Experience the Moroccan travel scene through the lens of a photographer.

The Kingdom of Morocco is located in North Africa. The Atlas Mountains divide the country into two halves with different topography and climates. One side boasts the majestic Todra and Dades gorges, and the palaces of Tinerhir. Visitors can enjoy skiing in the beautiful Berber city of Berarzazate. The other side includes Mer Merououga, famous for camel riding and birdwatching, along with Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa.

Upon arriving in Morocco, Piero spent time taking photographs and experiencing the local culture in the Medina, the term referring to the old markets of the country. These medinas are the largest trading centers of Moroccan cities. From the 8th century, the ancient Kingdom of Morocco and Andalusia, now a region of Spain, traded and exchanged cultures. Therefore, Moroccans are fluent in three languages: Arabic, Spanish, and French.

"The coffee culture here is just as famous as the tea culture," Piero said. The photographer observed that coffee culture is an integral part of life here. Men in this country consider coffee shops a must-visit place every day, not only for the delicious drinks but also because it's a habit deeply ingrained in their daily lives.

Reportedly, to capture the moments of Moroccans enjoying coffee, Piero had to circle around five times before he could get just one shot. In the Titawin café in Tetouan, time and space seemed to freeze. Piero described the men sitting close together, chatting animatedly, with tiny tables between them holding small glass coffee cups. Outside, the drizzling rain, damp and cold weather reminded him of Cafe Lam in Hanoi during the cold winter months.

In particular, boiled snails are a traditional street food that has existed for decades throughout Morocco. Just like in Vietnam, boiled snails are often enjoyed with a bowl of snail broth. However, compared to Vietnamese snails, the snails here are less flavorful and not as plump.

"You can see many snail vendors on any street in Morocco, and almost every one of them is packed with customers," Piero shared.

When asked about his experience photographing Moroccans in the street style, Piero shook his head, saying it was incredibly difficult. Moroccans view taking a picture of themselves as like capturing a part of their soul and stuffing it into a camera. Therefore, Piero believes that in addition to some essential photography skills, a thick skin and a daring spirit are also necessary qualities to possess when visiting.

For Piero, strolling through the medina in Fez was also an unforgettable experience. In Fez, the cobblestone streets are shrouded in deep darkness, narrow and constantly branching off, confusing visitors about which way to go. These dead-end streets evoke a sense of both imminent danger and allure.

"You can't know in advance which path to take, and you don't have a map, that's the fun of an expedition," Piero said.

Photographer Piero shared that when stopping in Rabat, visitors should take the time to admire Oudaias Kasbah. This is an ancient fortress built in the 11th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the stone walls are quiet little neighborhoods with white and blue walls built in the Andalusian style. Visitors can see many cats and Arab women in traditional clothing along the way.

Due to its geographical location, Morocco has a rich and diverse climate, giving visitors many options when deciding when to visit. March to May is springtime, offering the most pleasant and cool weather. However, those wishing to experience the intense heat of the desert should visit during the summer, with the hottest months being June to August.

Anh Thi