Whats your name? Lena Martinson, @Lenachubz

What do you do? I work in entertainment, and tech.

Where are you originally from? I grew up in Laguna Beach, California.

Where do you currently live? San Francisco, California. 

How many countries/cities have you visited? Where are they? 

I have been blessed enough to have been traveling since I was 3 years old, So i’ve seen a lot! Everywhere from Europe, Australia, Africa, and SouthEast Asia - just to name a few.

What excites you the most about traveling?
What excites me the most about traveling is being able to learn so much about other cultures - being consistently surprised of things I would have least expected! Oh and the food! 

What are your 3 favorite places you’ve traveled to?

My favorite experiences have been in Indonesia, Nepal, and Morocco.

What trip made an impression on your mind?

Morocco

Where exactly did you visit?

Marrakesh, Rabat, and Casablanca - Morocco 

When did you go there?

November 2018.

Describe the place in 4 words:

Lively, Delicious (food!!), Extraordinary Architecture, Limitless

Rate the place:

Food & Drinks:  10/10
Nature & Outdoors: 7/10

Art & Museums:  9/10

Fashion & Design: 7/10

Entertainment & Nightlife: 10/10

Uniform - - - Diverse : 4
Historic - - - Modern : 3

Conservative - - - Liberal : 3

Traditional - - - Forward-Thinking: 3

Haphazard - - - Organized: 3

Casual - - - Intellectual: 3

Conforming - - - Creative & Different: 3

Slow&Steady - - - Fast-Moving: 2

Rustic - - - Materialistic: 2

Aloof - - - Friendly: 4

Affordable - - - Pricey: 3

Polluted - - - Clean: 3

Busy - - - Peaceful: 3

Describe your personal experience:

Morocco was honestly a huge surprise for me, it’s more modernized than I had originally anticipated and I had no idea French and Arabic are the two main languages spoken throughout the country! The history and architecture is breathtaking, surely keeping you on your toes constantly - whether you’re visiting mosques, or some of the oldest cities built there. Be sure to bring a camera or two - it’s a great place to take photos! 

Describe the culture, the overall energy, the vibe:

Moroccans are very friendly people in my experience, in Marrakesh specifically i felt the nightlife was extraordinary - tons of entertainment, music, live dance shows, lounges, hookah (shisha) and impeccable restaurants. Although the main cities are touristy - it is a very modest country, so keep in mind a modest wardrobe when visiting.  

What did you find out about this place that resonates with you?
The amount of detail they put into everything they create! As a fellow artist I greatly appreciate that, and it is truly a vision. 

The highs of the trip:

If you are a tea drinker be sure to try their mint tea! It is the best!!

The lows of the trip:
Unfortunately a lot of the cities are a bit of a commute in between from one another if you are wanting to explore - however do not be discouraged, renting a car is an accessible option and well worth it!

What is your biggest takeaway from this trip?
To visit without any expectations, and go with the flow! Often times you’d be surprised how many amazing experiences you’ll have. 

Was there anything you saw or experienced that changed your perspective? How?
I enjoy the fact that everyone there comes together more as a community in order to help one another and I think that is very uplifting.

After having this particular experience, what changes would you like to make in your own life that would make you a better person?
It reminds me to be present in many situations, we often get caught up in what we need to do next or in the idea of having better plans another day rather than just enjoying every moment for the time being. 

Anything else to note?
Language barriers can be tough! 

Use the google translate app in the areas that are a bit further out from the main cities, it is a lifesaver! It offers translation through speaking, writing or you can even translate through images (great for restaurant menus).

Also: Getting to Africa can be tough (long flights if you’re coming from the US).

I highly recommend traveling throughout the country while you’re there if you have the chance! There’s so many beautiful countries to see and so so much history! 

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