(Above) GCP Morocco group at Volubilis (Roman ruins)
Associate Professor of Costume Design Cheryl Yancey, M.F.A. reflects on her Global Citizenship Project 2014 trip to Morocco
Moroccan women in front of one of the beautiful doorways in Fez
How do I describe in just a few words the wonder and joy that was the 2014 GCP trip to Morocco? To say this was one of the best weeks of my life is an understatement. I learned so much and gained such an appreciation for the culture, that the people of Morocco will always have a very special place in my heart.
The country of Morocco is such an interesting mixture of new and old cultures. The city of Casablanca was very much a typical big city, bustling with cars and people hurrying to get from one place to another. Yet in the midst of that, in the middle of a busy street are men on carts being pulled by donkeys with the carts loaded with goods.
After we left Casablanca and headed to other cities such as Rabat and Fez, we experienced more of what we expected from Morocco. Narrow streets filled with color, mosaics everywhere, wonderful smells and beautiful architecture. The old Medina of Fez was alive with much activity. Everywhere we looked, and around each corner we turned was something new and exciting to see — from stands holding beautiful, fresh fruit, to the sounds of workers pounding out brass bowls.
Camel rides in the Sahara
One of the most incredible nights we had was the sunset camel ride out to spend the night in the Berber tents. We rode across the Sahara Desert to arrive at a small oasis. We were served an amazing dinner. After dinner was finished, the Berber men played their drums and sang. They had us all up dancing and enjoying the night. We slept that night in the Sahara and it is a night I will never forget.
We found the people of Morocco warm and generous, the food incredible and the countryside beautiful. I can’t wait to go back.
