Boxing Day in Erfoud

We left Fes at 6.30 am in a grand race to make it to Erfoud so we could watch the sunset on the Sahara. We passed thru the Atlas mountains, going from snow to desert. Even seeing gypsies and wild Berbery Monkeys along the way. In Erfoud, we checked into a lovely casbah for the night, an oasis in the midst of the desert... Then off by range rovers we drove thru the sand, practically creating a sandstorm in our wake as we rushed to the dunes, where we met a pack of camels and off we went. Sunset is the most beautiful when reflecting off the golden sands.

Fez

The Medina in Fez is the biggest in the world and almost impossible to properly describe except to say that even with a map, one could easily get lost in its labyrinth-like streets, and with donkeys and cats running around free combined with the chaos of sellers it's a sight to behold at least once in your life. We visited bronze artists, tanneries, silk weavers, and bakeries. Then went to a cliff dwelling that was over 500 years old and met the 85 year old owner. The stories of her daily life were fascinating to us westerners (she does her dishes and laundry in the neighborhood fountain and bathes every Thursday at the local hammas). What can we say? Happiness is a way of life, and in her simple life she is very happy and content.

Meknes to Fez

Finding my way through Morocco is so much more interesting when reading fiction that takes place there. Currently reading a book called 'Lulu in Marrakech' by Diane Johnson, which has a life of its own when you can see, taste and smell all that the character is experiencing, and all on Christmas Eve... The timing couldn't be more perfect.
We left Casablanca early this morning and headed to Rabat (the capital) for a visit to the Royal Palace, from there we paid our respects to the late King Hassan II then off to Meknes for a visit to a gorgeous mosque... Im so enamored with all of the mosaics and gorgeous design. Somewhere along the line we hit a giant grocery store (one of the required stops in all my international visits) and then ended the day in Fez, where we wandered thru the medina until we found the loveliest former home / restaurant... Filled with musicians, belly dancers, and a few drummers. And yes, the men of Fez do wear Fezes. How great is that?

Casablanca

After years of film history classes, I find myself in one of the only towns Hollywood recognizes in Morocco ~ Casablanca. As a matter of fact, we did make a stop at Rick's cafe, but only for a photo op. Amazingly, I was more enticed by the auto mechanic next door. And after a visit to the Hassan II mosque, I was more than ever convinced of my love and devotion to this darling little country. Call it the cry of my inner hippie, whatever it is I'm content to call this place home for the next few days. And after trying the fish tagine at the Restaurant au Port, I can't understand why anyone would think differently. Vive le Maroc!