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AIBU?

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Original poster

School Trip to Morocco

412 replies

Goldsand · 17/10/2022 19:00

My DDs secondary school have just announced they will be doing a school trip in the next school year to Morocco for my daughters year.

It’s normally Iceland but they have changed it to Morocco this time.

A couple of other mums have said they won’t be sending their kids as they don’t think it’s safe to send their teen girls there.

Iv never been personally but I thought it was a safe country overall.

However, now I’m doubting myself …. I was going to agree to her going even though i think it’s steep as it’s over £1,000.

So…

YABU - It’s safe, don’t worry about it.
YANBU - I would never send my teen child there on a school trip.

OP posts:
Fastandlupine · 17/10/2022 21:24

Xenophobia then, if you prefer that word. Do you really think men are lurking around every corner to jump on young girls?

AxolotlEars · 17/10/2022 21:24

Don't have a problem with Morocco. I do have a problem with £1000.

aboutanidiot · 17/10/2022 21:25

CanopusMind · 17/10/2022 21:22

@Fastandlupine · People forget that British children in Middle Eastern Countries, go on school trips to Middles Eastern countries ALL THE TIME.

I mean, hell, I haven't heard of any mass kidnappings of any of those children. Look at all the expats in the UAE, Saudi, Qatar, oh and Morocco.

Who accompanies them?

lawandgin · 17/10/2022 21:25

Oh come on @CanopusMind - I've never been grabbed and forcibly marched down the road in the UK, nor has DH ever been offered animals in return for me!

lawandgin · 17/10/2022 21:25

That is my experience, yes @Fastandlupine

Anonymouslyposting · 17/10/2022 21:26

Fastandlupine · 17/10/2022 21:18

Wow there's a lot of racism on this thread. It would be an amazing trip and they'll be looked after by the school. Camping in the desert sounds like an unforgettable life experience.

To be fair - I’m on the “I’d send her” side and I don’t think those saying they wouldn’t are racist. It’s not racist to say that Morocco is a less safe place than the UK, particularly for young girls, it’s just a fact. Personally I’d be comfortable with DD going somewhere less safe than the UK so long as she was a sensible and I was confident the school had appropriate safe guards. It’s not racist for others to feel differently.

Forestfever · 17/10/2022 21:26

lawandgin · 17/10/2022 21:25

Oh come on @CanopusMind - I've never been grabbed and forcibly marched down the road in the UK, nor has DH ever been offered animals in return for me!

Have I misunderstood her post or have you? I believe she was talking about British ex pats living in Middle Eastern countries.

PurpleWisteria1 · 17/10/2022 21:26

Fastandlupine · 17/10/2022 21:24

Xenophobia then, if you prefer that word. Do you really think men are lurking around every corner to jump on young girls?

Yes! Now you’ve got the idea!

CanopusMind · 17/10/2022 21:27

@lawandgin I've been grabbed and forced down a road here.

They are in a group, the school will have done their background work, plenty of expat kids go on school trips to middle eastern countries.

Terrorist attacks happen in the UK too. Hassle happens in the UK too.

aboutanidiot · 17/10/2022 21:27

Fastandlupine · 17/10/2022 21:24

Xenophobia then, if you prefer that word. Do you really think men are lurking around every corner to jump on young girls?

Keep trying with the adjectives.

lawandgin · 17/10/2022 21:27

@Forestfever I was referring to the post whereby Canopus implied women are treated as badly in the UK as in North African countries

CanopusMind · 17/10/2022 21:28

@Forestfever · No I was saying in response to the terror comments would be people send their kids to London :-)

Blueblell · 17/10/2022 21:28

Morocco is a pretty safe country in my opinion and a visit to the desert and ouarzazate will be great for a geography trip. It does sound expensive though.

Fastandlupine · 17/10/2022 21:28

Purplewisteria, they are not, that is untrue. Its an exaggerated fear.

CanopusMind · 17/10/2022 21:29

@lawandgin Hmmm, they are - if you don't see that then that's because you yourself may be treated well. There are abhorrent conditions for many women in the UK - and my quote was regarding women being seen as second class citizens, which they are in the UK too.

lawandgin · 17/10/2022 21:30

I'm sorry that happened to you @CanopusMind. I personally couldn't stand the non-stop attention, groping and objectification I experienced and I certainly wouldn't want that for my DD. I've not experienced anything like that here. Oh actually - I was groped once, but I defended myself without fear I would be arrested/mistreated for doing so. Wouldn't be so confident in Morocco.

Forestfever · 17/10/2022 21:30

Sorry my mistake. 😀

CherryGenoa · 17/10/2022 21:31

It seems expensive for what it is, although prices have gone up a lot for some holidays. Perhaps the Iceland trip they used to offer is now way over the £1000 mark.

Cyclebabble · 17/10/2022 21:31

My DD went with no issues. Big trekking trip through the Atlas Mountains. In context a day trip to London also has an element of risk.

lightand · 17/10/2022 21:32

Even people who have paid for cruise trips, lots dont like getting off at Morocco. Even though it is part of the trip they have paid for.

keepcalm11 · 17/10/2022 21:32

Fastandlupine · 17/10/2022 21:24

Xenophobia then, if you prefer that word. Do you really think men are lurking around every corner to jump on young girls?

Yes, in Morocco I do

Walkingtheplank · 17/10/2022 21:33

£1k for 5 nights in Morocco is ridiculous so on that basis it would be a no from me.

However, having visited Morocco 5 times, including as a young 20 something and later with my 13 year old daughter, I dont see it as unsafe for males or females. I've never felt vulnerable sexually.

StarDolphins · 17/10/2022 21:34

I wouldn’t send my DD, I’ve been to Morocco (albeit quite a few years ago) I was young but dressed appropriately (not covered head to toe but not looking like I’m in Love Island) & I had no end of mither from the men & abuse from the women. I went to Tangier & Marrakesh.

also, it’s v expensive for 5 nights! I think a lot won’t go.

whirlyswirly · 17/10/2022 21:34

Hell no. It was awful, the only place in the world where I've felt properly frightened.

We had people grab us, yell at us and that was with us dressing carefully, speaking fluent French and trying not to draw attention to ourselves. We got lost continuously and couldn't stop to get our bearings without huge hassle every time.

It was a hot, stressful, aggressive experience. Dh says he wouldn't go back for free, ever.

DizzyR · 17/10/2022 21:35

@Darbs76 oof that is steep but Tokyo is probably one of the best cities on earth. I went in my 20s and loved it and would have LOVED it as a teen. It’s also very safe.