Nurulhuda Albukhari D’Cruz - Expat in Marrakech, Morocco

We’ve had the chance to talk to Nurulhuda Albukhari D’Cruz, 30, a Singaporean expat who has moved to Morocco with her husband. Mrs. Nurulhuda who has been living there for almost a year now works as blogger/entrepreneur.

Read more about her experiences in the full interview below.

 

Q: Where are you originally from?

A: I am from Singapore.

 

Q: What made you move out of Singapore?

A: My husband who is also a Singaporean took a teaching job in Marrakech, Morocco, and I am the trailing spouse.

 

Q: Where are you living now?

A: I am currently living in Marrakech, Morocco.

 

Q: How did you come to choose this new country of residence?

A: The opportunity just popped up, and it was a ‘why not’ decision.

 

Q: How long have you been living in Marrakech?

A: Nearly nine months.

 

Q: Are you living alone or with your family? If yes: How are they adjusting to the Expat Lifestyle?

A: I live with my husband, and I think my husband adjusted better to the country than I am.

 

Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people? Do you mainly socialize with other expats in Marrakech? How did you manage to find a social circle in Marrakech?

A: I mainly socialize with other expats through Facebook. And once in awhile have lunch with them, and it has been great so far.

 

Q: What are the best things to do in the area? Anything to recommend to future expats?

A: Aside from getting lost in the Medina at Jmaa El Fnaa. Heading over to Essaouira over the weekend is a must-do!

 

Q: How does the cost of living in Marrakech compared to your home?

• How much is a cup of coffee?

A: 10DH which is less than SGD2, much cheaper than in Singapore.

• How much is a meal in an inexpensive restaurant?

A: Less than 100DH for 2

• How much is a meal in an expensive restaurant?

A: About 300DH for 2

• How much is a bottle of wine? How about a pack of cigarettes?

A: I don’t drink or smoke so I wouldn’t know.

 

Q: How do you find the local culture and people in Marrakech?

A: It is tough being a woman in this country even though I am Muslim myself. I find that the country is mainly male-dominated, and they are not open to the idea of a woman sitting alone in a café drinking coffee yet.

 

Q: What do you think are the positive and negative sides of living in Marrakech?

A: I’ve learned how to adapt almost immediately especially in a developing country.

 

Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes?

A: Yes.

 

Q: How do you cope with homesickness?

A: Going to the only Indian restaurant here, cooking, Skyping with family back home.

 

Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?

A: YES!

 

Q: What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?

A: The stares I get for being different. I guess this country hasn’t seen much Asian and one who is mixed Chinese, to begin with.

 

Q: What tips can you give other expats living in that country?

A: Throw any expectations you have about Marrakech or Morocco out the window. And take a day at a time and you will realize how fast time flies by.

 

Q: Do you have favourite websites or blogs about Marrakech?

A: Marocmama