A two hour flight from Provence and we were in another world. A world of chic riads (small homes/hotels), gracious people, donkeys, camels, cobras, calls to worship and rose petals on your tablecloths. A bit of a culture shock? Yes. A new perspective? Yes. An appreciation for an ancient and admirable culture? Certainly.
We hope the following pictures and captions convey some of our impressions and experiences. We are grateful particularly to Pilou Brown who arranged our riad stay (
http://www.houseofwonders.com/) , to Leslie Dach and Mary Dickie who recommended our wonderful guide Mohammed, to Mohammed for his friendship and wisdom, and to the people of Marrakech who amazed and welcomed us.
Cobras, snake charmers and no Mallory or Julie anywhere nearby
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Lunch at Riad Kniza, owned by Mohammed and his wife
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The cornucopia style fireplace at Riad Dar Doukkala
The courtyard of a 12th century university, where students studied and followed the teachings of Mohammed that "the pen of the scholar is more precious than the blood of the martyr"
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An intricately carved wooden entrance
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View from a student's room at the University
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A stunning wooden chandelier, an example of the artisanship which still exists in Marrakech
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A glimpse of a beautiful door with surrounding tiles
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Rose petals in the lovely courtyard at Riad Kniza
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Shane with an ancient daggar
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A typical souk (market) scene, with Mohammed in the right foreground
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Syd and Shane walking through a typical souk
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Mohammed helping Shane bargain for a small craft box
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Strolling through a souk
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Yes, that's a live snake around Shane's neck
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Mal and Syd buying babouches (leather slippers)
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Shane, a snake, and our wonderful guide Mohammed. Mohammed has guided five U.S. presidents, and the likes of Brad Pitt and Will Smith. From him we learned that Muslims and Christians share fundamental values, and that friendship and respect transcends cultural
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The ancient Jamaa el fna at dusk. This mind startling market center--a world heritage sight--has existed since caravans of traders peddled their wares here many centuries ago.
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A mosque overlooking Jamaa el fna
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A Morrocan casserole dish - this one held chicken with lemons and olives
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Tajine dishes at lunch - olives, eggplants, tomatoes, chick peas, lamb
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Oranges with yogurt, dates and honey
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Julie and Shane doing the tourist thing--and enjoying it wholeheartedly
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Shane the camelboy...
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Yes, the camel did get up and walk around after this photo of Mal and Syd
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Mal at the beautiful Jardin Marjorelle
A traditional fountain at the Jardin Marjorelle. Fountains like this exist in homes and buildings all over Marrakech, and represent oases in the desert landscape
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Women in a cooperative near Essaouira extracting argan oil from the argan nut. The oil is then sold as skin and massage oils, with the funds going back into the cooperative to support the divorced or widowed women members.
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Camel's view on the route to Essaouira
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Syd, Shane and Mal at the coastal town
Essaouira, about two hours from Marrakech
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Mal in Essaouira
A snippet of the sights and sounds of Jamaa el fna....click on the photo to see the video