Well-traveled souls can vouch the journey, not the destination, is the ultimate value of adventures, and to say that the people you meet aren’t the most influential part, is like forgetting your passport in my eyes.
One man defines why my Moroccan experience was some of the most cherished days I’ve lived.
Lotfi Lamrani opened the door to his country and welcomed us into every room we had time to see.
I’ve been dreading writing this post, honestly, because even when I’m an old scribbler of words, no phrases could portray the honesty, hospitality, selflessness, inspiration, energy and adoration that radiates from this one man.
As his country stirs to move toward stronger NGO’s and a democratic way of thinking, he has embraced a role as the network man of Morocco.
Not only is he a figure-head of NGO networks in the country, but he also organizes programs for groups like ours to build cultural bridges and develop international ambassadors through genuine beyond five-star hospitality.
Lotfi is a hybrid individual of all-business when talking on the phone or lining up meetings and events for us, then he is a devout father of seven who dissolves the world around him whenever a child asks for his attention. He was also an attentive friend to every single one of our needs and questions.
I am also convinced that he doesn’t sleep.
He was with us every step through Morocco ensuring our travels exceeded any expectation.
Now that I’ve painted the accurate immaculate image of his personality and demeanor, here is the stroke that has not been placed- he is a man of humility and understanding.
He is a humble carpenter, but also a community leader who wants to help others understand Morocco from an honest experience.
He comes from poverty, improved himself through tedious woodwork, abandoned the typical café lounging lifestyle of men his age, and now upholds his patriotic responsibility through NGO work and international networking for Morocco.
When I asked him why he works tirelessly, almost to point of raggedly, to host groups like ours, he said that this is the one way he knows how to ensure friendship and understanding between countries.
To say he was successful with our experience is an understatement.
Many cohort members claim Morocco as their favorite leg of the trip, and I cried as our plane ascended from the mystical country. We know that all recognition is due to this selfless and inspiring man who says he is nothing but a humble carpenter.
Lotfi is a character I’ll carry each day. He is an individual that makes his difference in this changing world with unshakable self-motivation to improve the state we as people are in.
We grew more than attached to him. He walked us to the gate at the airport where we could not give enough hugs or thanks.
Our group watched his back and mindful steps as his Lotfi swag carried him through the terminal. We were all whispering “turn around Lotfi, come on, just one more look.”
He rubbed his graying hair in a manner of hardship, a moment of difficult detachment, as we still begged to each other that he would look back.
Then, he finally turned his head around. We all jumped and cheered to see that smile one more time. He waved with both hands and turned around in a walk of comfort and confidence.
One man defines why my Moroccan experience was some of the most cherished days I’ve lived.
Lotfi Lamrani opened the door to his country and welcomed us into every room we had time to see.
I’ve been dreading writing this post, honestly, because even when I’m an old scribbler of words, no phrases could portray the honesty, hospitality, selflessness, inspiration, energy and adoration that radiates from this one man.
As his country stirs to move toward stronger NGO’s and a democratic way of thinking, he has embraced a role as the network man of Morocco.
Not only is he a figure-head of NGO networks in the country, but he also organizes programs for groups like ours to build cultural bridges and develop international ambassadors through genuine beyond five-star hospitality.
Lotfi is a hybrid individual of all-business when talking on the phone or lining up meetings and events for us, then he is a devout father of seven who dissolves the world around him whenever a child asks for his attention. He was also an attentive friend to every single one of our needs and questions.
I am also convinced that he doesn’t sleep.
He was with us every step through Morocco ensuring our travels exceeded any expectation.
Now that I’ve painted the accurate immaculate image of his personality and demeanor, here is the stroke that has not been placed- he is a man of humility and understanding.
He is a humble carpenter, but also a community leader who wants to help others understand Morocco from an honest experience.
He comes from poverty, improved himself through tedious woodwork, abandoned the typical café lounging lifestyle of men his age, and now upholds his patriotic responsibility through NGO work and international networking for Morocco.
When I asked him why he works tirelessly, almost to point of raggedly, to host groups like ours, he said that this is the one way he knows how to ensure friendship and understanding between countries.
To say he was successful with our experience is an understatement.
Many cohort members claim Morocco as their favorite leg of the trip, and I cried as our plane ascended from the mystical country. We know that all recognition is due to this selfless and inspiring man who says he is nothing but a humble carpenter.
Lotfi is a character I’ll carry each day. He is an individual that makes his difference in this changing world with unshakable self-motivation to improve the state we as people are in.
We grew more than attached to him. He walked us to the gate at the airport where we could not give enough hugs or thanks.
Our group watched his back and mindful steps as his Lotfi swag carried him through the terminal. We were all whispering “turn around Lotfi, come on, just one more look.”
He rubbed his graying hair in a manner of hardship, a moment of difficult detachment, as we still begged to each other that he would look back.
Then, he finally turned his head around. We all jumped and cheered to see that smile one more time. He waved with both hands and turned around in a walk of comfort and confidence.
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