A Moroccan Mosaic
Traveler: Tom and Susan Grace
Trip Length: 12 days
Destinations: Marrakech, Essaouira, Dades Valley, Sahara Desert
Some of us are born with travel in our bones. For Sequoia client Susan Grace, a retired educator with a master’s degree in History and Culture, the world has always been calling. Her most recent adventure—a 12-day journey through Morocco—was the culmination of decades of wanderlust and a deep-rooted curiosity about people, traditions, and food.
“My parents never traveled far from our neighborhood in south Louisville,” Susan shares, “but I used to dream of seeing everything.” Now, with passport in hand and her husband Tom by her side, she’s making good on that dream.
This month, we’re taking you along on Susan and Tom’s journey—through medinas, over the Atlas Mountains, and into the dunes of the Sahara.
Setting the Scene: Marrakech and Beyond
Susan and Tom spent eight days in Marrakech, immersing themselves in the city’s colorful chaos and rich history. Their home base? A beautiful villa called Palais Tikida (check it out), just steps from the city’s historic walled center. Think serene gardens, warm hospitality, and a peaceful retreat after days of exploring bustling souks and winding alleyways.
Their journey didn’t stop there. They ventured east into the Dades Valley and eventually to the Sahara Desert, where they glamped under the stars and shared music and laughter with young local guides.
“We watched the sunset from camelback on the dunes,” Susan recalls. “Later that night, one of the young men who helped us started drumming, and before I knew it, we were all singing Queen's We Will Rock You around the fire. Under a blanket of stars—it was absolutely magical.”
A Culinary Journey
Food is always a central theme in Susan’s travels, and Morocco did not disappoint. From learning the slow-simmered tagine method to participating in a traditional mint tea ceremony, every meal was a window into the soul of Moroccan culture.
“We ate fresh vegetables, tender lamb, and simple desserts—usually just sliced oranges with cinnamon,” she says. “But the flavors, the care, the hospitality—it was all unforgettable.”
Their trip was part of a curated group tour focused on food and culture, led by Maria de la Torre, Timothy Fallen-Bailey, and Chef Renee Schuler (learn more here and here). With a dozen travelers total, including friends from Kentucky and fellow explorers from Colorado and California, Susan felt the warmth of both Moroccan and American companionship.
Moments That Stay With You
The stories Susan brought home aren’t just about architecture or cuisine—they’re about people. A Bedouin guide in the medina who shared stories of symbols etched on ancient doors. A kind elderly woman at an Argan oil cooperative who gently pressed a nut into Susan’s hand. The energetic kitten in the souk who nearly became a stowaway in her bag.
“The souk was overwhelming,” Susan admits. “It’s a maze of tiny streets, packed with vendors and buzzing scooters. Would I go again? Not without a guide!”
Lessons Learned
Not every part of the trip went smoothly. A tricky three-stop flight and some customs confusion in Marrakech reminded Susan of the importance of traveling prepared.
“Next time,” she laughs, “I’ll have everything printed out—no relying on phones at immigration!” — a pro tip for all international travel!
Still, the highs far outweighed the hiccups. With everything except air travel arranged by their tour hosts—including meals, classes, and transportation—Susan and Tom were free to soak in the experience without the stress of logistics.
Travel Tips from Susan
If Morocco is on your radar, Susan has some gentle advice:
Don’t drive yourself in Marrakech – hire a driver or join a group (another pro tip for many foreign excursions.)
Bring a scarf – not just for fashion, but for function in the desert.
Learn a few French phrases – they’ll go a long way.
Be open to imperfection – sometimes the magic is in the moments you didn’t plan.
What’s Next?
For Susan and Tom, travel doesn’t stop here. A beach week in Rodanthe, North Carolina with their kids and grandkids is just around the corner. And in true adventurer style, Susan is already eyeing next year’s group trip—rumors say Greece or Bali may be on the horizon.
Wherever the road leads, Susan will be ready—with the same curiosity, gratitude, and the addition of an extra paper copy of her travel documents.
At Sequoia, we believe that life’s richest returns aren’t just financial—they’re found in the experiences we create and the memories we share. Our Travel Journal is a celebration of those meaningful moments. By featuring the unique journeys of our clients, we aim to inspire others in our community to explore, connect, and make the most of their time and resources. If you've taken an unforgettable trip recently, we’d love to feature your story and help others dream up their next adventure.
And if Susan’s story has inspired your next adventure, we’d love to hear about it. Whether you're planning your first trip abroad or your fiftieth, let us know where you're headed—and how Sequoia can help you prepare for a life full of stories worth telling.
