​The Kingdom of the Western Place

A beautiful and romanticized country that offers surfing on the ocean, camel riding in the desert, hiking to waterfalls, and exploring ancient civilizations. There is so much to see throughout this beautiful country, but fair warning, it is not for the faint of heart, as it is still a developing country where one needs to be cautious of scammers.

Fast Facts

  • The native people are called Berber, although Amazigh is a better term, since Berber is what led to the term “Barbaric”. As an Islamic country, there are plenty of mosques, scant opportunities for alcohol, and more conservative policies for dress, although the country is becming more progressive.

  • Historically, it was called the Kingdom of Marrakech, as Marrakech was the capital under three dynasties starting with the Muslim conquest in 700 AD leading to a switch to Islam and the Arabic language. It became known as the Kingdom of Fes when Fes became the capital for the remaining dynasties. It was only in the 19th century when the capital was moved to Rabat and continues to this day.

  • It is a monarchy, ruled by the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, whose portrait can be found in many restaurants and businesses throughout. While there is a Parliament with elected officials, the king still holds most of the executive power and appoints the prime minister.

Travel Tips

  • Often referred to as “a cold country with a hot sun”, warm daytime temperatures can quickly lead to colder nights with chilly winds.
  • While in most cities, it is possible to pay with credit card, most restaurants only accept Moroccan Dirham (MAD), so make sure to have a good amount.
    • For each person, I would recommend having 300 - 500 MAD a day for activities and food.
  • Haggling is the norm, so don’t be afraid to talk and negotiate prices. Speaking French or Arabic could be quite helpful.
  • It can be dangerous for solo travelers to walk around at night, especially in larger, complicated medinas like in Fes or Marrakech.
  • Note that there is quite a lot of racism, so be prepared for bigoted remarks and stereotyping.
CPF
SIM Cards
There are three main major licensed telecommunication companies providing SIM cards within Morocco. They are all located right outside the baggage claim in the airports and are much cheaper than buying an eSim. Generally, the service in Morocco isn't always the best, so using less than 1 GB per day is rather common. Packages roughly cost 1 GB per 1€ but larger packages have twice the amount of GB per €, so 20€ would equate to 40 GB.

  • Maroc Telecom: The largest operator in Morocco with the supposedly some of the best coverage; however, from my experience, it operated mostly within larger cities and strangely, near the Merzouga Desert.
  • Inwi: Second largest that has coverage on more remote roads.
  • Orange Maroc: Another prominent operator, but it is the least used of the three.
Transit
Brazil is a MASSIVE country, so while it is possible to bus around, the road infrastructure isn't always available. As such, flying is the best option. There are 3 major airlines that serve Brazil and one should check:
  • Azul
  • LATAM
  • Gol Linheas
Buses
  • One can also take a bus from town to town. The bus terminals (rodoviária) are quite robust and can easily take one from city to city.
  • One can either buy their tickets on Clickbus or Buson, third-party apps that show routes, times, and bus companies.
  • The buses are VERY modern with great AC. Overnight buses have seats that recline quite well
BUS ADVICE:
  • If one buys a ticket online, one might need to receive a physical bus ticket from the counter at the bus terminal.
  • Buses usually leave on time, so arrive at least 30 minutes prior (especially if one needs to pick up their ticket).
  • To ensure no one's bags get stolen, a sticker is put on each stored bag and a receipt with the number is given to you. At your final destination, one presents that number and the bus conductor will verify it matches.
  • Most large bus terminals have "Guarda Volumes" to store luggage. Prices are usually around R$10 per bag.

Food
One of the most famous types of restaurants are rodizios/churrascaria
  • Feijoada (fay-jo-AH-dah): Rich, dense stew of pork cuts and black beans usually cooked for 24 hours before serving. Traditionally the pork are pig trotters and ears. Historically, the dish was prepared by slaves who ate their owner's leftovers.
  • Moqueca (mo-keh-KAH): Slow-cooked seafood stew with milk added for the creamy texture. It's served traditionally in a clay pot  and commonly found in the Bahia, Ceará, Espiríto Santo, Pará, and Pernambuco states.
  • Pão de Alho (paoum di AHL-yo): Literally translated to "garlic bread", the bread is usually topped with creamy sauces, shrimp, and plenty of other delicious food.
  • Farofa (fah-ROH-fah): An accompaniment to main dishes, it consists of toasted cassava or manioc flour with bacon, sausage, and other seasonings.
FOUND IN THE NORTHWEST:
  • X-Caboquinho: The sandwich of Manaus, it is composed of tucumã shavings, queijo coalho, and fried plantain between a sliced buttered French bread.
  • Tacaca: Traditionally found in the north of Brazil, this is a mouth-numbing Brazilian soup made with large dried shrimps, tucupí, manioc flour, hot yellow peppers, and jambú – a leaf that numbs the tongue.
Street Food
  • Pastél (paas-TEH-U): Popular Brazilian street food that consists of fried dough with with savory or sweet fillings
  • ​Coxinha (co-SHEEN-ya): Its name means "chicken thigh" because this is what it looks like. It is a deep fried chicken croquette oftentimes filled with cheese.
  • Acarajé (ah-kah-rah-JEH): Considered a Brazilian falafel, this deep-fried ball of black-eyed peas with onions and salt is usually cut open and served with vatapá, a creamy paste of shrimp, coconut milk, bread, and ground peanuts.
  • Pão de Queijo (paoum di keh-ih-jo): Rounded Brazilian cheese bread balls made with cassava flour and minas cheese. It originated from slaves from the Minas Gerais state.
  • Beiju/Tapioca: Made from tapioca flour, these are filled with sweet or savory fillings and melts together to create a crepe.
  • Pipoca: Popcorn is a popular snack, but what makes it different is that there are flavor options. One can have popcorn with cheese curds, bacon, or caramelized popcorn with condensed milk, or a mix of them!
  • Pão de Queijo​: Cheese bread.


Fruit
The Amazon Rainforest takes up 40% of Brazil's landmass with many different fruits and fruit combinations one should try.
  1. Abacaxi com Limão: Pineapple covered in lime juice and lime zest. Truly delicious
  2. Starfruit
  3. Jenipapo:
  4. Bacupari:

Desserts
  • Brigadeiro (bree-gah-DAY-ro): Brazilian chocolate balls made from butter, condensed milk, cocoa powder and covered in chocolate sprinkles. They were created to promote he political campaign of politician Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, who actually didn't win the election.
  • Beijinho (bay-JEE-nio): A coconot version of Brigadeiro that literally translates to "little kiss."
  • Bolo de Cenoura (bowl-lo di suh-NUHR-ah): Carrot cake covered in a chocolate gaze.
  • Açaí: Well-known superfruit originating in Brazil. It can be found blended in smoothies or scooped and eaten in bowls ("na tigela"). One of my favorite versions is combining it with cupuaçu.
  • Quindim (keen-djim): Custard made from egg yolk, sugar, and ground coconut. Originally created by Portuguese nuns, it was adopted by African slaves who replaced the almonds with coconut.
  • Curau (kuh-rah-uh): A cream of green corn, milk, and sugar with cinnamon sprinkled on top. Different places have different names. It's called canjica in the northeast or papa de milho (in Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro).
  • Pavê (PAH-ve): A Christmas dessert similar to tiramisu as it uses ladyfingers and cream.
  • Sonho (SO-nio): Literally translated to "dream", this Brazilian donut is usually filled delicious flavors.
  • Mousse de maracujá: Passionfruit mousse
  • Bem Casado: A sweet treat that's hard to find as it's usually gifted at Brazilian weddings or birthdays. It consists of a cookie or cake that's wrapped in crepe paper and baker's twine. It literally translates to "happy wedding"

Drinks

Alcoholic
Cachaça is the local Brazilian liqueur made from sugarcane. It'
  • Caipirinha: Brazilian alcoholic drink made from cachaça (sugarcane hard liquor), sugar, lime, and ice. I find it a little sweet, so one can ask for "pequeno açúcar" for less sugar.
  • Caipifruta: 
  • Caipivodka:
  • Caipirão: Like a Capirinha, but they use
  • Caipirosca:
  • Caipiru: Cachaça, jambu leaf (also know as tacacá, it makes the tongue numb for a bit), lemon, and sugar syrup.
Soft Drinks
One of the most popular drinks in Brazil is Guaraná, a soft drink made from the fruit of the Guaraná plant found in the Amazon.

Interestingly, there are multiple brands of ​Guaraná and versions. I've listed them below based on my favorites.
  • Guaraná com Laranja: Places in Southern Brazil provide Guaraná with an orange slice, which enhances the flavor.
  • Guaraná Antarctica Zero: The original drink with no sugar, which I think tastes better and is healthier.
  • Guaraná Antarctica: The original drink
  • Guarathon: Caffeinated energy drinks
  • Guaravita:
  • Pureza: 
  • Guarana Kuat: 
  • Fanta Guaraná: Avoid
  • Guaraná Jesus: Despite it's fun name, AVOID AT ALL COSTS! This is Coca-Cola's version and it tastes like artificial cotton candy. I couldn't even finish my drink.
  • Xarope de Guaraná: Guaraná syrup
Fruit Juices
  • Abacaxi com hortelã: Pineapple with mint. Honestly, this is by far one of my favorite drinks to try here.
  • Acerola con laranja: Acerola cherry mixed with orange juice for a pack of Vitamin C
  • Açaí Smoothie​
  • Amazonian Soda: Fruit syurp mixed with soda water that is mainly found in Manaus.
  • Cupuaçu: While I prefer it in my açaí bowls, this tart fruit also makes for a delectable drink.
  • Caldo de Cana: Sugarcane juice which they add lime, ginger, or pineapple to lessen the sweet taste of the sugarcane.

Other

  • Brigadeiro de café: Like a mocha, this is a blend of coffee mixed with the ingredients in the traditional dessert of Brigadeiro (condensed milk and chocolate).

Carnaval

Carnaval usually falls on the first or second week in February. Meant to celebrate the beginning of Lent, Carnaval, is one of the largest parties in the world. All across Brazil, people will be celebrating, and while all cities have their own traditions and events, here are a list of what are considered some of the best places.
Salvador: Considered the best place to celebrate by locals, 
​Tips for Carnaval
BEFORE CARNAVAL
  • Book in advance. Like any popular event, housing can be difficult to find, the closer one gets.
    • Note that while it can be fun to book a place on the Carnaval circuit, these parades last until the early hours of the morning, which can make it hard to sleep if one wants to rest one night. Additionally, they are crowded, and it may be hard to navigate in and out.
    • Trying to find a place for a few nights is probably going to be just as expensive as staying for the entire week, as there are limited options.
  • Plan how to get around. Transportation is really difficult in Carnaval, so expect to pay a premium if getting in from the airport and certain buses and rideshare programs won’t operate around prime circuit areas. There will be a lot of walking, so recommend booking near a parade route or booking with a lodging that might provide free transport.
  • Book plane tickets and Carnaval events tickets in advance, as prices will never drop.
    • However, don’t be discouraged if tickets are sold out. There are many people selling on the streets. Just make sure you get a good deal, since when dealing with foreigners, they will elevate prices.

AT CARNAVAL
  • Carnaval isn’t that dangerous in terms of big threats. Guards of police officers and firemen are spaced out EVERYWHERE and one passes through a “security check” to enter.
    • The most common crime is pickpocketing. With the enormous crowds, it’s not uncommon for someone’s phone to be stolen right out of their hand. It’s recommended to leave one's phone at home, otherwise, keep it in a fanny pack under your shirt or tuck it under your underwear or bra. DON'T PUT IT IN A POCKET OR LEAVE IT IN A VISIBLE PURSE.
    • Also note that with the crowds, there is a fair bit of pushing and shoving. This will inevitably happen so make sure not to fall over.
  • Leave the hotel or apartment key or card at the front desk. You’ll be less likely to lose it this way.
  • Cash is king. Few places take card.
  • If traveling with friends, always have a meeting spot in mind in case one gets lost.
FAQ
  • Is it common to travel solo in Carnaval?
    • Sure! Many people still have a great time partying and meeting up with people. Brazilians are really friendly, but it can hard to integrate if one doesn’t speak Portuguese. 

Language

Outside of major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (but also in these cities), few people speak English, so knowing Portuguese is necessary for one's survival. While one can get away by speaking Spanish, it's not recommended as Spanish and Portuguese don't have that many words in common.
Words to Know
  • Hello: Olá
  • Hi: Oi
  • How are you?: Tudo bem?
  • Thank you: Obrigado/Obrigada (o/a depends on your gender)
  • Excuse me: Com licença
  • Sorry: Disculpe
  • Asking for the check: A conta, por favor

Other Resources

  • Brazil City Guides -  Independent online travel site for different cities all around Brazil
  • iheartbrazil.com - Brazilian providing insight into multiple places around the country

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