One of the most impactful experiences I have had on this abroad journey was definitely my trip to Morocco. We started the trip in Marrakesh, and from there, we started a 10 hour van ride to the desert with some fun stops along the way. It was a 3 day excursion, and these three days were some of the best experiences of my life. 

At first, I looked at the van we were in and thought there was absolutely no way I was going to enjoy the journey with strangers in a tight space like this. I was so wrong! At the very first stop we made, it was snowing (which was crazy to begin with) but this is the first time I spoke with our tour guide and some of the people in our van. We met 2 boys currently studying abroad in Paris, and a girl who is studying in Florence. Her dad also joined her for the Morocco journey, and we actually met him in the airport the night before! 

Our first part of the journey started with us stopping in a town where they film a lot of Hollywood movies, and getting a quick tour. Less than 20 people live in the entire town! The architecture was stunning and unlike anything I have seen before. Our tour guide was also so friendly, and so were all of the people we came across. 

The second part of the journey was when we made it to the Sahara desert. The desert was beautiful and we saw so many camels. We did so many activities in the desert it was incredible. I remember moments where I was looking out into the seemingly endless sand and being so grateful that I was able to partake in such an experience. That night, we had dinner with all of the people who were doing the 3 day tour, and we ate with the people from our van group. I remember sitting in that moment being cold, tired, and dirty, but none of it mattered. I was sitting in the desert, eating good food, and talking with people from all different walks of life. We also had a campfire and dance circle with everyone and our tour guides at the end of the night. What a time!

The next morning we woke up at 4am to leave the desert and we had one final 10 hour ride back. Once again, we were all exhausted but I was so upset at the thought of the journey coming to an end. When it did end, I felt so much gratitude for being able to have the opportunity to have this experience. Our tour guide was one of the nicest people I have ever met, and the people in our little van were amazing. Meeting people from the USA, Germany, Morocco, Italy, and Poland all in that van was incredible. I will forever be grateful for my trip to Morocco.