Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
The general Arabic word for street is
sharia,
or
derb
in medinas (
zankat
for smaller ones).
»
The French avenue
,
boulevard and
rue
are still common. In the north and far south you'll still find the
Spanish
calle
and
avenida
.
»
In some cases the Arabic seems to have gained the upper hand. This is reflected in listings here, in which
some streets appear as
sharia
or
zankat
if local usage justifies it.
MEDINAS
»
Street names won't help much in the labyrinthine medinas, although in theory a compass might.
»
If you feel you're getting lost, stick to the main paths (which generally have a fair flow of people going
either way) and you'll soon reach a landmark or exit. Kids will sometimes offer to direct you for a few
dirhams; corner shops are better places to ask for directions.
Plumbing
»
Patience can be required when it comes to Moroccan plumbing.
»
In cheap, unclassified hotels without star ratings, trickling cold water and squat toilets are common.
»
Sometimes hot water is enthusiastically promised, but it may be tepid at best and only available at certain
times of the day.
»
In rural areas, water is sometimes heated by a wood fire, but this comes at an environmental cost. Wood is
expensive, water is often in short supply and deforestation is a major problem in Morocco.
»
In small towns and rural areas the hammam may be a better bet.
Smoking
»
Smoking is a national pastime in Morocco and nonsmoking restaurants and hotels are rare.
»
This generally affects popular places rather than top-end restaurants and hotels, where you may find
nonsmoking areas.
»
Most popular eateries and cafes have outdoor seating, so the problem is reduced.
»
Only the very top-end hotels and some riads have a nonsmoking policy.
WOMEN
»
In Muslim countries, it is often considered unacceptable for women to smoke. This is a cultural rather
than religious dictate.
»
Particularly outside the big cities, you'll seldom see women smokers.
»
Although most religious leaders condemn smoking, like drinking, as
haram
(forbidden), only during day-
light hours of the holy month of Ramadan is the habit seriously eschewed.
