones such as: Ouazazate, Marakech. there is a thread contains more information about some of these cities.

DCgrl

Thanks for your replies. I really appreciate all of the information. My next question is how do I go about finding a reliable and reputable English speaking Moroccan guide? My husband is busy working so I need someone that can go with me to some of these cities. Any ideas? Any information or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

Abdel

You are welcome, you can have lahcen as a guide, he speaks English, reliable and will be glad to assist you with your trip. You can private message me I will give you further details. we don't do this as a primary profession but it's something that we are willing to offer as a service. and we will only assign recommended and trust worthy people. and later on members can review their experience.
we are also working on offering a guest house service where members can stay with Moroccan families at no cost or minimum costs.
Hope this helps.

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