ramblings of a Seattle travel, food and photography hound
This is my last post on Morocco. The writing material the country provides is inexhaustible because, to me as a Westerner, it's different in ways cultural, linguistic and religious, reasons I find Morocco so fascinating. I'll conclude by writing down some loosely related thoughts and observations that together have contributed to my understanding of what makes... Continue Reading →
When traveling, I'm not particularly interested in staying at hotels. I don't look for a spa experience, 24-hour fitness center, or concierge services. I don't book stays at the Marriotts, Hiltons, Hyatts, Radissons and such, never mind luxury hotels like The Four Seasons. Yes, they're elegant, clean, sleek, efficiently run, and have marvelous guest services,... Continue Reading →
"We don't have room for any." That's what I told the salesman more than once at a licensed carpet dealer in Fes. He was showing us Moroccan rugs. My wife and I were taken there by our local guide. There might've been a kickback involved. "I want you to know that we have no intention... Continue Reading →
This post has only images. They reflect the personal wonder and beauty I felt about Morocco's diverse landscape, architecture, craft and food. They were photographed in and around Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchouen, Volubilis, Meknes, Fes, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi (Sahara), Todra and Dades Gorges, Skoura, Taroudant, Essaouira, Marrakech and El Jadida. (Click on the first to start... Continue Reading →
I'm not a birder. But when an interesting bird appears in my travels, I take note and try to find out a bit more about it. In several places throughout Morocco, I saw the white stork (Circonia circonia) that builds its large nest in high places, atop roofs, walls, even ancient Roman columns. The one... Continue Reading →
I experienced Morocco through my nose. Not intentionally. It just happened. Morocco’s scents and aromas accumulated in my mind subconsciously until it dawned on me that smelling should be as important as seeing to have an appreciation for the country. It started with mint tea, the beverage that Moroccans drink in gobs. It’s consumed as... Continue Reading →
“You want to eat something different?” This is a thorny question that depends on who’s asking and why. Mustapha, who’d been driving us throughout Morocco, found out early that my wife and I were willing eaters. Maybe not willing so much as open to trying local food. To a point. We're not Andrew Zimmern after... Continue Reading →
It consisted of orange juice and shredded cucumbers. This unlikely pairing, a combination I’d ordinarily skip over in a cookbook, was a sublime cold soup, the first course of a superb three-course dinner at Riad Boussa in Marrakech. In keeping with Moroccan tradition of having it on Fridays, the next course at Riad Boussa was... Continue Reading →
We all know pigs can fly. But goats? Argan trees only grow in Morocco. Morocco also has lots of goats. Have some goats evolved the ability to fly? You might wonder that when you see a tree filled with them along the road between Essaouira and Marrakech. Seeing this unusual sight was one of the... Continue Reading →
Travelers to Morocco, be forewarned. The tipping culture is pervasive. This is not unique to Morocco, of course, but I never thought the problem was going to be as big as it became. Add to this the fact that most of Morocco operates pretty much as a cash economy. Credit cards are accepted only by... Continue Reading →
zoomeboshi 