Merry Christmas Eve, Privates!
The holiday break has commenced, and most of us are stuck at home, so we thought Sof’s Morocco recommendations (with photos!) would be the perfect gift. And if you missed her rundown from Portugal in the last edition, make sure to check that out. We also have some goodies to keep your eardrums busy during this downtime, plus a brand new episode. Buckle your seat belts, and prepare for takeoff!
Sof's Field Notes from Marrakech
Marrakech, which our local guide referred to by its many nicknames, "the Red City," because of the red (pink, really) wall that surrounds it is actually two cities — the old part is known as the medina, and the French Colonialist part is the newer part. We only explored the medina, the "true Marrakech," with its tiny streets, donkeys, open-air souks (markets), and about a million cats, which are treated with great respect and fed since they could be hosts to jinn, powerful spirits/demons. Marrakech, unlike most places I've visited so far, didn't remind me of anywhere else. It is utterly unique, and I can't wait to come back. Until then, here are some must-dos for when you visit:
Take a motorcycle sidecar tour through the medina — we did it with @insidersexperience, and our guide was a guy named Felix, who's lived in China, Ireland, and Paris (he hated the French in between speaking fluent French, which was hilarious).
Eat harira, a soup made with tomatoes, chickpeas, and lentils that's eaten to break the fast each night of Ramadan. After putting one spoonful in my mouth, I felt all my generational trauma heal. Just kidding, it's still only soup. But I did immediately and worriedly ask if it was allowed to eat this soup other times because it's so good, and after everyone laughed at me, they assured me that it was. Thank god, because the soup is addictive, filling, and tastes like hugs feel.Â
Book an experience in the Agafay desert that includes a traditional Berber meal (incredible tajine) with a live Gnawa musician (shoutout Abdullah!) around a fire, a camel ride, and stargazing with an astronomer guide. We did ours through Amanjena, but there are many options. It's utterly silent other than the music, and the stars and planets are incredible - I've never seen the moon the way I saw it that night through the astronomer's telescope (shoutout Muhammad Ali! for real). This was one of the most romantic nights of my life and would have also been unforgettable with friends.Â
🎧 Check out our Spotify Playlists! 🎧
Hey, we got the memo: Omicron is here, and it sucks. So if you're bored and lonely at home this holiday season, let us keep you company! Check out some of our favorite eps featured on these Spotify playlists…
FINLAND, MEXICO & JAPAN TRAVEL EPISODESÂ - We love exploring the intersection of sex, relationships, and travel, and nothing shows this more than our episodes from Helsinki, Mexico City, and Tokyo. Find out what it's like dating in the "Happiest Country in the World," being unapologetically queer in Mexico City, and going to sex clubs in Toyko. Think that's not enough? Trust us; we have an international episode for everyone.
COMEDIANS OF ONLYFANS - After live entertainment shut down, comedians flocked to OnlyFans to help pay their bills during the pandemic. Comedians Anya Volz, Teresa Lee, Tito Bonito, and more shared with us the innovative and sexy 😉 ways they thrived (and sometimes struggled) on the subscription platform.
LGBTQ+ EPISODESÂ - This comprehensive playlist highlights our inspiring, bold, vulnerable, and hilarious LGBTQ+ special guests! Pop those earbuds in and get ready to fall in love with these amazing humans.
ABORTION IS NORMAL, ABORTION IS HEALTHCARE - In light of the Unconstitutional abortion bans in Texas and Mississippi, we've highlighted pro-choice episodes from our archives to help destigmatize the procedure and the dangerous rhetoric surrounding the heart of the issue — bodily autonomy as a human right and access to safe healthcare because the fact is, abortion IS healthcare.
Have you listened to our latest ep? 💕
While Sofiya was traipsing from LA to Portugal to Morocco, Cokes was back at home interviewing some of our favorite local sex workers. There have been a lot of challenges over the past couple of years, with the pandemic — the debate around California labor law AB5, and OnlyFans trying to leave sex workers behind — so we wanted to get the scoop on the current state of sex work in Los Angeles, plus predictions for 2022. In this episode, we hear from Onyx Black, AM Davies, and Adrienne Airhart. Tune in next week for Part 2.
We love you, Privates, and are wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday, even if it looks a little different this year. 💗
xo Cokes & Sof