Destinations
Morocco Magic
Remember Aladdin and the Magic Lamp, Sinbad the Sailor and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves? As children most of us have heard or read these stories. With their exciting adventures and fabulous pictures of sultans and princesses, pirates and snake-charmers, bazaars and minarets, they filled us with wonder and vividly colored our dreams.
If there’s a country in the world that lives up to that childhood fantasy, it’s Morocco! What better way to live those dreams than travelling here with your own children?
Involving children more actively in the scheme of things can make all the difference to a holiday. That’s where Muddy Shoes steps in. Informative and child-friendly, the guide motivates children between 8 and 12 years to find out more about their destination in a fun way and to take pride in organizing themselves for the trip ahead. While you go about sorting out dates, flight details and accommodation in Morocco, your children would have picked up an astonishing number of details about local climate, where to shop, what to pack and how to greet people in Arabic. They’ll also surprise you with a wealth of fascinating information about Kasbahs, camels and Barbary apes, why Tuareg tribesmen are blue-skinned and how to make mint tea!
Even as Morocco rapidly modernizes its infrastructure and economy, it remains rooted in its fabled past. For children, Morocco offers an extraordinary opportunity to learn about a land and people with a rich, varied and ancient culture. While travelling through the country, they will witness geography and history come alive. They may even pick up a smattering of new languages, for good measure!
Imagine relaxing on an beach and going skiing, all in one day! Sounds unreal? In Morocco, it’s possible, thanks to the incredible geographical diversity packed into a relatively small area. And then there are the cities – the historic medinas of Fes and Marrakesh are the world’s oldest, living medieval cities, by themselves worth the price of an air ticket! Within their narrow, chaotic lanes lies a treasure trove of history, art and architecture (your childhood dream come true!) Shopping in the traditional souqs takes on a whole new meaning when you watch artisans practising their craft in much the same way as they have for thousands of years. If you’re a movie buff, follow the Hollywood trail and check out the locations of many famous classics, like Lawrence of Arabia and The Last Temptation of Christ!
Besides giving children a heads up on their impending trip, the guide is a handy take-along, rather like a knowledgeable, friendly companion! Why do Moroccans wear long robes? Where’s the king’s palace? Why do small children work – shouldn’t they be in school? Muddy Shoes has answers to many such questions, stimulating children’s natural curiosity and encouraging them to be more observant.
Like many traditional societies, Morocco has unwritten rules about dress, etiquette, table manners and religion, to name just a few aspects of life. Muddy Shoes helps children to understand culture and local habits, sensitizing them to do’s and don’ts so that they develop respect and appreciation for a way of life completely different from their own.
