It was a windy and chilly Sunday afternoon when my blonde flatmate and I stretched our arms to hail a taxi to the Old Medina. Despite the speed and slim chance of being noticed (I waved at the very last moment), the little red car screeched to a halt for us. My flatmate laughed, "If not for our blonde hair, he wouldn't have seen us!" That moment sparked inspiration for this reflection on life as a blonde in North Africa—truly an endless topic!
Why Morocco Instead of Home?
Many friends back in Poland question my choice: "You'd find a good job here! All your friends are here!" Others warn that North African and Arab countries aren't ideal places for a female Westerner. Perhaps there's some truth to that, but as with everything in life, there are two sides to every coin.
The Sunny Side of Being a Blonde Westerner in Morocco
Moroccans are wonderfully warm, hospitable people who genuinely appreciate foreigners taking interest in their cultural heritage, beautiful country, and fascinating language. I must admit—I feel surprisingly comfortable here!
People extend far more understanding toward me than they might toward fellow Moroccans. The social boundaries seem more flexible for foreigners. Whether I say something inappropriate, forget my ID, find myself short on cash, or mix up French words... almost everything is forgiven with a smile.
Being a foreigner has its unexpected advantages. Situations that would be completely unacceptable in Poland are met with a shrug and an understanding "you're not from here" attitude.
I've lost count of how many times vendors have told me "pay later, inshallah" simply because I didn't have exact change. Europeans generally receive a level of trust here that's quite surprising—and long-haired blondes even more so! This creates an interesting contrast with Poland, where foreigners (especially from non-European countries) often face more suspicion.
For blonde foodies, Morocco is absolute heaven! I frequently receive larger portions or complimentary starters. Sometimes shopkeepers gift me free fruits or sweets, and my neighbors share their Friday couscous. These small gestures of generosity have become part of my everyday experience.
Perhaps most convenient of all: people remember you. When you look different, you naturally attract attention. This recognition can be surprisingly practical—I'll enter a shop, say "salam," and need no further explanation. The sellers already know what I typically buy!
The Shadow Side of Standing Out
The asterisk I mentioned deserves explanation: don't let all this kindness deceive you. Some people (admittedly, quite a few) extend friendliness simply because they expect something in return. Being a blonde foreigner means maintaining heightened awareness. Finding the balance between reasonable caution and becoming oversensitive can be challenging.
Many locals will immediately categorize you as a tourist and adjust prices accordingly. The stereotype persists that all Westerners have money (not always true!), so you might face prices five times higher than what a Moroccan would pay. But don't worry—there's always a solution! My bargaining handbook offers tips for navigating these situations.
And finally, perhaps the most frustrating aspect: street harassment from a significant portion of Moroccan men. Whether teenagers, adults, or elderly gentlemen—many find ways to harass women in public spaces. Foreign women often experience this with greater intensity. Some approaches are merely awkward, others downright offensive, and many just reflect a kind of hopeless social ineptitude.
I don't mean to generalize—I know several Moroccan men who are perfectly respectful and polite. But this behavior remains one of the biggest culture shocks for me, as men in Poland simply don't act this way in public. It's one of the things I deeply miss about my homeland and something I doubt I'll ever appreciate about Morocco.
Finding My Place Between Two Worlds
Despite these challenges, Morocco has become my home. The vibrant colors of the medina, the call to prayer echoing through ancient city walls, and the incredible generosity of true friends I've made here continue to outweigh the difficulties of being visibly foreign.
Have you experienced life as an expat in North Africa? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below!