My time in Morocco was a very special one. I fall in love with places that teach me something. And the amount that I learned in Marrakech was moving. Morocco was a place I always intended on visiting. Wether it be to buy an authentic Moroccan rug or to get lost in the souks, I knew I would love it. What I did not know is that I would be more uncomfortable here than any other place I have ever visited. Upon our arrival we hopped in a taxi not speaking the native language and our driver not speaking english. Being dropped off on a dirt street with motorbikes whizzing by and cats climbing over our toes, waiting to be escorted to our Riad. A man on a bike led us where cars weren’t aloud, through dirt alley ways lined with men guarding doors and kids playing street soccer. Under tunnels with wires brushing our heads. Thinking I was in a scene from Taken and considering swallowing my new engagement ring, we finally arrived safely at our hotel. This place was nothing short of a palace. Something out of a bohemian dream.

Walking the streets of the souks I couldn’t have stood out more. I had never been in a Islamic State nor a third world country, so this place popped my little tiny bubble. I was uncomfortable and out of place, but the best surprise, the people were so genuine and joyful. Happy to take their time and show us what was in their shops, happy to talk to us even though we were clearly tourist. One store owner even sat down and drank tea with us and talked about worldview.

This place taught me: Keep your joy. Despite how uncomfortable you might feel, find your joy and keep it.

The views were amazing and the culture shook me to my core but what I loved most about it was the people and their radiant happiness.