 Legal and Social Considerations
|
|
While you
may find life in Morocco laid-back and easy in many respects, it is not without
its rules. Although you may encounter kif and hashish being smoked openly, it
is illegal; and some police take great pleasure in applying this law to
foreigners. The penalties vary but can involve an extended stay in a Moroccan
prison—an experience to be avoided.
Other
Moroccan laws to keep in mind are interdictions on proselytizing (which is
grounds for repatriation), public criticism of the royal family, and
participation in certain political activities.
In
Morocco, Islam remains the official state religion. Non-Muslims are not
allowed to enter mosques, mausoleums, or other religious shrines. However,
Moroccans are fairly tolerant of non-Muslims peering (respectfully) into
mosques from the doorway. This interdiction does not include the theological
colleges (madrasas),
which are among Morocco’s most splendid historic monuments.
Drinking alcohol is expressly forbidden in Islam.
While Fez does have several bars, and fancy hotels and restaurants serve
liquor, most Moroccans do not drink. Those who do in public are often not the
best elements of Moroccan society. If you must drink, it is recommended that
you do so in hotel lounges or restaurants rather than in bars. Alcohol is also
sold in certain shops, especially around the Marché Central. You should
not drink in Moroccan homes.
If you
break the law, it is primarily your responsibility to deal with the
authorities. The program director will help whenever possible, but neither
Dartmouth College nor the program director can do more than notify the
consular services of your country, a step that with Moroccan authorities
(like their European counterparts) would undertake in any case.
|
Health and Emergencies
|
The
ailment you are most likely to encounter in Morocco is diarrhea, a natural
consequence of any change in diet and water. The best prevention is to avoid
raw vegetables and fresh fruits that have no peel. Also stay away from,
charcoal-grilled meats, especially ground meats, and fish at market stalls,
salads in inexpensive restaurants, and ice cream from street vendors.
Don’t
become paranoid, however: tasting the local cuisine is one of the highlights of
the Moroccan experience. The best remedy for a mild case of diarrhea is to let
it run its course. (Since paper supplies are coveted, you may want to keep a
personal stash of tissue or toilet paper.) In more severe cases, Imodium is
available in pharmacies. Tap water is safe in the modern sections of larger
towns, although water in the medina may contain a wide variety of intestinal
flora. Should you feel you’re coming down with something, contact the
ALIF administration or stop at a pharmacy. In addition to prescribing
medication on the spot, pharmacists can recommend doctors. Business hours for
pharmacies are typically from 8:30 to 12:30 in the morning and 3:00 to 7:30 in
the evening. Many medical matters can be resolved at a pharmacy.
In the
case of more serious illness, a list of recommended doctors and hospitals can
be obtained at the ALIF desk.
|
|
If
an ambulance is required, dial 15.
|
|
Have a
dental check-up before going to Morocco. If a dental problem arises while you
are in Fez, there are plenty of dentists in town, and recommended offices are
listed with ALIF.
|
|
|
| Back to the FSP Guidebook Index |
 |
|
