Living in Morocco vs. Living in the U.S. | Black American Expats

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  • Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
  • We’ve lived in Morocco for more than 3 weeks and we’ve learned so much about this amazing country.
    We’ll be talking all things:
    • Being pregnant while abroad & finding an English speaking OB
    • How far the U.S. dollar goes in Morocco
    • Working remotely & navigating time zones
    • Finding a barber that could cut textured hair
    Make sure you like, comment, subscribe & hit the notification bell so you get a heads up when our videos come out every Monday!
    #LivingAbroad #Pregnancy #Expat #Pregnant #PregnantWhileAbroad #BlackExpat #RemoteWork #Money #BlackInMorocco #Morocco #US #America

Комментарии •

  • @LifeWithTheLyles
    @LifeWithTheLyles  2 месяца назад +3

    Don’t forget to comment below what you think would be the toughest thing for you about living abroad ✈️

  • @shayscott7498
    @shayscott7498 2 месяца назад +12

    When I lived in Saudi, I used to hear the "call to prayer" every day. It became so melodic and soothing. I miss that.

  • @egiipta
    @egiipta 13 дней назад +4

    I lived in Morocco for about a year, and I just want to let anybody watching know that the way that locals treat you will absolutely shape your experience in this country. As somebody who is darker-skinned than both of the people in this video, I just want to emphasize that if you do not have the "American look," you might not have the most positive experience. I am commenting this, not because I want to just be negative. But before I moved to Morocco, I was learning about people's experiences who either A) Had not lived in the country, and were only tourists, or B) Were very light-skinned, or looked bi-racial (and that is how many Moroccans look), or C) Only spoke English (and thus, had not truly immigrated into the society). I used English less than 10% of the time while in Morocco. People were usually shocked to learn that I was American, because I was not perceived as one. I also intentionally wanted to live in the middle or lower-class neighborhoods, because I had the goal to integrate as much as I could and wanted to learn about the culture from locals.
    So, I really want black people to take into consideration _how_ they want to live, in Morocco. If you want to live in the Medina, the city center, in higher-class neighborhoods, amongst more westerners, with your car and send your kids to certain schools, etc., you will have a much different experience than somebody like myself, who chose to live in the city outskirts, took the taxis and buses to get around, and was able to speak the local language & French well-enough to be perceive as an "African immigrant" rather than an "American immigrant". If you basically plan to live like an American in Morocco, probably 90% of your experience will be positive.
    The cost of living is superb. The food tastes fresh and is very affordable (if you shop in the markets, maybe not so much if you only buy from supermarkets) and I have had very positive experiences with PRIVATE healthcare (there is free public healthcare in Morocco, and that is an entirely different story). However, even the US PeaceCorps websites warns black volunteers about the extreme discrimination in the country. Like I said, I truly immigrated to the country. I avoided a lot of things that would have made me look like an obvious foreigner, and most people assumed that I was either an (illegal 🙄) immigrant, or a student. The Moroccans who genuinely identify as Africans, or who had indigenous ancestry were seriously some of the kindest, friendliest and most inviting people I'd met. They were absolutely lovely, and made my experience great. There were also times when Moroccans would stand up for me, when they saw somebody else mistreating me in public (happened a handful of times). But, the amount of, and the type of discrimination that I experienced ended up weighing on me heavily, and was a huge reason that I chose to leave. If I ever return, I would absolutely use my American card to get better treatment, because, it can get very unbearable and mentally exhausting after a while.
    I just want black travelers, especially if you are dark-skinned, like myself, to please please take careful consideration of your values and the things you are willing to deal with before permanently relocating to any country in the MENA area. I would be more than happy to talk to anybody about my experience as somebody who wants to move to Morocco.

    • @culturalexpressionsdancers
      @culturalexpressionsdancers 9 дней назад +4

      As a Moroccan American , I am disgusted to hear about your experience, although not terribly surprised unfortunately. There is a brainwashing and ignorance that affects many Moroccans who choose not to identify as Africans. Deeply rooted. Please know they do not represent the majority, and I am by no means belittling your experience. Thank you for sharing and it motivates Moroccans like me to teach our children and upcoming generation the value of cultural competency and self identity.
      Welcome to Morocco any time ❤️❤️❤️

    • @egiipta
      @egiipta 7 дней назад +2

      @@culturalexpressionsdancers Yes, that self-identity is unfortunately a crazy problem across the entire continent. The younger generations are certainly putting in a lot of work to unlearn previous habits, so there are hints of change! It's just slow, and like you said, it has to be intentional. Understanding and believing your identity, especially when that identity has been challenged by certain historical events can be an obstacle.
      Thanks for the welcome. I hope that I'll have an opportunity to at least visit again once more. I've forgotten so much of the Darija I learned, though, so I think I'll want to study up beforehand :).

  • @Nissa-s8b
    @Nissa-s8b Месяц назад +4

    Love Morocco too. You inspire me . I'm thinking leaving Europa for Morocco.

  • @UnaMexicanaTorsida
    @UnaMexicanaTorsida Месяц назад +9

    Hello, thanks for making this video. My husband & and I are highly considering relocating to Tanger. We are currently in Texas, and we're tired of the robotic lifestyle. We've visited Morocco before, and we felt it was for us.

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  Месяц назад

      We’re glad that our videos have been helpful. We’re certain you’ll make the decision that’s best for you two! Couldn’t recommend Tangier more🇲🇦

  • @harrybarry5224
    @harrybarry5224 Месяц назад +6

    I love seeing African Americans discovering the continent their ancestors are originally from. Africa is a super diverse continent with so many different cultures and people. In Morocco you can see a sort of mini Africa with diasporas from many different African countries living there. The culture is also influenced by sub-saharan heritage in addition to Jewish, Arabic, Islamic, Spanish, Portuguese and even Roman.

  • @evelynbarry5046
    @evelynbarry5046 Месяц назад +4

    I am really happy for you about your doctor experience. It should be like that everywhere. I find the same service living in Egypt. I do love Morocco too

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  Месяц назад

      Thank you so much, Evelyn! Yes, it should be like that everywhere🥲So glad that your doctor experience in Egypt was also of the utmost quality and care.

  • @wc7318
    @wc7318 9 дней назад +1

    really enjoyed your video. Looking to visit Morocco in a year.

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  9 дней назад

      You’re going to have an amazing time! Make sure you check out our video on things to do in Tangier. It’ll be helpful as you create an itinerary (if you decide to visit Tangier): ruclips.net/video/fa9IseuRAWs/видео.htmlsi=vkrpB-IxqSkYvnxl

  • @KingslayerMax
    @KingslayerMax 2 месяца назад +2

    Welcome to Morocco guys! I hope you and your lovely baby have a wonderful life here

  • @Bambotb
    @Bambotb Месяц назад +2

    Welcome guys ❤

  • @handdeeabroad
    @handdeeabroad 2 месяца назад +1

    I am a travel doula, moving to Spain. I am so excited for y’all. Looking forward to hearing more about your experience.

  • @conanberry4833
    @conanberry4833 Месяц назад +1

    So happy for you guys😎

  • @yuber7043
    @yuber7043 10 дней назад

    Welcome guys

  • @dhbfhdnd5952
    @dhbfhdnd5952 Месяц назад +2

    Enjoy your time in Morocco 🎉🎉🎉🎉

  • @ibnhabesha
    @ibnhabesha 2 месяца назад +3

    I am looking to move to Tangier from Europe. Great to get some of your experience.

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  2 месяца назад +1

      Do it! Do it! Do it! If you haven’t already, check out our playlist that highlights every portion of our move thus far ruclips.net/p/PL-NDOok2USAVV8gSx-vJXTgC135Rir2HC&si=VxNfPrQB0MEzD6D-
      Wishing you all the best on the move if you decide to make it!

  • @NizarBenouna
    @NizarBenouna Месяц назад +1

    Nice épisode i'realy like it 👍 Happy for you. Keep going

  • @adventureswithadrienne
    @adventureswithadrienne 2 месяца назад +3

    Yaaaay first comment ✊🏾 For starters, congratulations on your expecting bundle of joy, how exciting.
    I want to move abroad, but my husband doesn't want to go back to Africa 🤦🏾‍♀️ so now I'm stuck. He's African and doesn't look at racism and injustice like we do. I'm not sure what it will take to get him to see those things so that we can GET OUT.
    Anyway, I don't know you, but I'm excited for y'all. Many blessings on this journey.
    12.3.2024

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  2 месяца назад +2

      Thank you so much! We couldn’t be more excited🥰
      We’re so sorry to hear that! We do hope that eventually he comes around & you both can move abroad, even if it’s not in Africa but to a country that embraces Black people & where you both feel most comfortable

    • @justinathompsonkinteh6485
      @justinathompsonkinteh6485 2 месяца назад +1

      check out cape verde he might like over there

    • @adventureswithadrienne
      @adventureswithadrienne 2 месяца назад

      @justinathompsonkinteh6485 so interesting you me tion that because he did speak on CV at one point, but now that he's got a taste of America he views changed 😫 I'll give him a fee years into this current president to change his mind lol.
      12.5.2024

    • @justinathompsonkinteh6485
      @justinathompsonkinteh6485 2 месяца назад +1

      @@adventureswithadrienne dont worry when he taste the hate for his skin tone he will then understand

    • @adventureswithadrienne
      @adventureswithadrienne 2 месяца назад

      @@justinathompsonkinteh6485 😪 yeah
      12.5.2024

  • @teenatravelsabroad
    @teenatravelsabroad 2 месяца назад +3

    Hi Guys! Welcome to living abroad as an American! You are going to love it. I have traveled 37 Countries before settling on living permanently in Portugal. There is nothing I regret about leaving California, only small things like it may take longer shopping and getting documents and stuff, other than that, its a better quality of life, safer and cheaper with fresh and better food, and as you all mentioned, Healthcare is cheaper and more intentional. By the way, those window shutters are all over Europe in most homes, the US is so behind on a lot of useful things that other Countries have.😅

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  2 месяца назад +2

      Thank you so much! It’s so wonderful to hear about other Black Americans making the move. We’ve heard wonderful things about Portugal. We could agree more! Moving abroad was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made🙌🏾

    • @teenatravelsabroad
      @teenatravelsabroad 2 месяца назад

      @ Yes black people should leave the USA because America is going to FAFO what it’s like now with Trump as president again and also see how much of our dollars the USA need once more of us leave.☺️🌎

    • @lola-2078
      @lola-2078 Месяц назад

      ​​@@teenatravelsabroadIn Europe when you are black the people feeling you every time. When you are Muslim the same.

  • @TheJoutia
    @TheJoutia Месяц назад +6

    To decide to have a baby in Morocco is the best idea. The Food Culture is very healthy and people are very helpful. Needless to say that the healthcare is pretty good. Looking forward to see how you progress in Tangier. The city of my birth. Enjoy the lush green promenades, the walks by the beach and escapes to all the forests that surround Tangier. I think you made an exciting choice!!!!!

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  Месяц назад +1

      We’re having our baby in the U.S. to be near family the first few months but we’ll be back in Morocco permanently in the summer. Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Your hometown is very beautiful & we couldn’t be happier to enjoy it🤍

  • @sandrasgotvoice
    @sandrasgotvoice 2 месяца назад +1

    Amazing how physicians actually weren’t on a timer for your appointment. You get 15 minutes tops here! Congratulations 🎈🎊🎉!
    My biggest concerns? Aside from doctors appointments 🤣, Getting everything done, quick, fast and in a hurry - I admit, I’m spoiled. I was shocked to hear about the quick food delivery! Also, I use Uber, and it’s crazy expensive. BUT…My fridge went out on a 4th of July holiday weekend. From the time I left a voicemail, to the time maintenance installed a replacement? Less than 2 hours. Not 2 days, but hours. The rent is ridiculous, but service is impeccable. What is the bureaucracy like there (getting bills paid, service requests? I would work remotely as well, so internet service is crucial to my business. Lastly, I’m concerned about being an older, single female in that culture. Great conversation!

  • @Vancouver.BC.1
    @Vancouver.BC.1 Месяц назад

    Thank you, and welcome!

  • @moroccohijrah
    @moroccohijrah 20 дней назад +1

    This was super informative and thorough thank you soo much! Just 2 things: can you provide a link to Ob Gyn and also the link or type the name of the app that does food deliveries. That would be super helpful

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  20 дней назад

      We don’t have a link to her office but you can look up the clinic to get ahold of her. It’s called Anisa Centre Women's Healthcare Services in Tangier with Dr. Nadia Badyine. She’s the incredible OBGYN we had the privilege of receiving care from.
      The food app is called Glovo😋🥰

  • @Morido-1
    @Morido-1 2 месяца назад +3

    Add Nairobi Kenya to your bucket list. But gotta warn you, Nairobi is addictive for POC.

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  2 месяца назад +1

      Say less! We’re adding that to our list📝

  • @NizarBenouna
    @NizarBenouna Месяц назад

    17:38 😅👍 great nice touch haha so funniest 😊

  • @malcomnash445
    @malcomnash445 5 дней назад

    Bottom line what is the rent and Air fare Morocco

  • @AJ-baraka
    @AJ-baraka 2 месяца назад +2

    Please tell the name of the doctor who provided you with good health care so others can use her service.

    • @LifeWithTheLyles
      @LifeWithTheLyles  2 месяца назад +2

      We’re not a fan of gate keeping so we’d be more than happy to share🤍
      The clinic is called Anisa Centre Women's Healthcare Services in Tangier with Dr. Nadia Badyine. She’s the incredible OBGYN we had the privilege of receiving care from.

  • @Hemocracy
    @Hemocracy Месяц назад +3

    God Almighty says :
    * O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female,
    and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that
    ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of
    Allah(GOD Almighty) is (he who is) the most righteous of you.
    And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)*.
    (Qur'an)

    • @dapofam5549
      @dapofam5549 2 дня назад

      which verse of the quran ? Thanks

    • @Hemocracy
      @Hemocracy День назад

      @@dapofam5549
      Verse 13 from (Hujurat 49:13)-Rooms-

  • @bucksamson2561
    @bucksamson2561 2 месяца назад +1

    Having things stolen from you constantly is exhausting. Replacing items every month feels like an uphill battle. Then there’s not getting your good clothes back from the laundry lady, or going to the phone company for help, only to have someone Bluetooth into your documents and photos-or even swipe your good battery. Using a public computer and finding out someone has accessed your Google account? Frustrating. Taking your shoes to be fixed and having them swapped for an older pair? Unbelievable. And having your dog stolen for a week, only to hear someone say, “I know where he is,” and realizing they wanted money? It’s a lot to deal with. And sadly, there’s even more I could say. MX

  • @mrscott7696
    @mrscott7696 Месяц назад

    Cause in morocco we work and we get paid in month with 150 dollar per month

    • @othmanewinners5787
      @othmanewinners5787 28 дней назад +2

      what work do you do?

    • @skeptikoslibertus8667
      @skeptikoslibertus8667 21 день назад +1

      Algerian troll ! 😂 minimum wage in Morocco is almost 400 $ a month !!! It's in Algeria where people get paid a miserable 85$ a month 😂

    • @mohamedchaf20
      @mohamedchaf20 20 дней назад

      @BadrBadr-i3r beggers make 150 $ a day in Morocco hhhhhh

    • @mohamedchaf20
      @mohamedchaf20 20 дней назад

      You are not Moroccan for sure