One of the most challenging parts of international travel with kids is enabling them to really engage with a new culture. It’s the difference between being an observer versus a participant; the latter creates the biggest impact. Ways to accomplish this include kid-friendly walking tours or taking a class — anything that brings kids and locals together in an interactive way.
During our extraordinary family tour of Morocco, Kensington Tours organized a lunch in a home. This authentic glimpse of Moroccan life was a trip highlight for all of us.
Our hosts for the afternoon warmly welcomed us into their home
Lunch in a Moroccan Home
The warm welcome we experienced when we entered this family home was truly something special. Moroccan hospitality is alive and well, and crosses all political and cultural boundaries.
This family not only shared their food with us, but opened their hearts and minds to us as well. We traded stories and marveled at our differences … and similarities. They gave us a first hand view of their home and way of life.
Chicken and prune tagine
The main activity, of course, is eating. Foodies beware, the cuisine in Morocco is a huge treat; the opportunity to partake in a home-cooked meal is not-to-be-missed. The only requirement is that you arrive hungry.
A kid-friendly dream: a country where eating with your hands is good manners
Our then 8-year-old son was particularly pleased to be in a country where eating with your hands is the custom. Let me tell you that eating couscous with your hands is an art …
Learning to prepare and pour traditional Moroccan tea
After much laughter, we concluded lunch with traditional Moroccan mint tea and Devon had a lesson in tea preparation and pouring. Today, one year later, this afternoon still stands out in his mind.
I hope he remembers this experience forever. We were all struck but the joy we shared with people who live so differently than we do. The lesson that people are people irrespective of where they live in the world is a gift for life.
For more Photo Friday posts, head over to Delicious Baby. Our lunch in this home was complimentary and part of our program designed by Kensington Tours. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy
Relevant Links:
Morocco with kids trip planning tips
Ciao Bambino family desert adventure with Kensington Tours
Visiting Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes for photo friday
Family-friendly sustainable tourism in the High Atlas Mountains
Family-friendly review of the Four Seasons Marrakech
Kid-friendly tour of the Marrakech Medina
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Topics: Activities, Adventure Travel, Africa, Blogsherpa, Morocco, Photo Friday, Preferred Family, Tips