Before I knew it, it was time for another wonderful activity Kim had planned for us (A 10 Day Moroccan Adventure with Kim Larkin Adventures). As Rachid led us from Casa Hassan through the winding streets of Chefchaouen, I felt a rising sense of excitement. The walk ahead was rather steep and demanding. With this in mind, a few women in the group quickly realized they wouldn’t be able to make the climb. Humorously, one woman asked where our driver – Kamal – would meet us. Only to be shocked when Rachid said that there wasn’t a bus – we were walking.
At the edge of Chefchaouen, I saw the mosque in the distance, somehow close and far at the same time. I turned to Rachid and said “Are we going up there?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“Awesome.” I responded.
Even my step counter switched into activity mode, as if acknowledging the challenge.
At the base of the mountain, animals were set along as a petting zoo of sorts for travelers to pose with. This included including peacocks, goats, and even a Moroccan crow – whose handler encouraged me to take a photo with it. However, when Rachid stepped close to it, the bird snapped at him. I laughed and joked that the bird was a biting bird – and I wasn’t going to touch it. Yet the handler insisted it wouldn’t bite me and even kissed its beak to prove it. I graciously declined. Personally, I didn’t want to tip for the photo opportunity. So, I kept walking.
As the views opened up, I understood immediately that the effort would be worth it. I was happy that the women that couldn’t do the climb were wise enough to stay behind at the base. It’s always wise to know your own limits.
As I climbed, the experience reminded me of walking the Spanish El Camino. With every step, I felt more aware of my own strength and resilience.
Some journeys are meant to be taken at your own pace. With this, I naturally drifted a bit ahead of the remaining group. Not to rush, but to walk at my own pace.
Interestingly, it felt symbolic of so much of my life. Instead of viewing the climb as a burden, I framed it as a moment of gratitude.
When I finally reached the top, I was rewarded with a spectacular, sweeping view. It different than how I felt watching the sun set at Idol Restaurant Bar in Santorini, Greece. This felt earned. Standing among other travelers, I felt a brief but meaningful sense of shared accomplishment.
It was a completely beautiful experience, and I am grateful I said yes. Watching the sun set over Chefchaouen was brilliant; as the light faded, I felt wrapped in a calm, golden glow, the perfect end to a climb that revealed both the beauty of the city and the quiet strength within me. And as we made our way back down the hill, one of my shoe straps finally broke, a small and memorable reminder of the journey.
Bouzafer Mosque
5P8V+6QVChefchaouen, Morocco
