American Photographer Ebony Siovahn on Life in Marrakech

What brought you to Marrakech?

   I had visited Marrakech many times on vacation and fell in love with the city — the color, the culture and the people. It was one of the only places that I visited in my travels where I thought “I could live here!” It was easy to transfer my photography business (www.pinkpalmstudio.co)  here because this place is a living, breathing postcard, but I’m also starting a home decor business here as well.

What was the first experience you had that made this place feel like home?

   I think the first time that I traveled outside of Morocco for a little vacation. I walked back into my apartment and thought “It’s good to be home”

Who do you spend your free time with?

 There is an amazing community of badass woman entrepreneurs (local and expat) here that I gravitate towards. I love the energy and inspiration I get from them on a daily basis.

How did you start to build a new community?

Honestly, facebook and Instagram. Social media can be a wonderful thing! I joined some English speaking groups on facebook just so I could get the lay of the land and make friends as well. It also helps to go many events that interest you and you end up meeting people who like the same things you do.

What’s something you can easily do here that would be impossible back home?

Have the quality of life for the price. Things are relatively inexpensive here compared to the states

Do you like to share your travel experiences or do you prefer to fly solo?

I enjoy both! There are friends that I love to travel with because we are on the same page of which experiences we’d like to have. But I don’t believe in traveling with someone just for the sake of not being alone. I’d rather go solo than be with someone who has a different traveling style or our personalities don’t match

Tell me about your language journey:

When I first moved here I threw myself in to French lessons because in most people in Morocco know French (it’s mandatory in school). But after a few months I realized I wanted to learn the real language of this country to connect on a deeper level with it’s people. So I started taking Darija  (Moroccan dialect of Arabic) classes a few months ago. It definitely helps with getting local prices on things too!

What’s the last new word you learned and how?

L’mida which means the table where you gather to eat

When you have friends visit, what do you make sure that they experience?

A Hammam. It’s a traditional Moroccan cleansing ritual where you are cleaned and scrubbed within an inch of your life! But you come out feeling like a brand new person. My favorite!

What’s something you haven’t done yet but would like to?

I would love to learn how to make Zellige (Moroccan tiles)

What’s a fun fact you’ve learned about Marrakech?

Before I moved here, I always looked at Marrakech as this peaceful, tranquil city where you kind of step back in time to a simpler life, and in many cases it is, but I was surprised to learn that Marrakech is known as the Las Vegas of North Africa. And now I can definitely say that is very true if you are looking for that.

What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve seen here?

Honestly it’s the generosity of the people here. The locals are so welcoming— always inviting you for tea or to cook you a meal. And if someone needs anything, people are always quick to help.