You're so beautiful...

...is a phrase I don't hear very often when I'm travelling in a foreign country. However, Moroccan men must have a fondness for the well-rounded female form because I received a lot more attention than I'm used to (much to my travel companion Li Ki's amusement!)


Scenario 1 (shopping for a mirror and tagine)

AJJ: How much is this mirror?
M: Oh it is a beautiful camel bone mirror with unusual teardrop shape! Choose something else and we will make good price for you
AJJ: How much is this tagine?
M: Oh madam, together it is only 800 dirhams but (drawing closer and nuzzling my cheek while whispering into my ear) for you, I can make special price. How much you offer?
AJJ: Gulp! Err...200 dirhams
M: Oh madam, it is impossible! Listen...(wraps his arm around my waist)..., I will give it to you only 600 dirhams. By the way, my name is Mustafa. You should stay in Marrakech!
AJJ: And will you give me 25 camels to stay?
M: (responds with a languid knowing smile-quite sexy actually :-)
Li Ki: How much for two tagines?
M: Special price for both of you (he kisses Li Ki's hand then mine!)
AJJ: So how much is the final price?
M: Not 600, not 200. (staring into my eyes - he did have very nice hazel eyes - he pulls out a piece of paper) You are so beautiful...can you please give me your phone number?
AJJ: Double Gulp! OK 350...last price...wrap it up!!


Scenario 2 (strolling along Djemaa el Fnaa after dinner)

Man: Hello beautiful...where are you from?
AJJ: You guess?
Man: Japan?
AJJ: No...
Man: Korea
AJJ: No...
Man: China, China Taipei, Thailand, England (huh?), America (double huh?) and continues naming at least another ten countries (all the while following me down the square)
AJJ: No...no...no.. (all the while walking away)
Man: MALAYSIA!
AJJ: YES! (Walks back and shakes his hand)

Being a Muslim country, I was a little surprised at the amount of touching and groping that was going on. Most travel guide books explain that with 70% of Moroccan men under the age of 30 who have little exposure to local females apart from family members, tourists are fair game. As they usually have more access to Caucasians, I suppose an Asian naturally attracts more attention.

In conclusion, I'd say the experiences were harmless and flattering to some extent...in a creepy sort of way ;-)