10 days in Morocco

My company participated in Arab Theatre Festival 2015 in Morocco, Rabat. 12 countries competed in a competition of the best stage act, ours was the only dance performance. As Egypt and Morocco were the sure leaders, Palestine took the first place by surprise. Here is a photo collection of best moments during the 10 days:

In Cairo airport before departure

Boarding Royal Moroccan Air, with Tarik, our choreographer (in blue)

The royal drama theatre in Rabat

Egyptian team

Constructing our stage

Kaidi flying on stage as Dalila in the arms of the king

Good wins bad and Kaidi is hanged in the background 

Moment of gratitude

Egyptian and Moroccan flag side by side

Day-trip to Casablanca, Atlantic ocean behind us

Moroccan King Mohammed VI is overwhelmingly beloved in the whole country. His photos hang everywhere: from the airport to dinner halls, from taxis to beauty salons walls (above)

                                             A fancy dinner was served in exquisite silver plates

Bisteeya - moroccan chicken and almond filo pie, 

an interesting combination of sweet and savory

Marrakesh singers and musicians made everyone 

stand up and dance

Entering Rabat's old market, a real oriental jungle, 

just more clean and organized than in Cairo;)

              Street food

Struck by sunset rays.

I left Morocco with beautiful memories of a modern islamic state. Clean and organized streets, people actually following traffic rules, many public rubbish bins, much less mosques than in Egypt. Rabat and casablanca reminded me of the arabic quarter in Paris actually, so European but still had 

the oriental mood. 

Another good point is that moroccans are not scared to say "no" when needed. We went shopping for sneakers in old market and when I asked the shopkeeper if he can bring me the right number by friday, he stopped to thing and apologized, as it's too difficult and it would not make it on time. In Egypt I would never get a "no" for answer, I would go back several times because I was promised, but unless I was extremely lucky, I would return disappointed each time.

I didn't feel out of place walking the streets alone, none stared or made comments. I was one of many and I felt very safe. People are welcoming and friendly anywhere I went. Im very impressed by the mentality of this country and I hope to return soon.