It started long before Rick’s Place made Casablanca a movie legend. Morocco has an enviable reputation for magical movie and TV series locations. In fact, during my recent trip I visited at least three: Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and Essaouira. There were also a few abandoned sets in the midst of Saharan sands where Jewel […]
See the Real Astapor: Daenerys’ Dragons and Magical Essaouira Read More »
Come with me to the gardens of Yves and Pierre… The Garden, located in the city of Marrakech and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Berge in 1922, is one of the most enchanting and mystical gardens in Morocco. Created in the space of forty years, it is surrounded by walls and is
A World Famous Designer’s Art-Deco Treasure: Visit Majorelle Gardens Read More »
This is a “must” in Morocco. It’s sheer bliss, inexpensive compared to any spa experience in the US and an utterly amazing sensual delight. First, what is a hammam? “For every tourist coming to Morocco, visiting a traditional Moroccan hammam and experiencing the wide range of benefits is undoubtedly on their bucket list. Moroccan hammams take their inspiration
My Expert Guide to the Perfect Moroccan Hammam Experience Read More »
One of the best ways to learn the intimacies of foreign cuisines (and sample the goods!) is to take a cooking class when you travel. I had this amazing experience at Dar Rhizlane Palais and Table D’Hotes one recent morning in Marrakech. The word tajine refers to both the conical-shaped dish and the food that’s
Smoking Tajines and Savory Spices: How to Cook Authentic Moroccan Food Read More »
Morocco is alternately overwhelming, delicious, friendly and vicious. It offers a constant assault on the senses, enhanced by true tales of its barely believable past. And everywhere, there are children. Boys mostly but occasionally a young girl with her mother close by, begging. I asked permission to take her picture and bought trinkets from these
Lords of the High Atlas, How to Ride a Camel and a Saharan Night Under the Stars Read More »
First, do not try to navigate this medina without a guide. Or two. Or even three. We are a group of 20 seasoned, fit, veteran travelers. Multi-lingual, mature. This isn’t anyone’s first rodeo. On Saturday here at the Medina, we criss-crossed the Mellah, (the Jewish quarter and visited 13th century synagogue, still active), Andalusian and
Happily, Hopelessly Lost in a Fes Medina: My Survival Tips Read More »
We left the grandeur of Rabat in the morning just as the King was arriving. Street crews spent the night trimming, sweeping, and spit-shining every inch of the capital city in preparations as we headed east to visit the 2nd and 3rd century Roman ruins of Volubilis, proceeding then to Meknes and ending the day
Visit Impressive Volubilus and Eat Couscous in Fes Read More »
Morning in Rabat, busy due to King Mohammed VI visit with the Parliament tomorrow. Flags flying, cobblestones washed in the square of the Royal Palace. Morocco is a Parliamentary Monarchy, emphasis on monarchy and HE’s coming tomorrow! The air is electric. Today’s itinerary and then the eloquence of pictures. After breakfast, a tour the capitol
Astonishing Rabat: Kings, Kasbahs and a Pink Lamborghini Read More »
Casablanca is a brief 7 hours from JFK, then an hour and a half to Rabat but for the moment, close your eyes and breathe in the pungent spices of North Africa, intersection of vibrant trade routes from all over the world. An agreeable climate, expansive coasts, red deserts and imposing Atlas mountains. African, Arab,
Next Stop Morocco: Kingdom of Light and That One Bar in the World Read More »
Most travel “bucket lists” lead with an African Safari. Or at least rank as a top three destination experience. The movie, “Out of Africa” and the works of Isak Dinesen were all I needed. Meryl Streep’s rhapsodic soliloquy in the film’s opening scenes, “I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong
A Balloon Ride in Kenya: See Maasai Mara’s Majesty Read More »