Bssaha wa Raha L'hammam🚰🪣🧼 بالصحة و الراحة الحمام
By Program Leader, Mohsin:
Hey everyone! As your Moroccan program leader, I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of our country’s most cherished traditions: the hammam. If you’ve never heard of it before, think of it as a communal spa where Moroccans go to relax, socialize, and rejuvenate.
Imagine a warm, steamy sanctuary filled with tiled floors, arching domes, and the soothing sound of running water. The hammam is essentially a public bathhouse where locals have been unwinding for centuries. It’s not just about getting clean—it’s a cultural ritual that’s deeply ingrained in Moroccan life.
First things first: you’ll be provided with a special scrubbing glove called a "L'keess"* and some traditional Moroccan soap, aka "Saboon L'beldi"**. Trust me, this soap isn’t your typical body wash—it’s made from olive oil and infused with herbs like eucalyptus or argan oil, leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth.
Once you step into the hammam, you’ll notice a series of heated rooms -it gets hotter as you go. The hottest room is where you’ll start to sweat out any toxins (it can get pretty steamy!). Then, it’s time for a thorough scrub-down with the Keess glove—prepare to be amazed at how much dead skin comes off!
What makes the hammam truly special is its social aspect. Moroccans often visit with friends or family, chatting and catching up while they unwind. It’s a chance to connect, relax, and socialize—a bit like going to the spa with your besties back home, but with a cultural twist to it!
Remember that modesty is key in Morocco. It’s respectful to cover up as much as you feel comfortable.
The hammam experience isn’t rushed. Enjoy the steam, soak up the atmosphere, and take your time scrubbing—it’s all part of the relaxation process. Drink plenty of water before and after your hammam visit. Sweating out toxins is great, but you’ll want to replenish your fluids.
The hammam isn’t just about cleansing your body—it’s about immersing yourself in Moroccan culture, trying something new, and feeling refreshed inside and out. Plus, your skin will thank you for it! (Especially after all the surfing & Kayaking ha!)
Get excited to dive into this unique Moroccan experience, if you haven't done so already!
& with that I say: Bssaha o raha l'hammam CIEE 😊
*الكيس
**الصابون البلدي
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