An experience that is greatly enhanced in Morocco but greatly diminished States-side is the weekly shopping experience. The souk [weekly outdoors market, sort of like a combination flea- & farmers-market] is the place to see and be seen. If I don't typically see my neighbors and artisans during the week, then I'll catch up with them at the souk -- rain or shine.

Unlike most other Volunteer's site in Morocco, I have the option to go to two weekly souks¹: Mondays and Tuesdays. However, I prefer to go to the much-bigger Tuesday weekly souk. Going to the souk is a social event for me, and it includes stopping by the fish-fry tent for lunch.

The souk is the place to go for cheap, seasonal produce; I spend less than 20dirhams (about US$2.25) for a week's supply of fruits and vegetables. If I run out of fresh fruits and vegetables during the week (usually because of visitors or spoilage), then I go to a local green grocer. I don't own a refridgerator, so I've had to learn to shop and cook for one.

I suppose when I'm ready, I can buy a donkey at the souk.

Click on image for a better experience.


Mohamed sells reed-woven goods at the souk. I've bought two straw hats (I forgot the first one on a bus) and two large baskets from him (for laundry, in an effort to keep my place tidy).


My dining room table comes from Boujad, the capital of cheaply- & massly-produced furniture².


Samir and his son, they travel from Boujad to Tangier, stopping off in Khémisset and other places along the way, to sell affordable furniture.

1. Most Volunteer sites, in Morocco, have a Weekly souk; however, some sites do not have a weekly souk, so Volunteers at these sites travel out of their sites to the closest souk-town for their weekly shopping.
2. Furniture made in my town can easily go for five times the price of the Boujad-produced furniture.