First Glimpse of Chefchaouen
As soon as I arrived in Chefchaouen I went to my hotel, Dar Mounir, with the help of a local guy who offered to take my bags. I needed that help because I was lugging a huge suitcase, one stuffed black duffle bag and a leather bowling bag as my shoulder bag full of cameras (Nikon and a L’omo instant) and overnight necessities. We walked up steps (notice a trend here…) and after just a few minutes were outside of Hotel Dar Mounir, it’s Moroccan style doors set wide open to drink in the sun and fresh air. I ended up tipping him 50 DH, despite our initial agreed upon 40 DH, which I still felt like was not enough for man-handling that heavy suitcase on an incline for 7-ish minutes.
Anass, the receptionist, greeted me at the door and was super laid-back. He gave me a warm welcome and helped me with my bags to the room, which was perfect, adorned in beautiful, Moroccan features: pointed door arches, stained glass windows and colorful tile flooring. I then relaxed for a few minutes, grateful to have made it, then jumped in the shower after that 13-hr journey, thirsty to feel like ‘me’ again and get out exploring. I touched base with Anass before leaving and ordered lunch at the hotel while I updated my blog. We chatted a bit while I waited for lunch and decided to meet up after he was off so he could show me around the town a bit. ‘Yay, a friend!,’ I thought…and a genuine one. In my 4 days in Marrakech I didn’t so instantly feel like I made a friend I could trust. Here, the vibe was completely different.
Before going off, I couldn’t help but to ask Anass if he could snap some pics for me and, as it turns out, he was a photography assistant for a recent magazine photo shoot in Chefchaouen so he did not mind helping out at all. Yes! I thought again…the pieces are falling into place. This city is just what I’ve been waiting for.
Style Details:
Dress: Zara; Shoes: Topshop; Necklace: Morocco
luciahicks
You are a savvy traveller! I’ve seen and loved pictures oh the Blue City for years in National Geographics or travel books, but never did I think I’d get to see it up close and personal through the eyes of a former student! There really is something magic about it and I especially loved the hair color switch to blue. You could not have looked more in place. Looking forward to hearing about more adventures, Nia!
Nia G.
Wow, thank you so much! It truly is a magical place. And I’m so glad the blue worked out- it was my first time trying atomic turquoise 🙂 I look forward to sharing more.