The Doors of Perception

When you visit a country for the first time, especially one that is completely foreign to any past experience, you tend to focus on a specific detail. You find comfort in this detail, and make a point to learn as much as you can about it. Using this method, you can comfortably learn more about a new place without feeling too far out of your depth.

My wife and I went to Morocco for our honeymoon. We didn’t have much time (which is an incredibly sad thing for two people in the travel biz), but we made the best of it by focusing solely on Paris and Marrakech. Marrakech is not the most exotic place we’ve been, but it was a great introduction to a new culture we knew little about. One of the first things that struck us was the sheer variety and beauty of the doors. Anyone who has been to Morocco knows that most of the beauty of the local riads lies inside; the only glimpse of what lies within is hinted at by a single entryway, often quite understated.

We walked the streets of the souk, looking at these doors and imaging how beautiful the inner courtyards of the houses must be. As we learned over the next few days, it was a perfect analogy for the people of Morocco. At first glance, everyone in the overwhelming crowd blends together; as you start focusing on the finer details, however, the beauty of the country and its people really begins to stand out. Just picture that each home is is as different as the door, and you can imagine the sheer variety and wonder that Morocco holds.

Mike’s home address is available upon request, if you’re interested in imagining the interior based on the distinctive Torontonian doorway.