Surviving the Marrakesh Earthquake and Finding Strength in Adversity

I had the incredible opportunity to reunite with friends from last year’s Italian retreat for a special reunion at a Moroccan restaurant in Marrakesh. The evening was filled with laughter, delicious food, and captivating conversations, all while being entertained by mesmerizing belly dancing and daring fire eaters.

As we settled the bill at 11:11 p.m. ( for believers in numerology and angel numbers the time of the earthquake has spirtitual significance) and prepared to continue our night at the nightclub, an unusual sensation rippled through the room, initially masked by the booming music. We realized something was wrong only when objects started plummeting from the ceiling.

Amid the chaos, my girlfriend’s panicked cry of “earthquake” sent shockwaves through the group, triggering mass panic. We joined the frantic rush towards the exit, a terrifying stampede where people pushed and shoved, desperate to escape the potentially crumbling restaurant.

Once outside, we regrouped, struggling to make sense of the surreal events unfolding around us. The streets were filled with confusion and chaos as crowds of shocked people milled about. I made my way back to the hotel through the bewildered throngs. Upon arriving, I learned that my hotel had been evacuated, and guests could not return to their rooms. My immediate concern was retrieving my passport and essential belongings from my ground-floor room, which security assisted me with. I also grabbed a blanket, pillow, and extended battery for my phone. Finding a spot by the pool, I joined other hotel guests, now camping out for the night.

Throughout the long night, there was no communication from the hotel staff except for a warning that more earthquakes were expected. I felt scared and alone, far from home and amid a crisis. Meanwhile, the friends I had been dining with had returned to their Riad in the Medina, only to find devastation with buildings in ruins, cars demolished, injured people, and others standing in shock, gazing at where their homes once stood. The ancient minaret, a symbol of Muslim life, stood damaged and on the brink of collapse, shrouded in a cloud of dust.

In the early morning hours, my friends managed to retrieve their belongings from the kind couple running the Riad who should have been home checking on their own family but instead tended to their comfort and safety. My friend knew the safest place we could be was out of the city and arranged for a driver to pick me up at 3:39 a.m. Their sole objective was to get as far away as possible, fearing further tremors and building collapses. I had a final chance to gather my belongings from my room before we embarked on a journey into the desert.

We were immensely fortunate to have planned our yoga retreat so that we knew of a safe oasis in the desert. As we drove into the night, we witnessed the heart-wrenching scenes of hundreds of thousands of people, including women, children, babies, the elderly, and the sick, all forced to sleep in the streets, unable to return to their damaged homes.

Finally, at 4:45 a.m., we arrived at Peacock Pavilion, where Chris, one of the owners, warmly greeted us. He provided us with much-needed water and a place to rest while he assessed the damage and worked to restore power to the oasis.

The following 24 hours were challenging as the shock of the earthquake settled in. We tried to process our emotions through yoga, resting, spending time with friends, journaling, and eating. Knowing we were in a much safer place provided some comfort. Still, the memory of that terrifying night would stay with us forever, a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature’s forces and the strength of human resilience.

The earthquake had dramatically altered our plans and itinerary, a long-anticipated trip to The Atlas Mountains and its breathtaking beauty. Its diverse people, including Berber and small ancient Jewish communities, enrich its cultural tapestry. The landscape, with its towering peaks, lush valleys, and ancient villages, is a testament to nature’s artistry. Together, they create a captivating tapestry of human heritage and natural wonder, now a place of mass devastation and sorrow. It’s heart-wrenching to think about the lives affected by this disaster.

With Marrakesh in shock and King Mohammed declaring three days of mourning, it was clear that the country was focused on searching and providing support to the injured, survivors, and victims. My heart goes out to all those affected by this horrific tragedy, and my priorities shifted to offering support and assistance where possible.

As the days passed, the weight of the earthquake’s aftermath continued to loom over me. Each night brought a restless sleep, but I held on to the hope that the tears would come with time, allowing me to release the pent-up emotions. The support and guidance of Julie and Karen, our teachers, helped us navigate the complex healing journey ahead.

My focus remains on self-care – resting, breathing, and meditating. It’s a chance to find solace in the present moment and express gratitude that I emerged physically unharmed from the chaos.

The blessings in my life shine brighter than ever, foremost among them, my three incredible daughters. Their unwavering strength was a beacon of hope for me in these uncertain times. I was aware of the fear that gripped them, and their words of love and encouragement provided a lifeline that kept me grounded.

During those lonely hours by the pool, as darkness enveloped the city, the sound of my new grandson, River’s precious giggle through video calls, was a source of comfort. In his innocent laughter, I found a reminder of life’s beauty, a reason to keep moving forward.

The burdens of organizing the mission to bring Rebecca home weighed heavily, but my brother took charge with determination as we embarked on this emotional journey. The logistical challenges of rearranging flights and canceling reservations were daunting to me but a testament to the resilience and adaptability that people summon during times of crisis.

As we face the uncertain days ahead, the bonds of family, the support of friends and mentors, and the small moments of joy: camel rides at sunset, cooking classes at a school that supports empowering young village girls to have a vocation, this kept us going. We tread this path together, honoring the strength within ourselves and those around us as we navigate the challenges and heartaches of a world forever changed.