Interview: July 2021

Sal: HOW ARE THINGS IN MOROCCO?

Hassan: After many months of state of emergency, life has been picking up gradually in Morocco. Morocco has done a remarkable job with their vaccination campaign. As at 23 July, 11.7 million people have had their first doses and more than 9.7 million have had their 2nd doses . Morocco seeks to vaccinate 80% of its population to achieve herd immunity in the next couple of months. (Morocco’s population is approx 37 million)

Sal: WHAT RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE ATM?

Hassan: At the moment, the Moroccan government is still taking precautions & restrictions seriously. A curfew exists from 11pm to 4.30am, and usual requirements, such as wearing masks, social distancing etc still apply.

Sal: CAN FOREIGNERS TRAVEL TO MOROCCO ?

Hassan: The great news is that travel opened up in mid June. Morocco have categorised each country as either A List or B List, and entry conditions are dependent on which list the traveller is from. (For more information CLICK HERE)

We have some private trips booked for clients from the USA & Europe in the coming months, and we can’t wait to see our Aussie friends returning, hopefully before too long.

Sal: ARE THE SOUKS & RESTAURANTS OPEN ?

Hassan: At the moment, more than 95% of the shops in the souks are open.
Here at Souk & Co we’ve very proud that we have stayed in touch constantly with our suppliers, shopkeepers and artisans alike . We have been buying their products as we believe this the best thing to do to support them in these difficult times. At Souk and Co, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our friends who traveled with us to Morocco, and anyone for supporting our idea to create the shop, Souk & Co Home in Sydney, and for purchasing the products made by the skilled craftsmen and craftswomen.

Restaurants and cafes are open, although are only permitted to operate at 50% capacity.

Sal: HOW DO YOU FILL YOUR DAYS NOW THAT WE ARE NOT TOURING ?

Hassan: I believe there is always a positive side to any ordeal. It is true that this pandemic has stopped our passion to travel . However, it has given me quality time with my family. I am enjoying every single moment with them. When I have some time off, I like to read nonfiction books. In my profession, I need to constantly update the facts, stats and general information with the aim to be up to my clients‘ expectations . Other than that I get lots of positive energy from my daily beach walks (and WhatsApp chats to Sal of course haha)

Sal: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT TO SOURCE?

Hassan: That’s a difficult question. But if I have to single out one particular item I would choose vintage, authentic rugs/carpets, because they are alive & unique. They’re made by highly qualified women. These rugs tell a story. A story that only these women can reveal the secrets of.

Sal: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING WHEN YOU ARE ABLE TO ?

Hassan: There is a list of things that I really look forward to doing when travel resumes. Obviously, I want to simply “ travel “.
I want to share my knowledge of Morocco with people who visit.
I want to see my friends scattered everywhere in my beloved country.
I want to be able to see & speak to them, to simply give them a big HUG.
I want to visit the desert … how much I miss that.
And I want to be able to source products with Sal. I am sure she misses our momkin* sessions as much as i do.

(*momkin is part of our process for sourcing, choosing & eliminating products)