by Patricia Calzia, 20-time traveler, Brighton, Colorado
People were surprised to hear that I was traveling solo to Morocco. They’d ask me who was going with me—who’d be looking out for me. I told them I’d be with 15 friends; I just hadn’t met them yet. On O.A.T. trips, the rest of the group is so welcoming that it never feels like you’re alone. Married couples don’t act like they’re joined at the hip. They bring others into their circle, and we become a community for a little while. It’s always possible to find someone else who wants to do what you want to do, even during your free time.
What made Morocco so good was the combination of a fantastic itinerary and Aziz Kebiri, our Trip Experience Leader. He was a natural-born storyteller. That’s how he taught us about his country—through stories. Every single day, there was something interesting to learn, something that made us rethink what we thought we knew. Aziz had told us that Morocco wasn’t like other Muslim countries, and it was just like he said. It was everything I expected, and nothing like I’d anticipated.
I bought a piece of alabaster from one of the local craftsmen; I like to bring home things that are iconic to the regions where I travel. Aziz was able to do the translating for me, and I could tell that this little old man I was buying the piece from was so pleased to be making the sale. I could hear it in his voice, and see it in the careful way he wrapped the item for me. He wasn’t just excited for the money—he was thrilled to see something that he’d made, something representing his country, going to America, where other people would see it and admire the craftsmanship.
Camping for two nights in the Sahara Desert was something I’ll never forget. It was absolutely amazing to go out at night and look at the stars in that vast blackness. You’d hear voices, because people would sit in the chairs in front of their tents and chat. You’re with like-minded people, and, in that safe setting, it gives you the freedom to do what you want to do. In the Sahara, you could just sit on your own and be quiet, or you could join others, talking and pointing out the constellations together. It was just spectacular.
I’m already planning future travel. I’m going to the Galápagos later this year with three ladies I met in Morocco. We didn’t know each other beforehand, but we became close during the trip. That’s how it is with these groups. Not only do you have your Trip Experience Leader, but you suddenly have 15 new friends looking out for you, too.