Taken in Marrakesh

I really wish I'd known better. But now I do.

On my first full day in Marrakesh, a quiet Sunday, I'm wandering around the Medina. Sure, I seem a little lost, but that's my style. I'm not truly lost, just open to whatever comes my way.

A friendly guy strikes up a conversation in French. He's nice and offers to show me around the city for a few minutes. My gut says to just say goodbye and move on, but I decide to roll with it.

After a nice chat, he invites me for some homemade tea at his place, so I can experience the culture of drinking tea with a local. I hesitate at first, but he assures me his house is nearby, and he has plans later. It's just about tea time.

Being an adventure junkie, I think, why not? I know I can just tell him I need to leave if I want. Plus, sharing tea with a local is a unique opportunity. I know deep inside that experience could be a little dangerous, but I let my adventurous side speak louder.

Little do I know, this will turn out to be one of my scariest experiences while traveling the world.

We walk for a minute to his motorcycle. He says he lives on the other side of the Medina, and this is a quicker way to get there. I know I should've declined, but maybe I'm pushing the adventure too far.

In my mind, I'm thinking, “When am I going to be able to ride a motorcycle with a local again?” Lesson learned - never put yourself in a situation where you're not in control. Being a passenger, you're at the mercy of someone else.

I hop on, living on the edge, wondering where he actually lives. We're riding his motorcycle for a while now, and I imagine we're out of the Medina, and even out of the downtown.

Twenty-five minutes later, things take a dark turn. The man lives far, even past the airport.

We end up in a place with no public transport, no taxis, not even a proper road. I look around and all I can see is desert, the sun, and a few block cemented houses. What did I get myself into? Where am I? How am I going to get out of here?

I pull up my phone without him seeing, and quickly message my friend Francesca in Italy to keep an eye on my location. My text is short and to the point: "SOS. Watch out for my location."

Of course, she calls me right away. I pick up the phone, speak really fast English, saying: "Fran, keep watching my location, and if I'm not home in the next 2 hours, do something."

What could she do from another continent? I have no idea, but I'm sure she will figure it out.

Golden Tip: while traveling alone, always share your location with friends and family, and especially with someone that is in the same time zone as you. You don’t want to ask a friend to watch for your location when it is 3 a.m. for them.

We enter his place, and I notice a camera at the door. Quite odd. I decide to maintain calm and just talk to him.

So, I decide to act normal, like this is the most normal situation. At the end of the day, I'm with a local in Morocco, so I ask about the religion, the impact of Islam in his life, why he has a camera at the door…

He says his neighbors are all very nosy about his private life, so he added a camera to see when they're at the door listening to his conversations with guests.

So, he has lots of guests coming over? I think to myself. Or he does this to a lot of people and takes them back, not sure why. Or I'm another victim of whatever he's planning to do.

He makes Moroccan tea, shows me how to properly serve it, pouring the tea back and forth into a cup and back into the dish. I really do not care at this point, I just want to drink my tea and get out of there.

Tea time passes without incident, and I feel it's time to go. Before I say something, he comes to sit close to me and touches my leg. I freeze for a few seconds and do not know what to do. Usually, in our minds, we know what we would do when someone tries to assault you, but I realize that when it really happens, we freeze, we get awkward, we don't know what to do.

Of course, I cannot get aggressive against him, or make him angry. This man is my only way out of there.

But still, that's my cue to leave. I ask to use the bathroom. Inside, I find one of those bathrooms with no toilet seat but a hole in the ground.

I'm not in the mood to even attempt to use that. I take a deep breath, look at myself in the mirror, gather my courage, and step out.

To my not happy surprise, he's walking around in just a shirt and underwear. "Are you kidding me? I am not going to let myself be sexually assaulted by this disgusting man," I think to myself.

I need to trust my instincts. I need to be very polite if I want to get out of there quickly, especially because I'm at his mercy to drive me back. The first thing that comes to my mind is that I have an appointment to call my mother because we talk to each other every Sunday.

She's waiting for me and even tried to call me already.

A few years ago I made a protocol for leaving potentially dangerous moments like this on trips:

• Make sure to tell someone is expecting you in person or for a phone call. So if you don't respond they will know you are gone.

• Be polite and don't use anger or aggression against the person.

• And tell them you have personal or health problems. No one wants to do something with someone that has health problems.

I awkwardly smile and tell him a straight-up lie that's my desperate attempt to have him quit whatever he's trying to do to me.

I say I'm dealing with some health problems - I point to my crotch for emphasis - and it's not the right time for anything intimate. If he knows what I mean.

I'm hoping that even a disgusting predator would be afraid of catching a sexual disease or something. He backs off and apologizes. He says he'll take me back.

Thank goodness for divine intervention or whatever I did in there.

During the 25-minute ride back, I try to stay calm and positive. I need to get back to my place safely. When I'm still in his power, I have to try to remain calm and show him I'm having a good time. The last thing I want is to make a stranger Moroccan predator nervous. I still have my whole trip ahead of me.

He dropped me off and immediately asked for payment. Payment for what? For gas, the water bottle, and the tea, he said. I couldn't believe it. After such a terrifying experience, I was being asked to pay?

I refused. That set him off. He raged for 20 minutes, refusing to let me go until I paid. I held my ground. I wouldn't let myself be emotionally bullied after what I'd been through. I told him no, and that was my final answer.

Thank goodness we were in a public place. People were watching, seeing how angry he was. I thought about going to the police and reporting the attempted assault, his eyes got wide open when I said that and he shut me down. Being gay is illegal in Morocco, and I could get in some trouble as well.

He finally left after I gave him $2 for the water, which was all I was willing to pay. He snatched the money, walked away, then turned around and poured the rest of the water on the ground in a fit of childish rage.

My adrenaline was through the roof. I couldn't believe I'd been foolish enough to get into that situation. I looked to my left and saw a waiter of the restaurant that was watching our intense encounter the whole time.

He said that a man like him will fool polite travelers and do anything they can to get money out of them. And boy he did...anything to get money and more out of me.

It was a powerful lesson, not just for Morocco, but for life and all my future travels. Sometimes I think I can push the boundaries of how far I can go to get an worth telling experience.

But no unique experience is worth risking my physical, emotional and mental well-being. Safety always comes first...

I went to Marrakesh looking for culture, adventure, and stories worth telling. I got all three, just not in the order I expected.

I survived on politeness, lies, and a fake medical condition I invented in a stranger’s living room. So yes, the tea was authentic.

The experience was dramatically unforgettable. And next time, I’ll stick to guided tours and cafés where the worst thing that can happen is being overcharged for mint tea.

Barcelona: Catalonia's Jewel

Prepare your walking shoes, this is a city to be explored by foot

SPAIN

As you roam around Europe, you'll notice a striking similarity in the architecture and landscapes, especially in the sunny southern countries like Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Yet, despite these commonalities, each country possesses a unique magic thanks to its distinct language, delectable cuisine, and diverse culture.

Spain, in particular, has a knack for giving every traveler a one-of-a-kind experience in each city they visit. It might not have been a deliberate plan, but the renowned Barcelona, exudes a completely different vibe compared to the capital Madrid.

BARCELONA

Barcelona sets itself apart from other Spanish cities and indeed, from any other city in Europe, fueled by the Catalan pride, with aspirations for their region to become its own country.

It's hard to predict where this will lead in the future, but for now, Barcelona proudly maintains its original language, Castellano, along with its unique culture.

It's perhaps the most famous and sought-after town in Spain, and it lives up to the hype. But let's get a few things straight:

If you speak Spanish and assume you'll be just fine, remember that they prefer to use their native Castellano, which can be a bit different from standard Spanish, but it won't be a problem communicating with the locals, just a little distinct.

This city home of so many stories, has one of the most breathtaking tourists sites I've ever seen, and the most vibrant energy of any European town.

WHAT TO DO

Barcelona truly lives up to expectations. I vividly recall arriving in the city, hopping on the underground subway to reach my Airbnb, and as I stepped out of the station, I was met with the grandeur of La Sagrada Familia.

I definitely didn't expect to encounter one of Barcelona's most iconic sights within my very first minute in the city.

What other city in the world can boast a church that's been under construction since 1882 and is still a work in progress?

La Sagrada Familia is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This colossal structure, in the making for years on end, is a sight to behold and a treat for the eyes.

trigitip: There's a wealth of history and intricate details about La Sagrada Familia that make investing in a tour guide well worth it. It adds a whole new layer of understanding and appreciation to the experience.

I didn't have the funds set aside for a tour guide, so once I settled into my room, I dove into some quick research about the history and delved into Antoni Gaudi's visionary mind.

However, merely reading about it left me wanting more, and in hindsight, I should have splurged on a guide. While tourists can purchase tickets online to explore the cathedral from the inside, let me share a golden tip.

trigitip: For the ultimate experience, aim to schedule your trip to Barcelona on a Sunday. Plan to arrive at the church by 7 am, or even better, by 6 am if you can manage it.

Head straight to the line. On Sundays, visitors can enter for free to attend mass. However, once the chapel reaches its capacity, no more people can enter for free. By 8 am, the line is usually already quite long.

MUST DO

Barcelona offers a whirlwind of experiences. The old town alone can keep you captivated for days. The ever-changing history and architecture by neighborhood are a treat for history buffs.

And for shopaholics, the charming local stores and their tales might just tempt you to splurge. If you're on a budget, consider steering clear—those little shops can be a bit pricey.

The Gothic neighborhood is a real eye-opener. Unlike many European cities where Gothic style is confined to the churches, it seeps into the very streets, houses, and shops. It's no wonder this area steals the hearts of countless tourists.

trigitip: Consider grabbing a tour guide for the Barcelona old town. Among all the cities in Spain, Barcelona is the place to do it. Madrid and the others? Not so much.

Barcelona is eminently walkable, being a flat city. You can easily rack up your daily steps without a hitch. This way, you can indulge in the delectable food and fantastic wine without feeling too weighed down.

trigitip: If you're a wine lover, Spain is your haven. The bottles at the supermarket are a steal, and the quality is consistently top-notch. Don't forget to find a cozy spot to savor some sangria al fresco.

THE BEACH

The beach is pleasant, though not exactly world-class. Maybe I'm just comparing it to the beaches in Brazil or Mexico. If you're looking to catch some waves, I'd recommend a short train ride to the beaches near the city. They're less crowded, cleaner, and all-around nicer.

trigitip for the LGBTQ+ Community: In close proximity, you'll find a host of other cities easily accessible by train, like Sitges. This town, a favorite among the LGBTQ+ community, offers a blast for everyone, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. It's a vibrant, lively place.

For the seasoned traveler, especially those who've explored other parts of the Mediterranean, you'll quickly notice that the beaches on the eastern side of the sea don't quite measure up in terms of water and sand quality.

Nevertheless, they promise a great time. These beaches may not be ideal for a swim, but they come into their own later in the day.

It's the perfect spot to gather with friends or fellow travelers, savor some wine, and soak in the breeze.