I asked the 22 year old young man, fluent in at least four languages in spite of no formal schooling, as he drove across the dunes to our bivouac in the Sahara, ” What is best in Morocco, to be a man or a woman?” “A man,” he said with no hesitation, “a woman has no choices.” A telling comment. Depending on where they live, entirely true. Although life for …
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 of the Nile was shot. Game of Thrones Game of Thrones looms large in Essaouira …
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 labyrinth of intersecting alleys. Gorgeous. Intertwining levels and Moorish Art Deco style buildings in …
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 …
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 …