So, I have finally made my way to the iconic Sahara Desert! Currently, I find myself in a quaint village near Merzouga, right on the doorstep of the awe-inspiring Sahara. Just a few days ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely girl from Spain who was on a short vacation in Morocco. It’s easy to forget how close Spain is to Morocco, as she conveniently took the ferry across with her car.

From there, we embarked on an epic 12-hour road trip from Chefchaouen in north Morocco to its southeastern region. Her car was packed to the brim with thoughtful supplies like candies, clothing, and school supplies, which we distributed to rural Moroccan families along the way. Our journey took us through a breathtaking array of landscapes, from lush mountain valleys and pastoral farmlands to vibrant cities, otherworldly rock formations, and finally, the captivating desert expanse.

As my three-night stay in this captivating town draws to a close, I reflect on the unforgettable days spent exploring the Sahara. Trekking through the sand dunes, I experienced the grittiness of sand filling my shoes, the scarcity of water, and the absence of shade, but the awe-inspiring views more than compensated for these challenges.

Beyond my Sahara adventures (stay tuned for a post on the top things to do here), I delved into the small, desolate sandstone village to observe the local way of life. This fascinating place is a testament to human adaptability, showcasing the incredible resilience required to thrive in such an environment.

Nestled on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert, the village of Merzouga in Morocco exudes an air of desolation and timeless beauty. Sandstone buildings blend seamlessly into the arid landscape, as though shaped by the desert winds themselves. Wandering the narrow, dusty streets, it’s impossible not to acknowledge the poverty that many inhabitants face, yet their perseverance is inspiring. Amidst the stark terrain, the slow, unhurried pace of life is palpable, with locals embodying a spirit of resilience and warmth, greeting each day with quiet grace and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures, even in a place where time appears to stand still.

We’re at the tail-end of low-season here, so I’ve noticed a distinct lack of foreigners during my stay. For instance, I’ve been the sole occupant of a three-bed shared dorm in a hostel for the last three days, which has actually been quite pleasant, considering I’m only paying around $14 per night. The few foreign visitors I have encountered are primarily motorcyclists, as long-distance biking is quite popular in this part of the world, with many riders stopping here during their journeys.

As a result, I’ve spent the majority of my time wandering aimlessly when not exploring the desert. I’d like to share one of my favorite ways for immersing myself in local communities, particularly when I find myself in the minority and haven’t had much opportunity to meet fellow travelers, tourists, or backpackers:

First and foremost, I adhere to three fundamental principles while traveling: Eat Local, Use Local Transportation, and Speak Local (at least master the basic phrases; I understand learning a language overnight is impossible, but in my opinion, it’s crucial to know enough to be polite). These principles not only enhance my travel experience but also have a positive impact on the places I visit. Here are a few reasons why adopting these practices is beneficial:

• Support local economy: By eating at local eateries, using local transportation, and shopping at local markets, you directly contribute to the local economy, helping small businesses and families thrive.

• Meet local communities: Engaging with local communities allows for authentic cultural exchanges and fosters genuine connections, enriching your travel experience while providing locals with an opportunity to share their stories and perspectives.

• Understand their way of life: By immersing yourself in the daily routines of locals, you gain a deeper understanding of their way of life, values, and traditions, which ultimately leads to a more meaningful and memorable experience.

• Show interest in their culture: Making an effort to learn the local language and customs demonstrates respect and appreciation for the culture, which can open doors to more personal interactions and unique experiences.

• Develop essential life skills: Traveling with a focus on local immersion helps to cultivate valuable skills such as patience, understanding, adaptability, and empathy. These qualities not only enhance your travel experiences but also contribute to personal growth and a broader perspective on the world.

At this moment, I’d like to emphasize the importance of eating local. Honestly, you’ll never catch me at a Westernized restaurant indulging in a burger or a familiar dish from back home. When I visit a new country, I want to experience one of the best aspects of traveling: THE LOCAL FOOD. It’s always incredible, and once you’ve tasted it in the country you’re visiting, it will never be quite the same back home. For instance, I’ve discovered the stark difference between Thai food in Texas and the authentic Thai dishes I savored in a rural village, which cost me just a dollar. I’m not saying the former isn’t good; it’s simply different and incomparable to the real deal. There’s something magical about the local ingredients, the friendly faces preparing your meal, and the ambiance of a native eatery.

One of my favorite things to do in any city, town, or location is to find a spot I can visit every day. Whether it’s a juice stand, a food cart selling kebabs, or a locally-owned restaurant, this routine allows me to become acquainted with the people working there. Sometimes, after just a few days, they even know my order by heart. The ability to see the same faces and form a bond, despite my limited language skills, is priceless. Trust me, they appreciate it immensely and will take care of you. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, warm smiles, and freshly prepared food, juices, smoothies, coffee, and dishes.

These connections with local businesses not only enrich travel experiences but also foster a sense of mutual respect and understanding across cultures. As I frequent these establishments, I have the opportunity to learn about the people, their traditions, and even some local secrets that aren’t found in guidebooks. Furthermore, my support for their businesses contributes to the sustainability of their livelihoods, empowering them to continue their craft.

Some of the most memorable moments come from the conversations and interactions I’ve had at these places. I recall sharing laughter with a worker at a street taco stand in Oaxaca, exchanging stories with a vendor at a market in Indonesia, and learning basic Thai phrases at a smoothie stand on the beautiful island of Koh Tao in Thailand. These experiences not only provide me with a genuine understanding of the local culture but also create an invaluable network of friendships around the world.

At the moment, I have found a local café-restaurant called, Cafe Snack Hassi Lbid, in the desert village of Merzouga. I’ve been there every day, spending time to take in the environment, people-watch, and self-reflect. I don’t speak Arabic, but I walk in and say “hello,” “how are you,” and “thank you.” My new friend, the owner of the restaurant, doesn’t speak any English, but there is an immediate, long-lasting bond that I will always cherish. With that said, I am actually about to head there right now to enjoy some mouth-watering chicken tagine (check the ‘Good Mood Food’ category on my site for some go-to Moroccan dishes) and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

The intense heat of Merzouga is something to be prepared for, with temperatures often soaring above 100°F (38°C) during the day. It’s crucial to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially while exploring the vast desert. In this challenging environment, I find myself admiring the local people even more for their ability to adapt and thrive under such harsh conditions.

It’s easy to forget that behind each dish, beverage, or craft lies a story – a story of passion, dedication, and heritage. By embracing local cuisine and culture, I’ve found that the most rewarding journeys are those that transcend mere sightseeing and delve into the heart and soul of the destinations I visit. It is through these personal connections, formed over shared meals and conversations, that you can truly say I’ve experienced the world in all its diversity and richness.

As my time in Merzouga comes to an end, I am filled with a sense of inspiration and gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in this unique and vibrant culture. The desert may be unforgiving, but the people I’ve encountered here have taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptation, and the power of human connection. As I continue my travels, I will carry these lessons with me, and I hope that you too will be inspired to explore the world with an open heart and a willingness to connect with the locals who call these fascinating places home.