Coffee and Kids

When we first came to Morocco I was not sure on pricing or what neighborhood I wanted to rent so I rented a long-term  Airbnb  apartment.  This gave me time to search areas and apartments.  I found several realtors who were willing to show apartments but be careful because of all realtors in Marrakech request 1-month rent (non-refundable) if you choose to rent one of their client's apartments.  Which in the states usually the landlord pays this fee.  Also usually 1000 dirham is asked for electric and water deposit and 1st and last month rent and sometimes deposit. So if the apartment is 2000 dirham a month you would need 9000 dirhams to rent a furnished apartment. In addition, try and stay away from tourist areas because people try and list their unit for more than what it's worth.  In Marrakech, 1 bedroom furnished usually cost around 2000-2500 dirham, 2 bedrooms around 3000-3500 dirham, and townhouse furnished usually 4000-4500 dir...

Our time has come to an end. We loved it here. We had many rough starts but we made it 9 months on a budget less than $900 a month. This single mom of four did it! Yes!!! It was all down to major budgeting and sometimes we went over but the overages were legitimately good reasons. Either needed medicine or the baby needed new clothes or bottles. I've learned patience and acceptance. Living in a country with no family, friends or support system is a big challenge especially being a single mother of four beautiful children. But I survived and made it. Many things I was not able to accomplish while living in Marrakesh which was finding adequate schooling for my kids so I homeschooled, my online store did horrible which Argon oil is very popular but my customer base where mainly soap makers that loved Shea butter and black soap so selling argon was a little difficult plus shipping was ridiculous and more expensive then Senegal. Here is a breakdown of cost of living in Marrakesh, se...

Before I came to  Morocco many people made comments advising that Moroccan people did not like African Americans, non-Arab, darker skin people. This was far from the truth. From the moment I got off the plane, the kids and I were showered with acceptance, love and compassion.  I never once felt other people's fears.  I think as American's the media has made the rest of the world a  "big bad place" and only America is safe and accepting of African Americans.  But this is not true and far from the truth.  Were accepted and loved and not judge by the color of our skin abroad.  My son will never be shot dead for the color of his skin in Morocco. Hence, America history of racism played a heavy part in African American fear and how they think the world perceives us.  I'm not saying their not racism around the world what I'm saying is that it's not how everyone suggests.  The best way to conquer fear is to venture out not just the Caribbean, but T...

What can I say, we love Marrakesh. Morocco is the most inviting and most friendliness country we been thus far on the continent of Africa.  From family friendly restaurants to strangers kissing Vivi.  It's deep in culture but also has a modern western feel.  Old Medina is a fantasy world with snake entertainers to the henna tattoo artist.  Here a short video of our adventure in Marrakesh, I hope you enjoy.