I imagine Hamlet could hang-out in a city like Essaouira. The air in the coastal town felt particularly damp after the desert drive from Marrakesh. The sky was overcast, the fishermen wore knit caps, and the Portuguese fort overlooking the water had an air of melancholy. As I walked the fortress looking out at the ocean, thoughts of Shakespeare vaguely formed in my mind, interrupted by sounds of chanting and music. I looked down to see Thuya wood artisans crafting inlaid tables. Young apprentices were busily working on their project and stopped to bring the older men mint for their tea. The men played drums while one man made music with his work by chiseling wood to the heavy beat.

The image of these men working has stayed with me for over eight years. Within it is a harmonious mix of age, work, religion, social activity, and leisure. Within it is a glimpse of the diversity, traditions, and social customs found throughout Morocco and the way music unites them all.

Essaouira, which is gaining in popularity, is one of my favorite cities in Morocco. It is home amazing sea food, Thuya wood-working artisans, Moorish/Portuguese architecture, and several music festivals, specifically the annual Gnaoua Festival. Too often Marrakesh and Fes are used as synonyms for the country at-large. One trip to Essaouria and you will understand why this is unfair.

If traveling to Morocco, plan to venture out of the traditional cities. Each city has its own unique style, color, artistic traditions, dialect accent, and attitude. If you don’t like Marrakesh (yes, this is possible), you may love Chefchaouen.

The International Herald Tribune article Morocco: Dramatic variety and a taste of the Arabic world suggests travelers try Essaouria or Chefchaouen, two of my favorites. The article contains a lot of general information about the culture, which will be of use to travelers.

If you get a chance to visit Morocco, plan to travel outside the major cities. It will give you a much better idea of the diversity of Morocco.