Morocco is an enigma. Technically an Islamic kingdom where it is illegal for non-Muslims to walk through certain neighborhoods (to say nothing of drinking), Morocco still retains much of its heritage as a French colony. Topless Europeans sunbathe at the beaches while nearby gawk Arab men and women covered from head to toe.

The colors and smells of Marrakech's narrow bazaars provide a sensory overload that is only complete when someone puts a monkey or python around your neck and then asks for $5 to take a picture with your own camera.

Once the seat of the world's most powerful empire - that stretched into France - Morocco is the only country I've visited where I didn't see a single other American.