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 cooked inside it, which is usually a blend of delicious sweet and savoury flavours. Traditionally …
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 women alongside the road where we stopped to take a “panoramic picture.” First, the ride …
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 Kairaouine quarters for most of eight hours, stopping only for lunch. We had an additional …
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 at the Riad Salam in Fes. Tired and then astonished by this grand gem, hidden …
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 beginning with a drive past the beautifully tiled entrance to the Royal Palace, followed by …
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, Jewish, Persian and French (so love this) cultural confluence with Berber culinary skills. And every …