Chefchaouen late afternoon The blue streets of Chefchaouen
Courtyard outside the hotel
Sadly, the increasing commercialization of the island may mean that it is slowly losing its authentic architectural style that once blended so seamlessly with the natural landscape. But despite the crowds, the allure of those white domes remains a cornerstone of my photographic journey.
The Blue Dream: The Magic of Chefchaouen
While I thought Santorini had perfectly fulfilled my“ white and blue” photography dream, I kept hearing fellow travellers mention a place in Morocco that started with a“ C”— the famous“ Blue City.”
Last October, after gathering as much information as I could, I headed to Chefchaouen. The experience did not disappoint. The beauty is truly beyond description: the city is a labyrinth where every wall, staircase, and doorway is painted in varying, mesmerizing shades of blue. You don’ t need to be an expert photographer to capture magic here; every photo and video we took turned out better than we could have imagined.
Our hotel was located right next to the bustling bazaar, allowing us to venture out in
the early morning stillness and the cool evening light to capture the city before the day-trippers arrived. Morocco is a wonderfully diverse, deeply welcoming country, and the people are incredibly friendly. One piece of advice for fellow travellers: always ask for permission before taking portraits of the locals as a sign of respect for their home. Additionally, as with any popular destination, be aware of common scams that target tourists.
My trip to Morocco left such an impression on me that I regretted discovering it so late in my travel odyssey. I wish I could have stayed longer than the eight days I spent there as a tourist and amateur photographer to experience the country in greater depth.
Retirement has given me the gift of time— time to slow down, to research, and to truly see the world rather than just passing through it. I look forward to my next destination, eager to find the new horizons and colours that define my life’ s journey.
John Hui has embraced travel since his retirement in 2014, when he moved on from medical toxicology to a life filled with adventure.
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