Travel to an Islamic Country

Exotic Travel Destination.
This spring I had the chance to travel to an Islamic country, Morocco in North Africa, one of 22 countries which is a member of the Arab League. Visions of Arabian nights danced in my head. When we initially made plans, for me, it was more about going to an interesting location, than consciously making a point of visiting an Islamic Country, simply traveling somewhere totally different than we have ever visited before. For my husband, a Professor of Architecture with The Catholic University of America, it was about showing students a type of architecture that reflects inward in contrast to the external emphasis in Western architecture.

The World is a Small Place
My husband and I regularly reside in Washington, D.C. but for this past semester have had the opportunity to live abroad in Barcelona, Spain. My husband and a colleague have been teaching in a foreign studies program for Catholic University students to study abroad. Ryanair had been offering ridiculously cheap prices to visit Morocco, so we decided to pay a visit. It's a short airplane ride away. All told, I think it took longer to get to the airport, stand in line and get through airport security.

Is Morocco in Africa?
My Mom could not believe Morocco is a part of Africa. So we looked it up just to make sure. Geographically, the Southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula is only a ferry ride away from Africa. The Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from Morocco and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

Morocco Depicted in Television and Film
Up to this point, all I knew of Morocco is Casablanca and those Bob Hope/Bing Crosby Road to Morocco movies and that a fez is a funny hat worn by Richie Cunningham's father in the television show Happy Days. Some of the students parents were mistaken in thinking their son/daughter were traveling to Monaco with thoughts of Grace Kelly. Advising their parents they were actually traveling to Morocco, an Arab country caused some concerns that their 19-year old was traveling to some foreign country of unknown danger.

9/11 Shaped Fears of the Arab World
During 9/11, I was working in downtown D.C. only blocks from the White House and we lived just up the street from the Capitol. That day we had nowhere to turn. I had to leave my work because the White House was a potential target and I couldn't go home because our house was another potential area of attack. My husband and I sought refuge on the campus of The Catholic University of America. Hundreds of distressed students, professors and other members of the community filled the Basilica seeking solace amidst the confusion. Who were these religious extremists?

Post 9/11 Fear of All Things Middle Eastern
I once stayed at the posh, decadent Middle Eastern themed casino, Aladdin in Las Vegas. Friends told me that because of terrorist fears and anti-Muslim sentiments, the Aladdin languished, losing tons of money until the concept had to be scrapped. Bankrupted, the Aladdin, according to Vegastodayandtomorrow.com has now been renovated as a Planet Hollywood. It is sad that a homogenized tourist experience continues to dominate as a primary tourist attraction worldwide.

Why You Should Visit an Islamic Country Like Morocco
As a destination which is not on everyone's list of Top 10 Travel Destinations, Morocco offers a raw, untouristified glimpse into a developing country. You gain greater acceptance and empathy when you visit a country where the major religion is not Christianity. Our guide, Mohammed Boufttila, pointed out diverse religions such as Islam, Christianity and Judaism find a way to peacefully co-exist in Morocco. Each is respectful of the other's faith.

Terrorists Are Not Around Every Corner
You see the streets are not filled with scores of deviant Arabs hatching elaborate plans to attack America. Instead, you see a world where men are busy sewing elaborate embroidery, children of all ages spill into the neighborhood openly playing on streets, fragrant lemon blossoms are being gathered to make scented water and you are greeted warmly by people eager to share and protect their culture. Elaborate textiles, gorgeous ceramics and leather dyed in open pits are all a part of a world where goods are still handmade. But most importantly you glimpse a world where people deeply respect and honor God and that is reflected in how they treat each other. What's universal is a common desire to ensure a future where the world is safe for our children.

Additional Information
To learn more about Islam, see IN GOD'S NAME a primetime CBS special by French filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet which explored "the intimate thoughts and beliefs of 12 of the world's most influential spiritual leaders".

Sources:
"Planet Hollywood (Aladdin) News", VegasTodayAndTomorrow.com, updated 4/8/08
IN GOD'S NAME, CBS Primetime Special, broadcast December 23, 2008
Muslim, Wikipedia.org entry