Lisbeth Urena ’27 rides an ATV in the Sahara Desert. PHOTOS: LISBETH URENA ’27/THE HAWK
Gazing up into the stars in the middle of the Sahara Desert, I realized I’d never experienced something like this before. Something so distant and far bigger than myself, surrounded by people I had only met a day prior.
My trip to Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert was a trip I could honestly call one of the most surreal experiences of my life.
I traveled with Citylife Madrid, an organization that helps international students adjust to life in Madrid. I went with a group of about 40 people, all of whom were students studying abroad in Madrid from all different parts of the world.
We visited different areas of southern Morocco throughout the trip, such as Aït Benhaddou, where they filmed scenes from the “Gladiator” films and the third season of “Game of Thrones,” as well as The Valley of Roses, where we visited the Todgha Gorge.
We also stopped to shop at a family-owned scarf shop, where we were able to purchase our own scarves to wear to the desert, as well as dress in traditional Berber attire.
After the 10-hour-long journey to the desert, we made it to the dunes and rode all-terrain vehicles up and down the scaling hills. It was the biggest rush driving up a large dune just to plunge back down.
We then got to take a camel ride through the desert, where we stopped to sandboard down the dunes and watch the sunset. We stayed the night in Berber tents in the desert, where they held a bonfire-themed party with local musicians and a DJ.
During our last few hours in Marrakesh, we were given a guided tour of the city. We visited a local pharmacy that taught us Moroccan health secrets, like argan oil and different types of teas.
We were then given some free time. My friends and I visited a local restaurant called Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha, where they served us traditional mechoui lamb, which we ate with our fingers and bread. It was an amazing experience, and the food was incredible.
This trip is something I recommend for everyone. Morocco is a country full of life, culture and history completely different from our own! If you ever have the opportunity, grab a couple of friends or join a tour group, and experience Morocco yourself — it’s a trip you won’t forget!