Around the World in Analogue: 17 Days in Morocco
12 33 Share TweetIn this edition of Around the World in Analogue, film photographer Andrej Russkovskij writes about the whirlwind couple of weeks he spent in Morocco, discovering the North African country's culture and environment and finding out what made each location unique.
Name: Andrej Russkovskij
Social Media: andrejrusskovskij (IG), Andrej Russkovskij Photography (Facebook), andrejrusskoskij.com (Website/Travel Blog)
LomoHome: andrejrusskovskij
Camera: Miranda Sensomat RE/Canon EOS 300
Films: LomoChrome Purple and LomoChrome Turquoise ISO 400, Kodak Gold 200
Locations: Marrakech, Essaouira, Taghazout, Imlil, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Draa Valley, Mhamid, Tinghir, Imilchil, Fez, Chefchaouen, Tangier
I embarked on a whirlwind Moroccan adventure for 17 days in November 2023. From Marrakech to Tangier, I covered more ground than I ever anticipated, fueled by a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out).
Starting in Marrakech, I journeyed southwest to Essaouira and Taghazout along the coast before circling back for a car rental thrill ride. Venturing into the Atlas Mountains, I braved Imlil's heights, crossed to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, then raced through the Draa Valley to the Sahara's sandy embrace in Mhamid.
With the wind in my hair (and sand in my shoes), I zigzagged back across the Atlas, finally reaching Fez, with Chefchaouen and Tangier as the cherry on top. Underestimating the distances? Guilty as charged. But with a passion for the open road, every mile was a new adventure.
I'm all about a loose itinerary – a few hours of planning beforehand, a quick Lonely Planet browse as I jet off, and then I'm ready to roll. Going mostly with the flow, I let my whims and the whispers of locals and fellow backpackers guide my path.
Marrakech and Fez were on the radar for their labyrinthine medinas, promising a deliciously disorienting experience.
And let's not forget Chefchaouen, the Instagram darling, beckoning me with its blue-hued charm – a photographer's dream come true.
A bit of beach time and maybe a stab at surfing? Count me in! That's what drew me to the coastal bliss between Taghazout and Essaouira.
And, of course, no trip to Morocco would be complete without a rendezvous with the Sahara – a landscape straight out of a dream.
As for the Atlas Mountains? Well, they were a delightful surprise, exceeding my expectations with their rugged beauty.
In the end, it's the unexpected twists and turns that make the journey truly memorable – and Morocco certainly didn't disappoint.
When it comes to Morocco's greatest hits, narrowing it down is like choosing a favorite spice in a Moroccan tagine – nearly impossible! But if I had to pick...Marrakech's maze-like medina steals the show, where getting lost means stumbling upon a sensory feast of vibrant colors, tantalizing smells, and never-heard-before sounds.
Indulging in a leisurely afternoon of beach bumming in Taghazout, savoring the laid-back surfer vibes with a steaming cup of mint tea as the golden hour weaves its magic. Witnessing the Sahara's grandeur as the sun bids adieu, casting its fiery glow over the endless dunes – a sunset spectacle straight from “Les Mille et une nuits”.
Chefchaouen, the blue jewel of Morocco, sets hearts on fire with its picturesque alleys begging to be captured in every frame – a photographer's paradise indeed. And let's not forget the ultimate road trip thrill, where dramatic landscapes unfold like scenes from a movie outside your window, all while belting out your favorite tunes with your trusty travel buddy by your side.
If you're itching for the inside scoop – the juicy tales of unexpected twists, heart-stopping moments, and all the quirky impressions – dive into the blog entries on my website.
As a newbie to North African countries but no stranger to Muslim cultures, Morocco offered both surprises and familiarities. Unlike the sensory overload of India, Morocco's vibrant atmosphere and striking landscapes never push you to your limits.
From its tantalizing food culture to its rich blend of Berber, Arabic, and European influences, Morocco keeps you captivated at every turn.
For film photographers eyeing Morocco, here's the scoop: first, don't even think about snapping portraits of locals without their permission – especially women. It's a cultural no-go that could land you in hot water.
Bazaars are fair game, but always ask before you click. And here's another tip: pack at least two cameras because those Medina alleys can get darker than a crypt, and your trusty 200 ISO film won't cut it.
We'd like to thank Andrej for sharing his images and stories with us! To view more of his work, visit his LomoHome or Instagram Page.
Want to take us Around the World in Analogue? Drop a line to aj.bajo@lomography.com with the subject Around the World in Analogue and share your unforgettable travels with the rest of the community! Read the guidelines here.
written by sylvann on 2024-05-12 #culture #people #around-the-world #sahara #morocco #marrakech #tangier #andrej-russkovskij
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