When Alice Morrison decided to take on the challenge of competing in the Marathon des Sables, a six-day ultramarathon across the Sahara, she did not know it would transform her life in completely unexpected ways. To prepare for the race, she moved to Morocco and fell in love with the country and its people—and decided to stay.
In Adventures in Morocco, she vividly brings to life her experience of the country, from bartering for carpets in a crowded souk to joining a group of nomads in their solitary existence in the desert. Her infectious zest for life ensures that the warmth and generosity of the people shines through. So if you're thinking of going to Morocco, or want to recall your time there, this is an unbeatable read.
Perhaps the most engaging travel book I've ever read! (And I'm in a travel book club. Side note: "travel book" is something of a misnomer since books in this category are about culture, history, politics, and social relations, geography, and more.)
Alice Morrison is truly an adventurer, always willing to try something challenging, go someplace new, and befriend all types of people. She is perpetually observant and a fine writer, but it's her enthusiasm and love of fun that captivate you. She comes across as a non-complaining, self-effacing, compassionate person. Her knowledge of Arabic and the fact that for years she's lived in various parts of Morocco make her the perfect guide to the country and its people.
Beautifully written in a way which transports you directly to every part of Morocco Alice visits. Also completely and totally hilarious as well as heartwarming - absolutely recommend!
While obviously an experienced traveler, the author never makes the reader feel inadequate. With a keen self-awareness and deep respect for culture and place, Ms. Morrison seamlessly transports her audience wherever she goes. I was absolutely floored by her descriptions, sensual language, and deep honesty about her journeys. I’m sure that she has experienced some negative events in her life, however, with the true spirit of an adventurer, she always seems to take every challenge in stride. And that is such an admirable quality from someone who thrives on structure and familiarity. I can’t recommend this book enough.
Torn between a 2 or 3 star. I find myself less attached at several part of the book. I guess i was hoping for a lil’ bit more of how the history and the present are inherently connected; how in history, the cities have come to be what it is today. I find that this book is more about her personal account, encounters, adventures in Morocco. Of course! It is Alice’s Adventures in Morocco after all! But sadly, it didn’t transport me back in time as i had hoped.
What is the best type of travel writing? Writing that transports you via word and sentence and page, creating atmosphere you can feel, smells and tastes that are vivid, descriptions of places and people that bring clarity in image and create lasting impressions. Add together an effortless writing style which feels as if the author is recounting their experiences to you personally over a cup of tea in a cosy coffee shop. I thoroughly enjoyed Alice Morrison's Moroccan adventures. Not only the 'adventures' across mountain ranges and deserts, meeting and interacting with the incredibly hospitable, and genuinely warm peoples of Morocco. But also the small vignettes of life. How to navigate the Medina. How to move flat from one city to another. The tips, ideas and suggestions should you visit this eclectic and fascinating country of contrasts...modern and traditional, dynamic and conservative. I have visited many countries and have long wanted to add Morocco, but have not been able to. Alice Morrison's excellent book has not only enlightened me, but made me determined to find myself in Fez or Marrakech or Essaouira sipping mint tea, ready to explore an incredible country. Chapeau, bahir, باهِر!
What a remarkable book this was. I will start by saying if you are going to Morocco, or want to go to Morocco and don’t know too much about the country then read this. This will give you so much information on the country, culture, people, food and locations. Also if Morocco isn’t on your bucket list yet then still read this, you will soon be adding it. Or if you just love reading great books set in wonderful locations, again read this.
I admire Alice and all the adventures she has been on. Doing the Marathon des Sables. What a woman. Always putting herself outside her comfort zone. I think Alice you are brilliant, brave and an inspiration. Your writing is powerful, delightful and captivating.
I am so glad I read this while in Morocco. Having been to Marrakesh before I saved this book for when I was in Agadir to feel connected when there and learn more. It taught me a great deal. I feel like I understand the country and admire their culture even more so from reading this. Also things my step son would ask about something in Morocco and thanks to the book I knew. Like he loved the Moroccan tea and see them pour it from a great height, I was able to tell him why. Little things like this throughout the book, I was then telling my family the answers or just general Moroccan information. Also about the camel hump, but no spoilers I’ll let people read for themselves.
I loved the photos in the book too which captured the moment Alice was describing beautifully.
This is why reading is great, it teaches you so much and takes you to new places.
I have added other locations to my list that I hadn’t heard of but thanks to this book I will be exploring more of Morocco. The Blue Pearl for starters.
Thank you again Alice. I will be checking out more of your work.
Alice Morrison moved to Morocco after running the Marathon des Sables and has made it her home since then. She gives a moving account of the hospitality she receives from locals that welcome her into their home, offering her whatever little they have with the kind of generosity that one only typically receives from the poor.
She discovers the harshness of nomadic life while accompanying a nomad family on their migrations. Her reaction to the realities busting her surprisingly romantic notions of nomadic life was unusual for a travel writer. The passages read like she was surprised that the problems of the privileged are mostly preferable to the problems of poverty for the average person.
She paints an exotic picture of Marrakech, specifically the Jamna el fna, that has stood for over a thousand years as a gathering place. Having grown up in India, where ancient cities abound, I did find it evoked the familiar sights and smells of the bazaars back in India.
The book really comes into its own with Alice’s experience of the Marathon des Sables and her gritty endurance facing the heat and sand to run six marathons in six days in the desert, carrying all she needs on her back.
Her descriptions of the multi colored Atlas Mountains, the thunderous rivers through high gorges and the invigorating high altitude trek to Mt Toubkal, all rang true with my personal experience of the place too. I also had the rare chance to see what rain in the Sahara desert looks like - the unexpected spurt of green and puddles that weren’t mirages…quite striking.
Alice does a thorough job of covering the highlights of the places to visit, the history of the country, the different cultures of the Amazirgh and the Arabic people that compose the majority of the nation. All in all, good travel read.
The book opens with Morrison's unexpected decision to stay in Morocco after initially arriving for a marathon. Her infectious enthusiasm for the country shines through as she describes bartering in the souks, a labyrinthine world of sights, smells, and sounds. She doesn't shy away from the sensory overload, but instead embraces it, painting a vivid picture for the reader.
Morrison ventures beyond the tourist hotspots, joining nomads on their desert expeditions and experiencing the tranquility of hidden oases. These experiences offer a glimpse into a timeless way of life, far removed from the modern world. Her willingness to participate in everyday activities, from helping herd goats to navigating the intricacies of a tannery, fosters a sense of connection with the local people. This is more than just sightseeing; it's a cultural exchange built on respect and curiosity.
The book's strength lies in its portrayal of the warmth and hospitality of the Moroccan people. Despite being a lone woman, Morrison is welcomed everywhere, a testament to the open and generous nature of her hosts. These personal interactions add depth to the narrative, making it more than just a travel guide.
"Adventures in Morocco" is not without its challenges. The book doesn't shy away from the realities of traveling in a foreign country, including language barriers and cultural differences. However, Morrison approaches these hurdles with humor and a sense of adventure, making them learning experiences rather than obstacles.
I came across this book thanks to a post I saw on social media by Robert Plant. And I'm glad I read it! It's a wonderful travel book written so well by Alice Morrison that I felt like I was right there with her on her adventures. She paints a beautiful and vivid picture with her words of the places she's been in Morocco, from the golden sand and pink sunrises in the desert to the picturesque city Chefchaouen which is known as the Blue Pearl because of its vibrant blue houses. I could envision and feel the dreamlike calm and beauty of being surrounded by the blue glow of the city.
And being the film buff that I am, I was delighted to read this:
"For all its modern comforts and sense of twenty-first-century life, Casablanca will always be firmly rooted in my mind in the misty black and white of the classic film which took its name, and you really can't visit the city without going to have a drink, or preferably a meal as the food is excellent, at Rick's Café."
A faithful re-creation inspired by the iconic 1942 film, Rick's Café sounds like a classic film lover's dream place to visit:
"Everything is so exact and perfect that I defy you to go there and not toast with a 'Here's looking at you, kid.' It may be corny, but you do feel like Humphrey Bogart could walk in at any moment."
Alice's writing style is very personable and she has a fun sense of humor. I enjoyed being transported to Morocco through her book. A must-read for those who love to travel, for real or vicariously.
Penulis warganegara Scotland yang asalnya hendak menyertai 6 hari Ultramarathon des Sables je merentasi Sahara tetapi dia akhirnya jatuh cinta teruk pada landskap Morocco, keramahan penduduk tempatan dan pengembaraan di seluruh pelusuk Morocco.
Semasa buku ini mula ditulis, pengarang telah berada di Morocco selama 1001 hari.
Seawal mukasurat pertama buku ini sudah menawan hati dengan peta Morocco. Suka travelog yang ada peta sebab kita boleh jejaki tempat yang disebut sepanjang perjalanan penulis.
Dia bila kita baca buku travelog ni kita akan perasan yang orang putih (orang Eropah dan seangkatan dengannya) sememangnya akan mendapat layanan 'the white people privilege'. Mungkin sebab ramai telah didoktrin dengan kehebatan bangsa penjajah. Mungkin juga sebab mereka seumpama exotic creature akibat rupa fizikal mereka, dsb. Atau mungkin juga orang tempatan mempunyai budi bekerti tinggi di dalam menyantuni orang luar.
Sepanjang 3 tahun lebih penulis di Morocco, beliau mendapat layanan A+ daripada segenap lapisan masyarakat yang ditemui.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really wish I had read Adventures in Morocco before traveling to Morocco. It was fun reading it now but I think I would have understood,noticed,and been alert to, much more if I had read it beforehand. Details about the medinas and life there, for example, is one area where her experiences and observations really would have enriched mine. Though I'm not sure knowing about the motorbikes ahead would have made much difference just less surprising.
Alice Morrison has a lot to share about Morocco because she lives there, has done so much there, and she shares it well. She's funny, her writing flows, and the people around her and those she meets are so interesting. I learned about some races and hikes that I've never heard of before. I'm not a racer or hiker but her experience made for good reading for me. This book I would recommend whether you travel to Morocco or not.
Great little travelogue, for those planning to tour Morocco, told in a very folksy manner.
The author's ability to offer descriptive detail of each town and region she has covered at some point in her life is delightful. Her descriptions of the people she meets and their universal cordiality and hospitality makes one want to board a plane immediately.
She describes the land, the people, their histories, their language, and their customs equally well.
Her tales of walking the distance of the Atlas Mountains or running a multi-day marathon across the Sahara are astonishing, particularly given her age and her self-described body type (which, judging by the photos included, is not nearly as rotund as she imagines).
A must-read if you're planning to travel to Morocco, or even if you want to daydream about doing so.
A friend brought this book following my recent 3 weeks spent in Morocco - a country that I love (the people, the food, the scenery).
Alice perfectly captures the kindness and humour that is abundant in Morocco. From desert expeditions to living by the coast to life in the oasis, Alice really showcases how life in Morocco is like being welcomed by a loving family, but also touches on some political narratives which are so important to understanding a country.
Am I jealous of her delve-in, extroverted travel & adventure style? 100% I am! I am actually in awe of her 'say yes' personality and maybe we could all learn a little bit from her?
What an inspirational woman and fantastic, hilarious author!
Read this before and during my trip to Morocco. She does a good job of providing insight into Moroccan life and history, allowing you to take focus in on things, tie them to the book and understand their value or existence in Moroccan society. Enjoyed doing that. Have decided to do similar readings prior to any future travel. Everything is complimented with the various experiences Alice had while living in Morocco which I liked reading about. Would rate it 3/5 but since Alice tries to warn readers about the frequency of moto theft in Morocco, which I fell victim to during my trip (clearly I didn't take the whole book in), I give her an extra .5 star.
Would recommend for anyone thinking about going to Morocco. 3.5/5 stars.
Adventures in Morocco starts out as an account of one woman's decision to run the Saharan ultramarathon...despite not being a runner. It's 156 miles spread over 6 days. She moves to Morocco to train, and, well, just never leaves (it's one of those lucky life events that she learned Arabic at uni!).
This was a lovely account of her experiences in Morocco, of the people, the food, and the beautiful places. Her descriptions of the mountains, the desert, the towns, and the people have cemented Morocco's place on my list of places I want to travel to. The second half dove a lot more into the history of places, which I wasn't expecting - I found this interesting but best read in a few sessions!
Beautiful descriptive adventures in Morocco. I love the way Alice writes and her 'can do' spirit. Her tenacious zest for living life to the full and absorbing herself into different cultures is inspirational. She approaches fresh experiences with deep respect and a barrel load of humour. This book whets my appetite to visit Morocco and push myself beyond what is comfortable in life (although personally I won't be running any marathons through deserts or climbing mountains any time soon). I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who is planning to visit Morocco or who enjoys reading real life travel adventures.
I really enjoyed listening to Alice’s adventures in Morocco. She has such interesting stories, and her storytelling style is engaging and easy to follow.
I started listening to the book before my trip to Morocco, and it gave me a helpful glimpse into what I might expect and encounter during my travels. I finished it after returning, and it was especially fun to reminisce about my own experiences while also learning about parts of the country I didn’t get to visit. It definitely inspired me to go back.
I loved this book, perhaps the best travel/adventure book I've read. Morrison combines her own experiences with history, cultural and geographical strands in a way that it's all entertaining. Combining culture, history, and personal experiences, there's a surprising depth of understanding in her accounts. I lived three years in Saudi Arabia, and read extensively, but Alice explains Arabic (awesome language competence!) and Islam in a sympathetic, thus authentic, manner. We're leaving for Morocco in two weeks, and looking forward to the experience very much more because of Adventures in Morocco!
This is one of my top 3 reads. I constantly come back to it when the air starts to warm and my longing to run away starts to creep in. Whether I am able to travel that year or not, this book transports me with such detail, honesty, and wonder that I am always left with a great satisfaction as I finish the last page. It is as if I have come to a point in my journey where it's time to unpack my sandy travel case.
I intended to fully read this before a trip to Morocco, but instead read it a little bit before, then during and after my trip. This added great context and information to what I experienced during my travels and overall I found the book enjoyable. It reads like you are sitting and enjoying a cup of mint tea with Alice while she chats about her various adventures and the people she met along the way.
Wonderful, easy to read, account of the author's life in Morocco. I finished it whilst standing in the (long) queue at customs in Marrakech. It made me understand a bit more about customs and life in the city, and also made me want to return to visit places outside Marrakech. I'm also a runner, but this book has made me certain that the Marathon des Sables is definitely not for me! I will definitely be back for the Marrakech half marathon though...
Really different from the other books I read about Morocco. The others focused on living in the country and their struggles to repair the homes they had bought, whereas Morrison goes on unique adventures all over the country. It got me very excited to go and had me adding more things to our Moroccan bucketlist. I also watched her BBC series “Morocco to Timbuktu” which was a great companion to the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author is accessible, positive and curious. It was lovely to get a deeper glimpse into the people as experienced by a woman similar to me in background and age. For any one who has been to Morrocco, is planning a visit there or considers themselves an arm chair traveler, this is a great read.
Fabulous read - if you are considering a trip to Morocco, this is the book for you. Written with warm, wit and understanding by an author who has had many incredible adventures. An inspiring and most of all a very enjoyable read. Thoroughly recommend
I enjoyed this one. It was super easy to read, and gave a very "boots on the ground" feeling. I gleaned a lot of little knowledge tidbits about Morocco that proved to be true when we visited there ourselves a couple months later. I'm glad I read this as part of my preparations!
My one sentence review: It's clear that Alice Morrison loves Morocco and its people and she shares all kinds of useful advice for tourists as well as entertaining stories about her life there (and places that most tourists don't get to).
This author vividly brings to life her experience of the country, from bartering for carpets in a crowded souk to joining a group of nomads in their solitary existence in the desert. Her infectious zest for life ensures that the warmth and generosity of the people shines through.