How many of you have ever considered traveling to Morocco? How many of you have actually accomplished traveling to Morocco? Donna & Paul have. Before I get into the interview I conducted with Donna & Paul about their trip, let me share a little about them. I have known both Donna & Paul for nearly 15 years. 15 good years. Donna and I work for the same federal agency. We used to work in the same building. For some reason on what I  would like to believe was a sunny day (LOL) Donna and I became acquainted.It was an instant friendship. I can recall the first time we went to lunch and Donna agreed to drive. I remember thinking we'd get off the elevator and walk to her Honda Accord. So, we passed one, two , three Honda's and had not stopped. Finally, she clicks the remote and I see the lights flashing for a current year 5 series BMW. I was floored. 15 years ago, I wasn't surrounded by women with their own luxury vehicles. I remember getting in, feeling like yes - I look cute. We're going to look cute pulling up to Wendy's (LOL).  Later on, when I was gifted with my first Mercedes CLK-320, somehow it would just magically happen that Donna and I would park on the same row in the garage at work. Soon after, all luxury cars began to park on the same row as us and that row became known as "Millionaire's Row". And that was my introduction to Donna, and later Paul. Both Donna & Paul are incredibly special to me because our lives couldn't be more different, but we have embraced those differences in our lives as established and grounded, friends and women should. I don't use the term "bestie" for just anyone, but Donna, with her tenacity, live out loud personality, caring ways, and consistency has earned that level of closeness in my life and Julie's.

True story, Donna & Paul would travel frequently, and my fear of long flights prevented me from traveling as much as they do. So, Donna, (not wanting me to feel excluded) would always bring me something back. What I loved most were postcards. See, I'd hang the postcards in my office. And unsuspecting co-workers would stop by my office and see all of these postcards from all over the world. China, Africa, Hawaii, you name it. Hey if you left my office thinking I'd been to Rwanda that's on you! (LOL). But, that was her way of sharing a piece of life that I was missing, that she was enjoying, with me. Thank you, Donna.

Donna and Paul took an exquisite and once in a lifetime trip to Marrakech Morocco. Unlike the average American, this couple travels at least 6 to 12 times per year. Say and think what you want, but they are enjoying the hell out of life. I'm pretty sure if you could find a way to do the same thing, you would. Donna is a fellow fashionista, but when she's in travel mode, she enjoys a more casual look based on the destination. I asked Donna what made her and Paul choose Marrakech Morocco, and this is what she said "Every year my desire is to go someplace exotic for my birthday. When scrolling through my DreamTrips App, my fingers landed on Marrakech, Morocco, and Casablanca. Morocco sounded like a great idea...so why not! I’ve been to a Moroccan restaurant many years ago but never thought I would visit the country and experience the cuisine and culture first hand."

OMG! Can you imagine just thinking that you want to travel somewhere exotic for your birthday? Some of us are just lucky enough to get 3 people to wish us Happy Birthday on Facebook!

During the interview, I learned that in Morocco, the architecture was nothing short of amazing! Morocco is a Muslim country. While there - they learned that the architectural designs/patterns are all colorful geometric shapes, some with Arabic writing. They do not believe in using the likeness of animals or humans. In addition to the architecture, the landscape was very flat and full of olive trees - one of their largest exports.

So, now to my favorite part - if you follow my blog, (repeat if you follow my blog) you know that I love to hear about the food. Here's what Donna & Paul said about their favorite meal " Tajine! It consists of lots of vegetables and dried fruits packed with herbs and sweet and spicy flavors, along with lamb, chicken or beef prepared in a tajine, a ceramic dish used for cooking and even serving, and served with bread. I never thought I would ever eat eggplant or apricots!"

Last, if you're motivated to travel to Morocco, here's their recommendation: "My peak life experience in Marrakech Morocco was visiting the Argan Oil Factory where we saw the making of the Argan Oil from the Argan nut. On the way, we saw goats in trees. I knew that goats could climb, but I’ve never seen “a tree full of goats!”. We also enjoyed a ride through the High Atlas Mountain and a nice lunch at a swank hotel/restaurant at the foot of the mountain. The views were breathtaking!"

It brought me so much pleasure to learn about this dream trip and what was so exciting to me, is that this was about my bestie and her husband living their lives to the fullest - which is what we should all aspire to do.

Until next time Morocco...