Morocco: The Desert that is Cool As Hell

Things that are super awesome sauce about Morocco that you likely did not know:

• Sports are on at every bar on every corner.  Replace Bar with Coffee Shop and Sports with Soccer. Same concept.
• There are Parking Lords on every street.  You don't pay meters but give them like 10-25 cents for helping you find a spot, literally directing you how to turn your wheel into it (its a miracle if anyone here can parallel park without these guys), and they keep their eyes out for theft/issues while you are at your destination.  Total deal.
• During Ramadan people are fasting all day, so after breaking fast the city becomes like a month long party.  People crowd the streets- especially near the beach, parks, and city centers,  There are pop up carnival activities in neighborhoods for the kids.  Fireworks are set off at prayer times.  Great street food is available.  People are outside walking or packed in coffee shops,  enjoying company with loved ones.  Its like a 4th of July weekend - but all month- and only at night from like 9pm-230am.  Also -daily food comas because of the killer food at breakfast.  Thanksgiving dinner daily. Its surreal and wonderful.
• EVERY intersection consists of a roundabout with seemingly no rules about who has right of way
• During Ramadan if you go outside during the breaking of the day-long fasting (for the 30 minutes where people are chowing down) its literally like walking the streets of a zombie apocalypse.
• Stores remind me of China. Family owned- half indoor, half in the street, bargaining is on the table- and if the price is not right whatever you are interested in is available every three storefronts.
• Maps? GPS? No need!  If you aren't sure of the best place to buy bread in town or where that famous monument is- ask ANYONE.  People are extremely genuine and willing to help provide advice and directions to anyone in need.  
• There are areas with poor people camping out and trash rolling around (as there is anywhere)- but whats incredible is the massive amount of building and construction occurring all over the country from small cities to beach front.  Apparently the government is slowly working through the country supplying these poorest of people with land or apartments so that they can break down the ghettos and re-vitalize the country  It has seemed to work in some areas already.  I am excited for my next visit here to see how the vibrancy continues and how this project can aid those at the poorest level.  You hear tales of cities that have tried this in the US with extremely successful results.  Exiting to see an entire country putting it to the test.
• Hit TV shows are Pranks on Celebrities, Cooking Competitions, 15 minute quick comedy shorts/segments- think Nickelodeon for Adults (thank you ADD and societal lack of focus)- it's great.
• So maybe my favorite thing - since Morocco is a heavily Muslim country I finally understand what women wear under the pretty dresses that they wear around town.  The answer- EVERYTHING!  Been cooking all day and forgot something so you need to run to the store?  Throw a dress over your PJs!  Going to the gym?  Put on your killer spandex workout gear and throw that dress on top - once you get to the gym, show off your style.  Teenage angst?  Wear that obnoxious shirt with English on it and tight jeans then throw your dress on top. Bras? Optional.  Its kind of amazing.  I feel like I should get one and then everyday just live in PJs- but by throwing the dress on top I will look fancy, while being super comfy underneath.  They are like the ultimate mullet or ninja attire.  I loved seeing people in public and trying to imagine what crazy attire they had underneath.   Definitely as a lazy woman, this was a goldmine to finally understand. 

In addition to the random need to knows above- the culture is rich, the beaches are lovely, the people are warm, the food is delectable, and the history is awe-inspiring.