DRIFT Travel

mission with Naya Traveler was
to develop experiences that were
true to the culture, authentic and
unique. Thanks to this purpose
that spearheaded my journey,
I became aware of subtleties
that I had taken for granted as a
child. The palpable spirituality in
people’s mannerisms. The strength
of tradition that continues to
withstand the influences of
modern society. The dazzling
colors, sounds and smells that can’t
be captured on Instagram. The
unshakable faith people have in
destiny and fate. The mindblowing
number of sacred spaces in every
village, town and city. My home
country is manifesting itself in a
new light, right before my very
eyes.
During my “re-familiarization”
trip, I trace my footsteps back
to places I knew well growing
up and rekindle my relationship
with familiar landscapes. I
am comforted by the strong
acquaintance yet inspired by
a revived sense of wonder.
Marrakesh is even livelier than I
had left it, filled with an energy
that can only be found within its
pink walls. Fez retains its medieval
feel and undeniable sacred history
that reverberates from the ancient
alleyways. Rabat, the seaward
gem of Morocco, is still calm and
collected yet newly dynamic and
metropolitan. The villages of Imlil
and Asni in the Atlas Mountains
are maybe more developed than
I remember, but Berber culture
remains strong and dominant.
The far-flung villages in Zagora,
to my surprise, have not changed
one bit.
The most defining moment
during this journey takes place
in an adobe house, tucked deep
in the High Atlas Mountains,
overlooking the Ziz Valley. I am
sitting with a Berber family on
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