MOROCCO

When I landed in Morocco, the first feeling I had was that the trip would not disappoint us. Each day was more surprising than the last.

We arrived after visiting an imposing mosque of pure sumptuousness in Casablanca. A spectacular place. A few hours later, we arrived in the city where we were staying, and to get to know this country in its essence, we decided to stay in what is known as the Medina, the old part of the walled city, made up of alleys: true labyrinths that preserve their beautiful traditional houses, the riads.

The journey continues. With our guide accompanying us, we explore the famous souks, traditional markets found in countries with an Arab culture, made up of tiny, intricate streets where it is very easy to get lost. With a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, we are surrounded by a mix of sounds, whether coming from the hustle and bustle of voices, the clink of metal being worked on, and so much more. Their stalls are full of products in vibrant colors, whatever we can imagine we will find; handicrafts, spices, food, clothes, tapestries, jewelry, and so on. Each product reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Friendly vendors are always willing to tell the story of their wares.

Learning is part of our evolution; the more enlightened we are, the more we can express our opinions. I say this because, although I am a fervent defender of animals, I did visit the tanneries. The most iconic one is in the city of Fez. The process is done by hand, using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Not to mention the place has a very peculiar smell… the smell of skin, and as if that weren’t enough, the skin of a dead animal! That’s right! You’ll agree with me that it’s a very interesting trip, to say the least. It’s incredible how we come across the diversity of places and they challenge our principles, the ways we see the world. One thing I’m sure of: we never come back the same – and I start to daydream, talking non-stop and getting excited. You’ve noticed, right? Well, let’s get back to the focus of the proposal here: animals. Today, the goats, but first I need to explain about argan.

Argan plays a vital role in the local economy and in preserving the environment. The tree is a unique plant, adapted to arid conditions. Its essential oil is valued in both cooking and the cosmetics industry. The traditional process involves harvesting the fruit, drying it, extracting the almonds and finally pressing them. Needless to say, I got to see how the fruit is produced, right? It was a fascinating visit!

The vast majority of cooperatives are made up of women. These spaces provide women with autonomy and improve their social and economic conditions, enabling them to earn their own income. It is also important to seek fair trade certification, ensuring that producers receive the correct compensation for their work, promoting ethical conduct. Sustainable agriculture is another very important motto.

These cooperatives are an example of how the use of correct practices can benefit local communities and the environment. Preserving the argan tree is essential for the local ecosystem and for combating desertification.

Ladies and gentlemen, finally the goats. These animals are known for their ability to climb trees in search of leaves and fruits and balance skillfully on the branches, taking advantage of the available vegetation. This peculiarity characteristic of the southwest region of the country has become a unique tourist attraction, symbol of the region's biodiversity.

As soon as I saw the first tree full of these animals, I couldn't look away and my mind was spinning to understand how they managed such a feat. Seriously! It's beyond the scope of the Law of Gravity, there were several of them at the same time balancing and eating the argan nuts. I forgot to mention that they are crazy about this fruit, which is why the surreal image in the photo. The scene is so bizarre that the farmers wasted no time in finding a new source of income in them. Taking photos isn't free, but in return, we can interact with the animals without bothering them.

That's it for today, folks. Morocco is a charming country and overflows with culture in every direction. Now you must be wondering: she talked and talked and where is the Sahara desert, camels, Bedouins and its nomadic people? Well, that will be the topic for another post, which by the way is fantastic.