Welcome, fellow wanderers, to the inaugural episode of this slow travel blog, the first one of a series called “Do not trust the stranger.” Are you ready? Thus, grab your popcorn, settle your bum into a comfy spot, and let’s dive into this second episode of these solo travel stories about a scam in Morocco that could happen to you.
Have you ever had one of those travel experiences that sounded fun but quickly turned into a nightmare? What happens when curiosity leads you straight into a stranger’s trap? Be witness to how placing trust in a stranger can transform the ordinary into a unique and bad scenario.
Our story commences in the Moroccan mountains, a land of cultural heritage, Berbers, hospitality and unrivalled cuisine…
Welcome, fellow wanderers, to the inaugural episode of this slow travel blog, the first one of a series called “Do not trust the stranger.” Are you ready?
Thus, grab your popcorn, settle your bum into a comfy spot, and let’s dive into this second episode of these solo travel stories about a scam in Morocco that could happen to you.
Have you ever had one of those travel experiences that sounded fun but quickly turned into a nightmare? What happens when curiosity leads you straight into a stranger’s trap? Be witness to how placing trust in a stranger can transform the ordinary into a unique and bad scenario.
Our story commences in the Moroccan mountains, a land of cultural heritage, Berbers, hospitality and unrivalled cuisine…
In Chefchaouen, we met a fellow traveller at our hostel who excitedly claimed to have discovered some hash farms while hiking. He boasted about buying a gram of top-quality product for just 10 Dirhams. Initially sceptical, we soon realised he wasn’t just spinning tall tales. Our curiosity piqued by his discovery, we decided to see the cannabis fields and perhaps the hash creation process for ourselves.
No intentions of starting a resale business here, but rather a desire to explore and maybe learn a bit about the process. Does it sound fun? Or stupid? Time will tell.
In Chefchaouen, we met a fellow traveller at our hostel who excitedly claimed to have discovered some hash farms while hiking. He boasted about buying a gram of top-quality product for just 10 Dirhams.
Initially sceptical, we soon realised he wasn’t just spinning tall tales. Our curiosity piqued by his discovery, we decided to see the cannabis fields and perhaps the hash creation process for ourselves.
No intentions of starting a resale business here, but rather a desire to explore and maybe learn a bit about the process. Does it sound fun? Or stupid? Time will tell.
The unexpected encounter
About 45 minutes into our hike, heavy rain began to pour down. Absolutely not prepared for the weather and stuck in the middle of the forest, we decided to abandon our adventure for the day. With wet clothes and no adequate equipment, we went back to the hostel. “But where is the promised story?” you might ask. Patience, dear readers.
After enjoying the natural sounds and walking barefoot like real hippies, we reached the main road. From a small coffee place nearby, a man yelled out to us, inviting us for a hot drink. Soaking wet and chilled to the bone, the invitation was more than welcome. We sat down at a table, each with a steaming cup of mint tea in our hands.
About 45 minutes into our hike, heavy rain began to pour down. Absolutely not prepared for the weather and stuck in the middle of the forest, we decided to abandon our adventure for the day.
With wet clothes and no adequate equipment, we went back to the hostel. “But where is the promised story?” you might ask. Patience, dear readers.
After enjoying the natural sounds and walking barefoot like real hippies, we reached the main road. From a small coffee place nearby, a man yelled out to us, inviting us for a hot drink.
Soaking wet and chilled to the bone, the invitation was more than welcome. We sat down at a table, each with a steaming cup of mint tea in our hands.
Want to explore Morocco?
Trust your guts?
We were chatting with the guy who had invited us when he offered to join him and his family for lunch at his place. Our original plan was ruined by the weather, so after some mutual consultation, we agreed. Once he heard our answer, he asked again if it was okay and explained that a friend of his would come to pick us up and take us to his home, which was apparently 15 minutes away from the café we were at.
At that moment, ignoring my gut feeling screaming it was a scam in Morocco, I acquiesced (never do that!).
We were chatting with the guy who had invited us when he offered to join him and his family for lunch at his place. Our original plan was ruined by the weather, so after some mutual consultation, we agreed.
Once he heard our answer, he asked again if it was okay and explained that a friend of his would come to pick us up and take us to his home, which was apparently 15 minutes away from the café we were at.
At that moment, ignoring my gut feeling screaming it was a scam in Morocco, I acquiesced (never do that!).
The core story of this scam in morocco
When the plan suddenly change
Following an unknown guy, we got into a car that looked older than my grandparents combined. The vehicle struggled to climb the road with four people inside, threatening to break down every kilometre. However, the landscapes around were impressive. Barely touched by humans, we moved forward, passing isolated houses surrounded by majestic nature.
Before we reached our destination, our “host” asked us if we wanted to buy some weed for the third time. No surprise here. We replied for the third time that we did not smoke, knowing this was a basic scam in Morocco. However, he added that we could visit his weed field if we liked. Disconcerted by this unexpected offer, we accepted. Originally, it was our initial goal, so why refuse the opportunity when it comes to you?
This proposition made us even more suspicious. While admiring the landscapes, a part of our attention was focused on both guys and our destination.
Was it a trap? Or would we arrive at the promised house?
Following an unknown guy, we got into a car that looked older than my grandparents combined. The vehicle struggled to climb the road with four people inside, threatening to break down every kilometre.
However, the landscapes around were impressive. Barely touched by humans, we moved forward, passing isolated houses surrounded by majestic nature.
Before we reached our destination, our “host” asked us if we wanted to buy some weed for the third time. No surprise here. We replied for the third time that we did not smoke, knowing this was a basic scam in Morocco.
But, he added that we could visit his weed field if we liked. Disconcerted by this unexpected offer, we accepted. Originally, it was our initial goal, so why refuse the opportunity when it comes to you?
This proposition made us even more suspicious. While admiring the landscapes, a part of our attention was focused on both guys and our destination.
Was it a trap? Or would we arrive at the promised house?
A Wonderful Experience
Yes, we did. Nestled in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by mountains, a tiny house awaited us. There was no luxury, just us among onion sprouts, horses, stunning views, and cannabis fields.
Apart from the beautiful scenery, our host showed us how they make hash from dry leaves. Surprisingly, the process is simple. You simply have to beat 600-800 kilos of dry leaves to collect enough pollen and compact it into a kilo of hash.
Later, over a cup of tea, he explained the different types of hash they produce, showing us how colours can indicate quality, plant variety, and seasonal weather conditions. We had the impression to be far from having fall into a scam in Morocco. However, while this was fascinating, one thing was missing: the lunch he initially promised.
Yes, we did. Nestled in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by mountains, a tiny house awaited us. There was no luxury, just us among onion sprouts, horses, stunning views, and cannabis fields.
Apart from the beautiful scenery, our host showed us how they make hash from dry leaves. Surprisingly, the process is simple. You simply have to beat 600-800 kilos of dry leaves to collect enough pollen and compact it into a kilo of hash.
Later, over a cup of tea, he explained the different types of hash they produce, showing us how colours can indicate quality, plant variety, and seasonal weather conditions. We had the impression to be far from having fall into a scam in Morocco. However, while this was fascinating, one thing was missing: the lunch he initially promised.
When Thing Goes Wrong
Out of nowhere, he suddenly asked, “How much do you want?” Surprised, we reminded him that we do not smoke. His expression turned aggressive as he said, “So why the fuck did you come here?”
It seemed obvious to us, but he apparently forgot he had invited us for lunch with his family. Despite his memory lapse, he seemed quite angry. Sensing the potential danger of what would be more that just a simple scam in Morocco, we offered to buy one or two grams of hash. He aggressively refused, saying we needed to buy at least 2000 dirhams worth (around €200).
Besides being a large sum of money, it was also a lot of drugs. Travelling with a quarter kilo of hash was neither conceivable nor desirable. The situation escalated when two other men arrived at the house.
Out of nowhere, he suddenly asked, “How much do you want?” Surprised, we reminded him that we do not smoke. His expression turned aggressive as he said, “So why the fuck did you come here?”
It seemed obvious to us, but he apparently forgot he had invited us for lunch with his family. Despite his memory lapse, he seemed quite angry. Sensing the potential danger of what would be more that just a simple scam in Morocco, we offered to buy one or two grams of hash. He aggressively refused, saying we needed to buy at least 2000 dirhams worth (around €200).
Besides being a large sum of money, it was also a lot of drugs. Travelling with a quarter kilo of hash was neither conceivable nor desirable. The situation escalated when two other men arrived at the house.
Finding an Escape to this scam in Morocco
Feeling the danger, I slipped 200 dirhams under my tea glass, grabbed my girlfriend’s hand, and quickly left. I thought telling our host that the money was for the overall experience would be enough. Bad intuition.
The guy wasn’t ready to give up on a potential windfall so easily. He followed us, clutching the money I left in his right hand, a metal leash around his neck, and his dog by his side. He kept yelling that we should pay at least 800 dirhams. Fortunately, after a few minutes of walking, we reached the main road. Unfortunately, our hostel was two hours away, we were in the middle of nowhere, and the rain started to pour heavily again.
Feeling the danger, I slipped 200 dirhams under my tea glass, grabbed my girlfriend’s hand, and quickly left. I thought telling our host that the money was for the overall experience would be enough. Bad intuition.
The guy wasn’t ready to give up on a potential windfall so easily. He followed us, clutching the money I left in his right hand, a metal leash around his neck, and his dog by his side. He kept yelling that we should pay at least 800 dirhams.
Fortunately, after a few minutes of walking, we reached the main road. Unfortunately, our hostel was two hours away, we were in the middle of nowhere, and the rain started to pour heavily again.
A Sketchy scene
With no cars passing by and our creepy follower still harassing us, we had no choice but to walk. So, there we were, under a rainy sky, with a man and his dog pursuing us, trying to escape this damn scam in morocco and unsure how long this situation would last.
This sketchy scene lasted for what felt like three hours (though it was only one) before he finally gave up and took the 200 dirhams. With a stone in her hand and a knife in mine, we were ready to defend ourselves if needed. Once he took the money, we ran as fast as we could when out of his sight, trying to put as much distance between us and him as possible.
After two hours, we finally reached our hostel, sighing with relief. We only lost about 20 euros in this unlucky adventure, which could have been much worse. Emotionally and physically exhausted from the adrenaline crash, we just sat and laughed about what had happened. In the end, we were happy that neither of us was hurt, and we had another story to tell.
With no cars passing by and our creepy follower still harassing us, we had no choice but to walk. So, there we were, under a rainy sky, with a man and his dog pursuing us, trying to escape this damn scam in morocco and unsure how long this situation would last.
This sketchy scene lasted for what felt like three hours (though it was only one) before he finally gave up and took the 200 dirhams. With a stone in her hand and a knife in mine, we were ready to defend ourselves if needed. Once he took the money, we ran as fast as we could when out of his sight, trying to put as much distance between us and him as possible.
After two hours, we finally reached our hostel, sighing with relief. We only lost about 20 euros in this unlucky adventure, which could have been much worse. Emotionally and physically exhausted from the adrenaline crash, we just sat and laughed about what had happened. In the end, we were happy that neither of us was hurt, and we had another story to tell.
What have I learned from this solo travel story?
In a nutshell, the biggest takeaway from this scam in Morocco experience isn’t something new, but rather a powerful reminder of two crucial lessons. First, always trust your instincts. When travelling or during daily life, your guts are your best guide.
Second, steer clear of anything related to drugs. It might sound obvious, but we often underestimate the negative energy surrounding it. Avoid paths where drugs are involved, and stay away from anyone offering them.
Your instincts are there to protect you, so be cautious of the promises strangers make. A friendly invitation can quickly turn dangerous. Stay safe, and always have an exit plan.
In a nutshell, the biggest takeaway from this scam in Morocco experience isn’t something new, but rather a powerful reminder of two crucial lessons. First, always trust your instincts. When travelling or during daily life, your guts are your best guide.
Second, steer clear of anything related to drugs. It might sound obvious, but we often underestimate the negative energy surrounding it. Avoid paths where drugs are involved, and stay away from anyone offering them.
Your instincts are there to protect you, so be cautious of the promises strangers make. A friendly invitation can quickly turn dangerous. Stay safe, and always have an exit plan.
The impact this scam in Morocco had on my travel experience
When travelling, the line between someone trustworthy and a scammer can be razor-thin. This experience was a vivid reminder that your intuition is your best ally. Trusting your gut can save you from bad situations, lost money, or worse.
While most people you meet on your travels are kind and willing to help, a few may try to take advantage of your status as a traveller. They know the area better than you, so don’t try to outsmart them on their turf. Take a moment to assess risks properly, which often takes just a minute.
Genuinely good people won’t rush you. Trust those and your slow travel adventures will be full of extraordinary encounters!
Safe Travel!
Bon voyage!
Wander with purpose – Connect with heart.
When travelling, the line between someone trustworthy and a scammer can be razor-thin. This experience was a vivid reminder that your intuition is your best ally. Trusting your gut can save you from bad situations, lost money, or worse.
While most people you meet on your travels are kind and willing to help, a few may try to take advantage of your status as a traveller. They know the area better than you, so don’t try to outsmart them on their turf. Take a moment to assess risks properly, which often takes just a minute.
Genuinely good people won’t rush you. Trust those and your slow travel adventures will be full of extraordinary encounters!
Safe Travel!
Bon voyage!
Wander with purpose – Connect with heart.
