As a KDI School international student, what could be more beautiful than meeting friends from many countries, each with their own diverse cultures and experiences? Our school’s diversity makes you realize how beautiful this world is, but going back home after graduating is a terrible experience. As you flip through your friends’ pictures, you miss all those special moments and events offered by KDI School, and you start shedding tears. Nowadays, though, technology has thankfully given us an opportunity to see each other again much farther away from where we met. Yes, I’m talking about a meetup that was far beyond just chatting via social media.

Wesam Elmarzouki (from Egypt) and I, Inayat Ullah Amin (from Pakistan), embarked on a new journey to meet our most esteemed and lovely colleague, Wafa Akhoubzi, from the Kingdom of Morocco. Located in Northwest Africa, widely open to the Atlantic Ocean on the west, and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Morocco is a mix of Arab, African, and European cultures. The most amazing feature about this country is that you can find more than four different civilizations living together peacefully, sharing the same land but speaking different languages, such as Arabic, French, Berber, Spanish, and English.

Morocco is an alluring country, full of beauty and magnificent contrasts. The blend of those aforementioned Berber, Arab, European, and African cultures offers both tradition and modernity in the 21^st century. These great Moroccan traditions were shown through the warm reception by Wafa and her parents at the beautiful southwestern Moroccan city of Agadir. We cherished our first week, with its amazing hospitality and hanging out enjoying the Agadir Beaches. We enjoyed a number of dishes, including the most popular Moroccan meals, such as “Tagine”, and “Koskos” coupled with “Moroccan Mint Tea”, my all-time favorite.  Agadir is famous for its production of Argan oil, exported to all over the world. It is also famous for its long and wide beaches and ports. We also went to "Souk Alhad", the Sunday traditional market, which offers a variety of traditional products, including Moroccan-style handicrafts.

Rising out of the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, Casablanca’s spectacular and majestic Hassan II Mosque - the tallest religious building in the world - appears to serve as a meeting point for Morocco’s inescapable diversity, while its two hundred meters-high minaret is reflective of the unique Moroccan style of architecture.

The next week, we enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere of Essaouira. Formerly known as Mogador, in the Portuguese era, Essaouira is the busiest tourist resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, famous for its history, characteristic alleys, and surfing. Its Medina Qadima (Old City) is protected by 18^th century seafront ramparts, called the “Skala de la Kasbah”, and the cold current that flows along the Atlantic coast is something best enjoyed in summer.

Essaouira is known as a charming old coastal fishing town, and indeed has so many adorable places, such as a fishing port, the Harbour Scala, the Essaouira citadel, and wonderful coastline beaches. It’s no wonder why Essaoiura always grabs the attention of tourists from many countries! Enjoying its exotic nature and old traditional markets and streets, with sunsets on its beaches, was an incredible experience.

We also discovered "Zellige", which is Moroccan-style tilework, a mixture of Islamic design and Andalusian decorations. Zellige’s geometrical tiles are found everywhere in simple colors in old and modern buildings, in floors, walls, doors, ceilings, fountains, and tables.

What we really loved about this country was its people; they are so friendly and helpful. Even though we couldn''t understand their accent, they tried to make us feel happy. We were also charmed by Moroccan Rabe, Amazigh, and Qinawa music, which all resemble folk music.

We spent so much wonderful time together in Korea and Morocco, and we still have many small memories and very special stories to tell together. At last, all the best blessings and wishes for Moroccan citizens and government. And, thank you, my dear friends, for such a wonderful trip – it would not have been that amazing without you. I won''t say goodbye, as I''m pretty sure that we will meet again and again.