In late December 2023 into early January 2024, Dr. Michael Braz traveled to Morocco for a simple leisure vacation. However, his natural curiosity and penchant for learning plunged him into a whole new world of North African experiences. Dr. Braz, a self-proclaimed solo travel enthusiast, explores different places, immersing himself in the cultural scene of each location. He strives to find the commonality between his many travels, while appreciating each's contrasting features.
Morrocco is a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, distinguished by its Berber (the Amazigh), Arabian, and European cultural influences. Its history, geography, and arts and culture scene defines this North African kingdom, and Dr. Braz shares a few highlights from his Moroccan adventure.
Braz Chooses Morocco
Morocco is a bucket-list destination for most individuals, as it is idealized for its abundant landscape, Argan oils and Rhassoul red clays, and camels. However, for Dr. Braz, his decision to go came by way of a simple friendly recommendation.
"I had never been to Morocco before; the only North African country I had been to prior was Egypt a couple of years ago," he shared. "However, it was suggested to me that I might enjoy a trip Morocco, and from my recent travels there I can say that they were certainly right. Morocco has a wealth of antiquities, in addition to a diverse landscape consisting of Atlantic coast borders, mountainous terrain, and areas touching the western Sahara desert."
Dr. Braz's love for international travel started early in his life.
He recounts that, "My love of travel began in my mid-20s with frequent trips to Europe, attending music festivals and things of that nature. Later on, I started expanding to places such as South Asia and China. Through and through, I am a travel enthusiast and love to share what I learn from my travels with others."
Moroccan Memories Made
Dr. Braz chose to take his trip at a time when most were choosing to nestle into their homes for the holiday season. His trip was 2 and a half weeks long, encompassing both of the Christmas and New Years holidays.
"I like to take my time and enjoy the leisure of the trip. However, when I encounter new things at these different locations, it becomes a completely invigorating experience for me," he said. "For example, I was riding camels in the Moroccan desert dunes for Christmas Eve. And likewise, I rang in my New Years Eve in Marrakesh, which was a scenic and beautiful location. So, all of these experiences have become lifelong memories for me."
A few other highlights from Dr. Braz's trip include:
- a walk to the Royal Palace (the King has one in each major city) and a visit to the old Jewish quarter with its refurbished synagogue/museum.
- glimpses into the ancient Kairaouine mosque.
- visits to an Old City medina section fronting the Atlantic coastline, as well as the wavelike, soon-to-be-opened multicultural Grand Theater of Rabat, described by Time Magazine as “the largest theater in the Arab world and in Africa.”
- a home visit and lunch with a Moroccan family. The conversation was stimulating, with two of the sons being university graduates, both fluent in English. Dr. Braz recounts the couscous meal being delicious.
- a Moroccan cooking class: with Dr. Braz following the directions of a chef as she guided him in purchasing most of the ingredients (from one of the few shops open in the medina), slicing, dicing, and otherwise preparing a three-course dinner.
Dr. Braz also purchased and took home a meaningful, handwoven Desert-motif carpet from a group called "The Women's Cooperative."
"The cooperative consists of older women who are widowed (or otherwise can't support themselves) and are employed, learn new skills, and are paid for those skills," Braz shared. "The wonderful thing about the cooperative is that these women are learning these skills, and not being thrown off to the side within their communities."
Dr. Braz's Moroccan Travel Takeaways
Dr. Braz is a local titan, known near and far for his many accomplishments, musical teachings, and treasured instruction. Yet, one thing that traveling abroad continues to reinforce in Dr. Braz's life is his love of learning.
"I travel to places to learn. And what I bring back from my travels is a 'shapeless chunk of experience' that I use to integrate into my own life. I'm a teacher; but as you teach you also want to learn," he said. "If I go one day without learning something new, I feel disappointed. I learn from people that I encounter, my students, my colleagues, and my various experiences. The main question that I regularly ask myself is 'what can I learn from this and put back into my own understanding and into my own world?'"
Additionally, it comes as no surprise that Dr. Braz found himself immersed in the musical scene during his Moroccan travels as well.
Dr. Braz explains, "Music has always been a way of communicating with other people, especially when you don't speak the language. But more importantly, learning other people's music has always been (and continues to be) a sign of respect. For example, one night I got to participate in a mini jam session with the head musician who was playing 'Gnawa Music', a body of Moroccan religious songs and rhythms. It was a spontaneous musical experience where we got to blend both of our musical backgrounds and experiences together."
Now, if you might be interested in giving international (or solo travel) a try, here are two tips from Dr. Braz before you take off.
"There are two tips I would give to someone who is a first-time solo traveler, or desires to start traveling more. One is to do your research in advance and read up on the region/area as much as you can from trusted sources. The second is to travel with an open mind, a positive mindset, and have an open willingness to learn from new experiences."
Dr. Braz's local musical offerings
Dr. Braz remains very active in the local community. He teaches piano lessons to students of various ages, in addition to performing at various venues.
"I teach piano lessons and my students currently range from 6 to 75 years old; there are no age limits or statute of limitations for learning new things. And if I am not teaching piano lessons, I am usually performing.
I just retired from playing principal keyboard from the Savannah Philharmonic for 3 years and was previously a principal keyboard for the Hilton Head Symphony for 13 years. But currently, I take on individual projects--as they arise. Everything from classical music, to easy listening, to rock and jazz, to so much more. I also do volunteer work by playing for four different retirement homes each month. Fridays are normally my day to go out and play shows at local retirement homes."
To learn more about Dr. Braz and his work, visit michaelbraz.com.
