About malika

Status:

Considering a Move Abroad 

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

atlanta, Georgia, United States

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Morocco: 10 Tips for Living in Morocco:

I visit Morocco every year for 2 months and I can offer a few tips to make things more smooth. 1. Yes, there may be more than one passenger in a taxi. BUT as you add each person, YOUR fare should be reduced pro rata. It's not unusual at all to have 2 passengers plus driver in front and 4 in back. You would pay for the amount of SIX people if you go alone (I'm talking about big taxis, not petite taxis by the way) and if you are one of the SIX in a full taxi, it's substantially less. 2. Marrakesh was at one time a bargain and it can still be fairly priced, but there has been so much growth there the hotels and souks are taking advantage. You can spend 2 hours bargaining over a single modestly priced item and you can also bargain as well with almost anything including hotels. If you're not successful in the first place, go to another until you can pay the price you feel it's worth. 3. If you are an American getting married in Morocco, LOOK OUT! The complicated red tape is beyond anything one could imagine. Be prepared for a federal police investigation, a local police investigation, many many trips to the notary for advice and help, convincing the judge your marriage is for real, convincing all the support staff around the judge the marriage is real. You will have to meet with the king's delegate at the court and when he asks you about sexual relations, "no, I have not had sexual relations with my fiance". If you are female, when you get your certificate of good health from the doctor, be sure and also get a statement that you are not pregnant. I'm over 60 and had to go back for this. Organize, organize, organize and be prepared for hours of waiting and nothing moves. Be prepared to pay off anyone who is even slightly involved with your marriage papers. You will have at least 4 pounds of papers at the end and multiple multiple red seal stamps on every document. Set the price the notary is going to charge you BEFORE you start this process - we're getting ripped off now for double the price. You need to be patient and expect to do a lot of traveling to hand deliver documents between multiple cities. If they say come back at 2, don't leave - sit there until 2. 4. Moroccans are warm and extremely hospitable. There are man poor poor people and if you have $10 in your pocket, it's $10 more than they have and many times they are hungry. Please try to understand many people are desperate just to feed their family or to buy a tank of gas to heat their home for a very cold night. As Americans, almost none among us can imagine the challenges that face some of the most brillant and loving people on earth. 5. Speaking of love, a Moroccan's family is their everything. Always remember to ask how each one of them are. Always say you pass your greetings on to them. This is so important to them. 6. Be prepared for turkish toilets - the hole in the floor. If you travel outside the big cities, there will be many of them. Be sure and wash your hands well and touch as little as possible. Bring some antibiotic wipes from home to cut down on the risk of inviting in some uninvited germs. 7. If anyone says "I want you to meet my friend" while shopping - run as fast as you can and don't look back. You'll be spending a lot more money. And by the way, money and cards in holder around neck and INSIDE your shirt. 8. CTM is a much more luxurious bus service then the other services. I've ridden with live chickens on the bus - if that doesn't bother you and you like a bargain, then go for it. 9. Everyone will want to invite you home. Be selective. I've taken chances that turned out ok and some that weren't ok. It's better to be friends with someone who knows the person who is inviting you. 10. Don't die until you've visited this magnificent and beautiful country. 40% illiteracy but some of the most intelligent people on the planet. I have many "favorite" parts of Morocco. The roads are dangerous particularly in the high atlas. Drive safely or force the driver to drive safely. The views are astounding. Merzouga and the surrounding area is about being free and feeling the presence of God. The beach cities are busy and wonderful. Try to connect with one family to be your friend and you'll find what the real value of life is if you happen to be a typical American.

Morocco: Moving to Casablanca:

Hi Kathy, Did you ever get the immigration worked out? We are just beginning to apply. I'm jealous if you're living in Mohammedia - I love that city and if you are there, hope you do too. M

Date Joined:

12/3/2008

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