*REPOST* Advice on Morocco

[Bellydancefanatic]

People stopped replying, so I reposted with an additional inquiry.


I'm planning my trip for Morocco for this year. I'm doing a volunteer program, and I'm going to try to get some dancing into my schedule. Even so, I need some advice from those who have traveled to Morocco or are familiar with the culture, etc.

Also, anyone know of any dance classes and/or seminars going on this summer in Morocco? Not sure what part I'm going to be living in yet, but I'll be there for 2 to 3 weeks.

I'll take all the advice I can get!

Thanks!

Bellydancefanatic

I've got another question I've been wondering about. How strict is Morocco in terms of Islam? I know they're mixed in cultures and religious backgrounds, but I don't want to make assumptions. Would you suggest wearing a headscarf (not hijab, just a decorative loose covering) upon entering and traveling in the country? Cross Cultural Solutions would probably tell me no since I plan on working in the women's improvement program, but I want to know it is like when I'm traveling (and by myself most likely).

[CFerhat]

I've been to Morocco about six or seven times now, and been in the cities as well as rural areas - I've never covered my hair hijab-style. Tourism is one of their biggest industries, so, especially in the cities, people are used to seeing foreign women with uncovered hair - and a lot of Moroccan women don't cover either, especially the younger, urban women. In fact, in the four-star hotels poolside, I've seen the French tourists whip off their bikini tops like they were on the Riviera - not that I'm recommending that. In the countryside, most women do cover, but certainly won't be perturbed if you don't. The rules are simply different for non-Muslims.

However, you might find that a scarf is handy because at some point you might be in an environment that is windy, dusty, etc. and you will want to tie your hair up. Also, because of the sun, I always take an enormous, collapsible sun hat, and paired with enormous sunglasses, as I sit in a rooftop cafe I can pretend that I'm an Egyptian film star incognito on holiday instead of just hiding my unwashed hair. :)

[Bellydancefanatic]

That's good news! I really like wearing scarves, so I'll wear them fashionably around my neck or skirts, though it will probably be around 1,000 degrees! And I like that whole movie star thing. Really like it!

[Sashy]

<I've got another question I've been wondering about. How strict is Morocco in terms of Islam? I know they're mixed in cultures and religious backgrounds, but I don't want to make assumptions. Would you suggest wearing a headscarf (not hijab, just a decorative loose covering) upon entering and traveling in the country? Cross Cultural Solutions would probably tell me no since I plan on working in the women's improvement program, but I want to know it is like when I'm traveling (and by myself most likely).>

I've visited Morocco several times,imperial cities and rural areas alike,and would even consider it a more laid back country regarding religious backgrounds than Egypt.Have never been harrassed there and as a woman traveling alone you feel comfier than in Cairo,for example,were got my butt slapped while walking around Tahrir Square last year.