My name is Mandy, I’m a Canadian living in Marrakech, Morocco. Back in 2011 I decided to swap Canadian public employee life for a five-month stint in Marrakech where I planned to learn French before returning to the public service. I was only 29 at the time, had graduated PR school a few years previous, I loved (and still love) working in PR and I had (and still have) the best friends a girl could ask for. But my 9 to 5 just wasn’t enough. So I set off for Morocco thinking I’d be back after a five-month dose of colour and inspiration in Marrakech.
But things don’t always turn out as planned.
Eight years later, I’m still here. With travel, arts and culture in my DNA, I work as a travel and public relations consultant to leading travel companies and publications and I include providing concierge services. More and more spend my days meeting the most amazing guests on the private and bespoke Tasting Marrakech food and cultural tours I created in 2015 and continue to develop.
I also love writing for magazines and newspapers and have just wrapped up a chapter on food and drink for Monocle magazine, a piece about hiking in Horizon Guides, and contributed to Evening Standard, Independent, Lonely Planet and Brownbook among others.
When I’m not working on a project or event in Marrakech, you’ll find me attending one of the many festivals or cultural events happening throughout Morocco, travelling, relaxing at one of my favourite cafes/bars, or listening to one of my preferred podcasts.
In 2018, I launched Why Morocco, conversations with the inspiring and creative personalities I meet while living in Marrakech. The first podcast dedicated to Morocco, my goal is to leave listeners inspired to pay a visit or start planning that trip they’ve been considering to the Kingdom of Morocco.
Why Morocco?
In June 2010 I travelled to Morocco and had the trip of a lifetime. The people, the music, the food, the landscapes, the sights and sounds and the lifestyle have inspired me to return. So in January 2011, I arrived with two bags. No job. No apartment. But things have a way of working themselves out and for the most part I love it.
Wow, love love your reasons for moving and taking the plunge. Im off there this weekend for the first time to this part of Morocco. I know I too will fall in love and be scheming how to stay…alas Im a mother so more complicate but nevertheless a most beautiful dream… How are things for you now?
Thanks for your kind comments. Things are wonderful. Of course there are the ups and downs, but yet I continue to stay. I hope you love the hustle and bustle, sights and sounds and magic that continues to amaze me.
Hi Mandy. I thought you might be interested in my post about the Majorelle and Menara, which is what we were up to before we met you 🙂 Keep keeping busy!! x
http://mikanqueen.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/chillin-in-marrakech/
Great Posts! So glad to find your blog.
Thank you for your kind words.
I found your blog randomly. I’m Japanese girl who studied at national university in japan.
I gonna go to morocco in the end of August. So I searched about Moroccan women for my research, I found your blog! I’m interested in your article. And if your schedule allows, can I see and hear about morocco in Marrakech? I know it’s sudden, but I don’t have a chance that I will go to morocco. So I wanna hear and see as many women as possible. I’m glad to get your answer. Thanks.
Sincerely
Interesting for us to read as we are currently living in Esso – we certainly didn’t know we could go “out” dancing here (we’ll check it out), but we are keeping the fish market in business. I’ve been writing a bit about the whole experience; maybe you’ll enjoy – it’s a bit different style I guess: medinasolitaire.blogspot.com
Merry Christmas, Mandy! Thank you for all your posts and updates! I always enjoy reading them and seeing all your photos!:)
Merry Christmas to you too Michael. Thank you for your kind words. All the best for 2015! Best, Mandy
Hi Mindy,
I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I recently applied for a job in Morocco and having a hard time with my decision. I’m excited to read through your blog and learn more about your thoughts and experiences!
Hi
I’m another person glad to have stumbled on your blog.
I’ll be arriving in Marrakesh on Nov 19, for about a month, with no fixed return date (yet).
Could you please send me the email and phone for the travel agent from Marrakesh in your first episode?
Hi Mandy
I will be teaching a workshop on “Distributed and High Performance Computing” with a baonus day on “Advanced Robotics with NVIDIA Xavier” 16-22 December at Cadi Ayyad.
It pushes Morocco to the leading edge of Industrial development within the domain of Industrie 4.0 and ties into the launch of the Moroccan AI programme
I would love to touch base with you to see if you might publish something about it.
Can we perhaps chat over a coffee? Frean of the Foreign Office knows me.
Hi from Estonia, Mandy. I am in PR and marketing (for 24 years) as you and after spending in Morocco some weeks last year, my wife insisted me and our kids to move to Morocco for a year or two or who knows. We are arriving in November and will stay in Agadir and look for some competent friends! how can we contact you?!
Hi Mandy
I came across your podcast “Why Morocco” and I am enjoying it very much, thank you.