Posts Tagged ‘Essaouira’

Moroccan Door Knockers & The Hand of Fatima, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Chamsa door knocker, Essaouira

Moroccan door knockers can be found throughout Morocco and are palm-shaped. Door knockers in Morocco are a symbol of protection for the home as they are typically designed in the shape of the “hand of fatima” (Khamsa, Chamsa or Hamsa) and made of solid brass, cast iron or wood by a skilled artisan. Each door knocker that I’ve seen during my travels in the Magreb’s old cities of Marrakech, Essaouira or Fes have either been oxidized by the artist or they have developed a fabulous, aged green patina. The patinas are typically in various shades of green and are similar to those found on the statue of liberty in the New York harbor and on on ancient buildings in Europe. The green patina that forms on the chamsa Moroccan door knockers is natural and they resist corrosion which accounts for why they have remained on some of Morocco’s most extraordinary doors for centuries.

The Islamic alternate name of the hand of fatima commemorating Fatima Zahra who was the Prophet Muhammed’s daughter. The Jews renamed the Hamsa “Miriam’s hand,” referring to Miriam, the sister of Aaron and Moses so as not to name it after the daughter of the prophet of Islam. It is a sort of “protection of the hand” or “The hand of God“.

Brass door knocker, Essaouira

The five fingers that appear on a Moroccan door knocker or a Khamsa refer to the five books of the Torah to Jews, the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunni Muslims, five or any person who, by the mantle for the Shiites. five fingers on the five books of the Torah to Jews, the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunni Muslims, five or any person who, by the mantle for the Shiites. The symbolism of May, (fifth month in the year) at a later stage, bearing in mind that the results of archaeological excavations recalls the Khamsa there are two religions. The fingers of a Khamsa may point up or down. Many Jews believe that the five fingers of the hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God. In Islamic tradition the Hand of Fatima while used for represents God, divine power, providence and generosity.

Hamsa Brass Door Knocker Marrakech, Morocco

For more information about Moroccan Door Knockers or a Marrakech Tour

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Moroccan Doors of Essaouira, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Canary yellow and Majorelle Blue Door, Essaouira

The magic of Morocco is found in many places and one of them is in the hand painted doors of Essaouira. To travel inside Morocco is to visit this vast country one door at a time. Moroccan doors in Essaouira are ordained with Moorish style motifs, chamsa door knockers and painted in a variety of hues such as in Majorelle blue and canary yellow. Doors in Morocco are a gateway to another world and bare emblem of history along with the secret lives in a Moroccan home. Made of wood, metal and plaster Moroccan doors are a photographers dream as they make for the perfect subject matter.

Spanish-Mororish Door in Essaouira

Many of the designs on Moroccan doors’ geometrical Moorish and Jewish motifs evoke centuries of history. Moroccans of both Muslim and Jewish decent have lived peacefully together for decades therefore cities like Essaouira, Fes and Marrakech have hallmarks on their doors that range from unique patterns to Jewish stars and are often dated. The doors of Morocco bare both the Moorish and Jewish influence and this can be found especially in Morocco’s Jewish mellahs.

Door with Jewish Star, Essaouira

Essaouira has a long and rich history which dates back to the 16th century when it was discovered by the Portuguese who named it “Mogador.” The Berber name “Mogador” means wall, a reference to the fortress walls that originally enclosed the city. Essaouira was built during the 18th century. Mohammed III decided to oriented the Kingdom of Morocco for change and trade with Europe andchose Mogador as the key location. One of his objectives was to establish a harbour at the closest possible point from the Imperial city of Marrakech. The other was to cut off trade from Agadir in the south. This resulted in the inahabitants of Agadir being forced to relocate to Essaouira.

For 12 years, Mohammed III oversaw a French engineer, Theodore Cornut and several other European architects who built the fortress and city along modern lines. Originally called “Souira,” the small fortress, then became “Es-Saouira”, the beautifully designed.” Part of those designs remain today in the architecture of the doors found in the old medina.

Blue & Stone Door in Essaouira, 1336

Moroccan architecture is an eclectic, even cosmopolitan cultural blend that reflects its long and rich history. Morocco’s indigenous people are the Berbers, who farmed the land from at least 2000 BC. Subsequent rulers and invaders included Arabians, the Spanish, the Portuguese and in recent, colonial times, French occupiers. Morocco was declared a French protectorate in 1912, the same year as the painted Henry Matisse came to the Maghreb.

Door knocker with Chamsa, Essaouira

The Hispano-Moorish architectural style of Morocco’s doors originated in Spain (in Andalusia), and was taken across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco at the behest of the ruling Berber Almoravid dynasty. The Almoravids sent Spanish artisans to Morocco, where they introduced the graceful arches and lofty domes that, along with white walls and green stucco roofs, have become hallmarks of the Hispano-Moorish style. As a result of people being smaller centuries ago doors were smaller and alleyways narrower. Many of the homes in the medinas (old cities) are over 1,000 years old, and a world of history can be found behind each door.

For more information about the doors of Essaouira in Morocco and Essaouira tours

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Tags: Almoravid, Berber, Doors of Essaouira, Doors of Fes, Doors of Marrakech, Doors of Morocco, Essaouira, Essaouira architecture, Henry Matisse, Hispano-Moorish architecture, Mogador, Moorish architecture, Moroccan architecture, Moroccan doors, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco
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Argan Oil & Goats in Trees, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

Argan goats climbing trees

The first time I visited Morocco, I saw postcards that featured goats perched in Argan trees. Sure, I thought, this is a gag. Surely they must have either tied stuffed goats to branches or retouched photos. So the first time I visited Argan Country, near Essaouira and Agadir, boy, was I surprised. There were real goats in the trees! Munching away! I soon found out that was going on. The goats were exclusively found in argan trees.

Woman making Argan oil at Argan cooperative Tizzin' Tichka Pass

Argan is a relative of the olive, and the goats were eating the argan fruit. Argan is grown exclusively in the southwest region of Morocco. It is difficult to cultivate and as a result, wild trees are treasured. Argan oil is prized in Morocco and recently has been discovered by the West. It has been used for centuries for cooking and cosmetics. The oil is extracted from the kernel of the pits.

There are many women’s cooperatives in the region that help poor women with employment and educate their children as well. It is fascinating to see how experienced “crackers” take the small pit (imagine an olive pit), set it against a large stone and with another small stone, cracks the pit open in one try. I’ve tried it and got a bloody thumb as my reward! Then the kernels are ground into a past with the oil running out. You can see this is a very tedious and time-consuming procedure that accounts for the high price of argan products.

Argan oil for cosmetics and cooking

The gustatory oil is delicious with a nutty, smoky flavor (due to roasting). It is used as a finishing oil for salads or fish or as a bread dip. According to Wikipedia, Argan oil is exceptionally rich in natural tocopherols (vitamin E), rich in phenols and phenolic acid, rich in carotenes, rich in squalene, rich in essential fatty acids, 80% unsaturated fatty acids and depending on extraction method more resistant to oxidation than olive oil.

I love argan oil and always have a jar or two in my refrigerator where it keeps indefinitely.

The cosmetic industry uses argan oil in hair products all sorts of skin care products and lotions. It is often scented with rose, jasmin, or almond extracts. Unroasted oil is used traditionally as a treatment for skin ailments such as excema.

Now that I have visited the region many times, I am still delighted when we come across goats in trees and always stop to take pictures. You would too!

By Freya Ellinwood, Morocco Travel Writer

For more information about Argan Oil and visiting an Argan Cooperative on a Morocco Tour

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Tags: Agadir, Argan cooperative, Argan cosmetics, Argan Goats, Argan goats in trees, Argan Nut, Argan Oil, Argan oil for cooking, Argan trees, Essaouira, Moroccan Argan Oil, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco
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Moroccan Food & A Menu for Moroccan Appetite, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Moroccan couscous with raisins

Moroccan food is considered some of the best in the world. The easiest way to discover the true flavors of Moroccan cuisine are to take a Moroccan cooking class or explore various restaurants in Morocco’s Imperial Cities such as Marrakech, Fes, Rabat or Essaouira on a Morocco tour. Another way to discover authentic Moroccan cuisine is to dine with a local family in a Berber Village. Berber villages are known for their unique fare as result that their main staples in making Moroccan traditional cuisine such as couscous are grown locally in their fields alongside special herbs which allows for amazingly tasteful food. Moroccan recipes such as baking bread by fire and a tajine on starlit night can be learning on a Sahara desert tour to the Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga whereby your camel trekking guide takes you off on a journey into the vast dunes to a Sahara camp at sunset to learn the secrets of the Sahara. To fully enjoy a Moroccan meal one must arrive with an empty stomach and then fully prepare themselves for a three or four-course Moroccan feast. As the French proverb says, “Appetite comes with eating; the more one has, the more one would have” so make sure to visit Morocco with an open palate and a big appetite!

Moroccan carrot salad

This menu and choice will give you a real taste of Moroccan food. Many variations are available.

Lamb Chops/Lamb burgers/Steak, Pork Chops/ Chicken Thighs
Carrot Salad
Couscous with raisins
Macerated Oranges

Lamb Chops/Lamb burgers/Steak, Pork Chops/ Chicken Thighs

Season the meat with salt, pepper, cumin and a touch of cinnamon (or salt pepper and ras al hanout, if you have it). If you can let is sit in the refrigerator for an hour or so, do so. Bring the meat to room temp (20 min) before cooking as desired.

Carrot Salad

Cook cleaned and sliced carrots as usual (in small amount of cold water, bring to the boil, simmer until tender, appr. 6-8 minutes). Drain. In bowl add carrots, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, pepper, olive oil and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve warm or at room temp.

Couscous with Raisins

Cook couscous with small handful raisins according to package. Fluff with fork. Add lemon juice, cooked chickpeas (from the can), chopped herbs such as cilantro, parsley or mint, salt & pepper to taste. Serve hot or room temp.

Macerated Oranges

Peel oranges. Either slice or segment (supreme) oranges in a bowl. Add cinnamon, sugar or honey and ½ teaspoon rose or orange flower water. Let stand in refrigerator one hour. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Happy Cooking!

By Freya Ellinwood, Morocco Travel Writer

For more information about Moroccan Food and Recipes or a Morocco Tour

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Tags: Berber Village, Couscous, Erg Chebbi Dunes, Essaouira, Fes, Macerated oranges, Marrakech, Merzouga, Moroccan carrot salad, Moroccan couscous with raisins, Moroccan food, Moroccan menu, Moroccan recipes, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Rabat, Sahara Tour, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco
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Caroline Myss, The Sacred Spaces Morocco Tour, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Monday, January 10th, 2011

Caroline Myss The Sacred Spaces Tour

Smith Events and Travel Exploration Morocco have partnered together to create the first “Sacred Spaces Morocco Tour” featuring spiritual author, holistic speaker and medical intuitive Carolyn Myss. Pack your bags for a life-changing experience as you embrace Morocco, one of the ancient intersections of civilization with Caroline Myss!

Attending a Morocco Tour with host and speaker, Caroline Myss will offer a once in a lifetime experience to those who are looking to discover the deeper aspects of Morocco and how its culture intersects with world religions and traditions.

Each participant on this Morocco Sacred Spaces Tour will encounter 17^th century palaces, glorious houses of worship and majestic gardens along with sacred spaces that maintain a bold place in Moroccan history. On this Morocco Sacred Spaces Tour one will be whisked away in every city to discover Morocco’s customs, exquisite cuisine and a shoppers’ paradise of hand made goods, made by local artisans, along with sprawling markets. Morocco’s markets, also referred to as souks, offer a wide array of pottery, fabric, antique jewelry, leather goods and carpets indigenous to each city and region. No stone will be left un turned as each day of this Sacred Spaces Morocco Tour will be filled with a sense of authenticity as you discover Morocco with like minded people.

Caroline Myss will offer lectures every other morning on a wide array of subjects ranging from Sufism to the meaning of prayer. Those lectures will be complimented by local workshops given by Moroccan experts on symbolism in Moroccan culture and feminism on the road to modernity in the Maghreb.

The breathtaking architectural sites of Morocco’s Sacred Spaces Tour with mystic, Caroline Myss at the helm of this journey will leave you with lifetime memorable moments that will offer a unique opportunity to explore and perhaps redefine your own archetype.

About Smith Events: Smith Events creates unique world tours and events featuring celebrity authors, speakers and organizations that specialize primarily in the fields of Alternative Health and Spiritual Consciousness.

About Travel Exploration Morocco: Travel Exploration Morocco is a Morocco Travel Agency based in Marrakech and Ouarzazate that creates customized, private Morocco tours to the Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert, Berber Villages and Morocco’s Sacred Spaces.

Caroline Myss, The Sacred Spaces Morocco Tour October 15^th – 26^th, 2011

The Sacred Spaces Tour Itinerary

Saturday, October 15

• Meet at New York, JFK airport for group flight. Do NOT forget your passports. Departure early morning.

Sunday, October 16 – Casablanca | Rabat | Fes

• Casablanca Arrival at Mohammed VI Airport

• Visit Hassan II Mosque

• Take the road to Rabat Lunch at a Traditional Moroccan Restaurant in Rabat

• Visit Hassan II Tomb & Hassan Tower

• Take the road to Fes

• Welcome Dinner – Andalucian Music Show at Les Merinides Hotel

• Spend the Night at Le Merinides Hotel in Fes (6:30pm – 8:00pm)

Monday, October 17 – Fes Historical Tour Part I

• Breakfast at Le Merinides in Fes

• Workshop with Caroline Myss: 1-2 Hours

• Fes Historical Tour for 3 Hours: 14th Palace Gates of the King

• Jewish Mellah & Tomb of Siluca, Small Jewish Museum

• Spice Market Walk through old Neighborhood

• View of Fes & Ancient Les Merinides Tombs

• Pottery & Zellij Tile Cooperative

• Batha Museum & Gardens

• Lunch in a Palais Mnebhi Restaurant in Fes • Afternoon Shopping

• Dinner at Les Merinides Hotel (6:30pm – 8:00pm)

• Spend the Night at Le Merinides Hotel in Fes

Tuesday, October 18 – Fes | Meknes | Volubilis

• Breakfast at Les Merinides Hotel

• Take the road to visit Meknes (passing Arab Villages and Olive Groves) • In Meknes Visit: The Bab El Khemis, (Thursday Gate from 17th Century)

• Agdal reservoir built by Moulay Ismail • Old Horse Stables

• The Maouselm of Moulay Ismal Mausolem & Mosque where Berber Wife is Buried

• Bab Mansour Gate,the Royal Golf Club

• Shopping for textiles made by Franciscan nuns and Tinseling process of metal smithing onto black iron material

• Visit the Meknes souk where olives and other condiments are sold and Meknes square where people congregate with some drumming and open space

• Lunch in Meknes at Restaurant Talib that offers local wines -made in the region of Meknes .

• Visit the Roman Ruins of Volubilis

• Take the National Road returning to Fes

• Dinner at Les Merinides Hotel in Fes (6:30pm – 8:00pm) • Spend the Night at Le Merinides Hotel in Fes

Wednesday, October 19 – Fes Historical Tour Part II

• Breakfast at Les Merinides in Fes • Carolynn Myss Morning Lecture (1-2 Hours)

• Fes Historical Tour for 3 Hour

• Enter through the Bab Boujloud – the Blue Gate of Fes

• Visit the Kairouine Medersa

• Visit the Nejjarine Mosque • Visit the Mausoleum- Zaouia Moulay Idriss (Shrine) and Zaouia Moulay Idriss II.

• Visit the Tannery

• Lunch at Palais Dar Tazi OR another Palace Restaurant in the Old City

• Afternoon Shopping

• Dinner at Les Merinides Hotel in Fes (6:30pm – 8:00pm)

• Spend the night at Les Merinides Hotel in Fes

• Breakfast at Les Merinides in Fes

• Morning Lecture

• Take the road to Marrakech

• Coffee stop in Ifrane, Ski Town (1 Hour Break)

• Lunch in Beni Melllal en route to Marrakech – PAID BY GUESTS SEPARATELY

• Dinner at Le Meridien N’Fis

• Spend the Night at Le Meridien N’Fis in Marrakech

Friday, October 21 – Marrakech Historical Tour Part I

• Breakfast at Le Meridien N’Fis

• Carolynn Myss Morning Lecture (1-2 Hours)

• Majorelle Gardens & Visit of Mosques & Palaces, Bahia Palaces, Jewish Mellah

• Afternoon Shopping

• Lunch at Le Meridien N’Fis Hotel

• Relax at Hotel

• Dinner & Chez Ali Equestrian & Moroccan

Saturday, October 22 – Marrakech Historical Tour Part II

• Breakfast at Le Meridien N’Fis

• Bring in A Speaker or Lecturer (1-2 Hours) Find Someone for Marrakech?

• Visit of Menara Gardens & Afternoon Shopping OR Relax at Hotel & Use Spa

• Lunch at Le Meridien Hotel

• Relax at Hotel

• Dinner at Le Meridien N’Fis

• Spend the night at Le Meridien N’Fis in Marrakech

Sunday, October 23 – Marrakech | Essaouira

• Breakfast at Le Meridien N’Fis

• Carolynn Myss Morning Lecture (1- 2 Hours)

• Take the road to Essaouira

• Stop at an Argan Cooperative in Route to See How the Argan nut is made into Argan oil, Argan butter and cosmetics

• Arrive in Essaouira

• Lunch by the sea, fresh grilled fish- catch of the day.

• Check into Sofitel Jamai Essaouira

• Half- Day Historical Tour • Dinner at Sofitel Essaouira

• Spend the night at Sofitel Essaouira

Monday, October 24 – Essaouira

• Breakfast at Sofitel Jamai Essaouira

• Morning Lecture with Rachida About Women in Morocco, Her Views on Classical Ideology verse Moroccan, among other subject matters

• Day FREE to explore Essaouira and relax

• Dinner at Sofitel Essaouira

• Spend the night at Sofitel Essaouira

Tuesday, October 25 – Essaouira | El Jadida | Casablanca

• Breakfast at Sofitel Jamai in Essaouira

• Carolynn Myss Morning Lecture (1- 2 Hours) Closing Lecture

• Take the road to Casablanca up the coast.

• En route to Casablanca stop in El Jadida to visit the Portuguese Cistern

• Ali Baba El Jadida at Ali Baba

• Continue the road to Casablanca

• Dinner -– PAID BY GUESTS SEPARATELY

• Dinner & Spend the night at Royal Mansour Casablanca

Wednesday, October 26 –Casablanca Departure

• Breakfast at Royal Mansour

• Departure from Casablanca Mohammed V Airport

Please note that this itinerary may be changed at any time.

For more information about The Sacred Spaces Morocco Tour

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Tags: Caroline Myss, Chezi Ali, Essaouira, Fes, Imperial Cities, Le Meridein N'Fis, Les Merinides Hotel Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Royal Mansour Casablanca, Smith Events, Smith Events Sacred Spaces Morocco Tour, Smith Events unique world tours, Sofitel Essaouira, The Sacred Spaces Morocco Tour, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco, Volubilis
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Top 10 Things To Do in Marrakech, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Djemaa El Fna Square at Night, Marrakech

Things to do in Marrakech. The Top 10 Things to do in Marrakech, Morocco is a hot list of activities and experiences that one can do alone, with their spouse or friends and family in this majestic “red hamra” city. The most popular activities typically included spending time in and around Marrakech along with a brief departure for a High Atlas Tour or a Sahara Tour.

Cooking Class at Le Maison Arabe, Marrakech

The top 10 activities in Marrakech are Tajine Cooking Classes in Marrakech, City Sightseeing tours with a private historical guide to visit 17^th Century Palaces, gardens, mosques and museums, camel trekking to Sahara desert of Morocco, attend the Chez Ali Equestrian Horse and Moroccan Music show, visit Djemaa El Fna Square at night for a Medieval Carnival experience, shopping in the old medina for Moroccan crafts, head to Gueliz – the new town for pastries and tea, take a walking tour of La Mamounia Gardens, visit the Majorelle Gardens enjoy a Marrakech Spa or local Hammam for a traditional scrub down.

M'hamid Sahara Desert

Top 10 Things To Do in Marrakech:

Take a Moroccan Tajine Cooking Class
Site Seeing Tour with a Private Historical Guide of 17^th Century Palaces, gardens, mosques and museums
Camel Trekking to the Sahara Desert of Morocco
Attend the Chez Ali Equestrian Horse & Moroccan Music Show
Visit Djemaa El Fna Square at night for a Medival carnival experience
Shopping in the old medina for Moroccan crafts
Head to Gueliz, the new town for pastries and tea
Take a walking tour of the La Mamounia Gardens
Visit the Majorelle Gardens
Enjoy a Marrakech Spa or local Hammam for a traditional scrub down

For more information about the Top 10 Things To Do in Marrakech and Marrakech Tours

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Tags: Charlton Heston in Morocco, Chez Ali Equestrian show, Cooking Class in Morocco, Djemaa El Fna Square, Draa Valley, Erg Chebbi Dunes, Essaouira, Fes, Gary Cooper in Morocco, Imperial Cities Morocco, Kate Winslet in Morocco, Le Maison Arabe Cooking Class, Mamounia Gardnes, Marlene Dietrich in Morocco, Marrakech, Marrakech Spa, morocco, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Private Tours, Morocco Travel, Omar Sharif in Morocco, op 10 Reasons to Visit Morocco, Palaces Morocco, Paula Bowles in Morocco, Sahara Desert, shopping in Gueliz, Site seeing in Morocco, Souks Morocco, Sylvester Stallone in Morocco, Tony Curtis in Morocco, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco, Yves Saint Laurent in Morocco
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Top 10 Reasons To Visit Morocco, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

Map of Morocco

Give us 10 Days and we will give you 10 Reasons to Visit Morocco. A Trip to Morocco will offer a once in a lifetime experience that is not to be missed! Morocco is a moderate Muslim country in North Africa known for it’s fascinating Imperial Cities, its majestic Sahara Desert, Berber villages, waterfalls, ancient Kasbahs and charming seaside towns. From region to region any Moroccan traveler will be stunned by Morocco’s varied landscapes, its souks, gardens, monuments, mosques, palaces and vibrant street life. Morocco is also a country known for it’s fantastic food and aromatic spices.

Palace in Rabat

Morocco’s origins as a tribal country is what makes it both a special and different destination to travel to then other North African nations. Morocco’s unique history of Arab and Berber inhabitants that have live peacefully together and have mixed with foreigners for centuries make it a one of a kind place to visit.

Terraces Des Spices, Cuisine of Marrakech

From north to south and east to west any Moroccan traveler will find a wide range of variation in landscapes, terrain, exotic food traditions, local crafts and beautiful people whose faces are glow happily in so many lovely shades of brown. Morocco is a place that many foreign travelers have dreamed about visiting but hesitate to do so because of their uncertainty about the country’s offerings. Make no mistake as Morocco and its Imperial city of Marrakech are on the hot list of American celebrity. Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano have houses in the “red hamra” city and Rapper P. Diddy recently flew in his A-list friends to party in Marrakech. The Woolworth’s heiress Barbara Hutton, American expatriate author Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and even Tennessee Williams have all traveled and lived in Morocco during their lifetime.

La Mamounia Hotel, Marrakech

The Mamounia seems to have had great appeal for foreigners during the past century as not long after Alfred Hitchcock checked in to film The Man Who Knew Too Much (in which James Stewart and Doris Day occupy room 414) Marrakech became a hot spot during that era. The A-list of names in the hotel’s livre d’or is impressive, from Marlene Dietrich, Gary Cooper and Erich von Stroheim (in town to film Morocco ) through Tony Curtis, Charlton Heston and Omar Sharif to Sylvester Stallone and Kate Winslet, plus sundry royalty and heads of state. Ethnicity and color have long proved a draw for the fashion crowd. First into the souk was Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Berg who bought their first home along with the Majorelle Gardens in 1967. Jean Paul Gaultier set a collection in Marrakech’s ancient Medina, while Gucci’s Tom Ford has been spotted truffling through the souks for prizes.

Berber Girl, Nomad in Bouthgrar's Valley of Nomads

For those who have ever considered taking a private Morocco Tour or a Morocco vacation here are the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Morocco in hope that those reading this article will feel excited and comfortable enough to to pack their bags and head out for an unforgettable Morocco adventure.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Morocco:

1. Wander through 17^th Century Palaces in Morocco’s Imperial Cities.

2. Visit sacred spaces, mosques, sites and gardens in Morocco.

3. Go off road, by pise to discover the unique flora and fauna in the Sahara Desert, the Draa Valley’s old African trade routes and Berber Villages.

4. Camel trek at sunset across the Erg Chebbi’s Golden Dunes in Merzouga with a Tuareg guide.

5. Sip mint-tea at midnight under the Moroccan stars and in caves with Nomads in Bouthgrar’s Valley of Nomads.

6. Explore Ancient Kasbahs where American directors of cinema shot our movie industries top films: Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopartra, Kundun, Body of Lies and Babel.

7. Dine on fresh fish seaside at the Portuguese Port in the coastal artist colony of Essaouira.

8. Savor the taste of Moroccan cuisine – salads, tajines, couscous and pigeon pie – all known for their spices of cumin, saffron and cinnamon.

9. Shop the souks and buy directly from potters, wood workers, metal smiths, painters and traditional craftsmen.

10. Come face to face with snake charmers and acrobats in Marrakech’s Djemaa El Fna Square.

For more information about New Years Even in the Sahara Desert Morocco Tours

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Posted in Morocco Travel | Comments Off on Top 10 Reasons To Visit Morocco, Your Morocco Travel Guide

How Does the Ramadan Fast Affect Tourists in Morocco. Your Morocco Travel Guide

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

Men At Prayer During Ramadan

How does the Ramadan fast affect tourists traveling to the Imperial Cities, the Sahara Desert and other regions of Morocco during this high holy holiday? Can tourists eat or drink in public during Ramadan? This article should clear up the confusion on this issue for tourists, to explain the most polite solutions for tourist behavior at this time, and to assure tourists that there is no problem with them visiting Morocco during Ramadan.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, holidays such as Ramadan advance by approximately ten days with each subsequent year. This means that Ramadan makes a cycle through the entire calendar of twelve months each twenty-some years. This year, Ramadan started on August 12th, 2010 in Morocco. The fast presently starts in Morocco at approximately 4:30 AM, and ends in the evening at approximately 7:30 PM.

Islamic Lunar Calendar

Tourists in Morocco during Ramadan often hear that some people are not required to fast because of sickness, or health conditions such as diabetes, as well as women having their menstration. But non-Muslim tourists are often confused about the polite way to behave with Muslims during Ramadan; what tourists are permitted to do, or not do; and tourists wonder which stories they hear are true, or not true.

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca Morocco

Morocco’s Ramadan Law:

It IS actually true that Morocco’s laws prohibit “a person commonly known to be Muslim” from “violating the fast in a public place during Ramadan.” It is called the Ramadan Law, and is under Article 222 of the Moroccan Penal Code. (This law also applies to Muslim tourists coming from known Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia, if they were to flaunt the fast in public.) The penalties are from one to six months in prison and a fine of up to approximately 100 Euros. The law states that the only Muslims who are exempt from this requirement are children, the elderly, the sick; and pregnant, lactating or menstruating women.

Sometimes one can read about small protests that take place in Morocco against this law. The truth is, while this law is on the books, people are rarely prosecuted. Usually, if there is a token protest, the police do their best to try to prevent the protesters from arriving at the protest location, instead of arresting them.

Remember, it is NOT forbidden by law to EAT during Ramadan (even though it IS socially unacceptable for Muslims who should be fasting), which means that Muslims who decide not to fast in their own homes will incur no penalties (other than sin against God). The law is very specific saying that Muslims “shall not violate the fast in a PUBLIC place.” Keeping the fast is difficult, and becomes much more difficult if people actively break it in front of others who are fasting. Therefore, the reason for this law is two-fold: to make it easier for those who are fasting, as well as to both teach the young, and communicate the idea to all Muslims that breaking the fast is most definitely not socially acceptable. This goes right along with several other laws in Morocco which prohibit certain behavior IN PUBLIC PLACES by Muslims (discussed below).

The whole key here is PUBLIC PLACE. Let’s explore what this means.

Women Shopping During Ramadan

Those Excused from Fasting:

Children are not required to fast at all, although older children (8-12) might be encouraged to try it on a couple of special days during the month. But no child is FORCED to fast those days. Those who do usually try hard to get through the day because it gives them the feeling of being “grown up.” They see the adults doing it, and they want to be part of that adult world, to feel respected and admired for doing so.

Younger children would never be encouraged to fast, even on those one or two special days. They are still growing and Islam clearly recognizes that fasting is not good for their growing bodies. If you go to a semi-private location, such as a swimming pool at a private club, you will find all the Muslim mothers feeding their children during the day, and no one objects to this. But they are not eating out on the public street. Muslim mothers certainly feed their children at home during the day, as well.

The elderly DO fast. Elderly people fast unless they are in extremely poor health. In many cases, doctors even advise them not to fast, but many of them do it anyway. They do it because they feel there is moral value in fasting, and in many cases, it is a case of self-respect. Some very elderly or infirm people give up fasting, but very rarely.

Sick (or injured) people are not to fast. The question becomes how sick or injured one must be. If blood comes out of one’sbody, such as if someone cuts themself in the kitchen with a knife accidentally, that would invalidate their fast for that day. But the question is how much. Suppose a man gets a tiny knick from his razor, is that enough to invalidate the fast? Supposedly not. But since that becomes questionable depending upon the size of the knick, many Muslim men shave in the evening during Ramadan, just in case.

People with serious health conditions such as diabetes can fast and are encouraged to do so if their illness is not severe and they have it properly under control. Those with more advanced or severe diabetes are often told by doctors that they should not fast, yet some of them do anyway. It seems to be a question of pride (or even showing off to others that they “can” do it) and maintaining respect both in their own eyes and from others, particularly if they are not old. Some diabetics insist on fasting and even fall into comas because of it, yet continue to fast anyway. Most Muslims, if questioned about these people insist that they most definitely should not be fasting.

People who are just a little bit sick (a light cold, headache, even sore throat, or ear infection) still have to fast. If someone had a fever, they would be excused from fasting. Malingering, when someone is just very slightly ill or not feeling their best is definitely not an acceptable excuse.

Pregnant women are not supposed to fast, but in fact, many do. This is because pregnant women are supposed to make up the fasting days later in the year on their own. The explanation given by some Moroccan women for fasting while pregnant is that, “I would not be able to make up all those days on my own.” However, this behavior is most definitley not condoned by Islam.

Lactating women are not supposed to fast either, and are also required to make up the days on their own.

Menstruating women are not required to fast. Most women find these days a welcome break during the middle of fasting. However, if they are working in a company with mixed Moroccan and foreign workers, they will not join others in the lunchroom who are not fasting, even if they themselves are eating during those days; instead they wait, and eat at home. The reason is interesting. They say that if a man at their workplace sees them eating, he will know it is their time of the month. They say they don’t like their male co-workers knowing this personal information! Therefore, they don’t eat at work. They must also make up those fasting days later in the year.

There is one guide book about Morocco which says something which is completely wrong. It says that in the days before Ramadan, you start to see some of the women and older people fasting a few days before Ramadan, in order to “practice” and be habituated when Ramadan starts. This reasoning is wrong. What IS correct is that they are making up missed days from the year before, as those days need to be completely made up before the new Ramadan fast begins (or they are answerable to God for each day not made up). Some elderly people could be making up days they missed. A few, extremely devout people do fast a few extra days, as they feel they will earn “extra points” with God for doing a few extra days of fasting.

Ladies in Djemaa El Fna Square, Ramadan

About Public Spaces in Morocco:

The Ramadan Law is not the only law relating to public space in Morocco.

A similar law (and similarly confusing to many tourists) is about alcohol. In places like Agadir on the boardwalk next to the beach, or in bars located in other cities, there is sometimes an outdoor section where clients can sit and order drinks. In some locations, tourists can order a beer or glass of wine and drink it while seated in the outdoor section. While Muslims can also order a beer or glass of wine (except during Ramadan or other Muslim holdiays when it is strictly prohibited), they must sit inside to drink it. Those Muslims who are sitting outside are only drinking coffee or other non-alcoholic drinks.

Is this hypocrisy? Most tourists think so. However, Moroccans feel it is proper because being a Muslim country it is more offensive to Muslims in the street to see other Muslims consuming alcohol than it is for them to see non-Muslims consuming it. It is a bit like vulgar words being bleeped out on broadcast American TV. Everyone knows they are saying vulgar words, but at least Americans don’t have to hear those words. It’s a similar situation. Muslims in the street know that others are inside consuming alcohol, but at least they don’t have to see other Muslims doing it.

The Ramadan Law has a similar reasoning. People can eat if they want to, but if you’re Muslim, you are just forbidden from doing so in PUBLIC.

Chebekia Moroccan Pastry Eaten At Ramadan

A Guide for Tourist Behavior During Ramadan:

Understanding these factors, what should non-Muslim tourists do? Out of respect, they should follow similar behavior as Muslims who would be diabetic, or ill, or pregnant.

These Muslims would eat at home. If they were sick while out somewhere, yet needed to eat or drink, they would go in a private place where no one would see them (a few people might go into a restroom if there were no other place, but only as a last resort). Very few restaurants would be open during the day, but tourists would find a few, primarily in hotels. Both Muslims and tourists could buy water at a shop, but should not just open it and drink it in front of everyone. Instead, they should find a place to drink privately, not in public. (One Moroccan Muslim man was attacked in Fes two years ago by civilian vigilantes for drinking water in the medina street, arrested, and subsequently released when his family proved he was diabetic. But it’s clear he was pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior, and would have known it. He could easily have explained in advance he was diabetic, and asked anyone if there was a private place where he could sip his water.) So this is no reason for tourists to be alarmed.

If a tourist and were openly eating and drinking during Ramadan, people would most likely just give him dirty looks, understanding that he was a tourist. But the polite and respectful thing to do would be for him to eat and drink well before going out. It is advisable for tourists to take water in their bag, by all means, but just find a private place to drink it. If a tourist needs to eat, he / she shouldn’t do it in public. It’s perfectly acceptable for tourists to eat in any restaurant you find that is open, and these are most likely to be found in hotels or known tourist locations.

Harira & Dates, Breafkast (L'Ftour) Ramadan

Ramadan can actually be a very interesting time to visit a Muslim country. After dark, families go out late, and plenty of interesting things go on until quite late in the evening. Just be considerate of people during this month. The Ramadan Law is actually just asking (and ensuring) that Muslims also continue to treat each other respectfully.

For more information about traveling to Morocco’s Imperial Cities or Sahara Desert During Ramadan

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Posted in Imperial Cities, Islamic Holidays, Morocco Holy Holidays, Ramadan | Comments Off on How Does the Ramadan Fast Affect Tourists in Morocco. Your Morocco Travel Guide

Morocco Tour, Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Khamsa (Hamsa) Necklace

Morocco Tour: Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting Fall 2010 Itinerary
September 20th – October 3rd, 2010

Excitement awaits you on a Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting Tour Hosted by Travel Exploration and North African Jewelry Expert, Sarah Corbett. Come join us on a Morocco Tour Adventure that covers the Imperial City of Marrakech, the seaside artist colony of Essaouira and Southern Morocco’s hotspots: Tiznit, Taradount, Agdz, Zagora and Ouarzazate for bead making and treasure hunting for best antique amber and Berber silver jewelry in all of Morocco.

Travel Exploration specializes in tailor-made Morocco Tours with a distinctly authentic Moroccan flavor. Travel Exploration Morocco provides unique itineraries that offer an unparalleled diversity of travel and terrain through a people that are naturally hospitable, warm and friendly. You can count on Travel Exploration’s benefits of an Anglo-Moroccan partnership as you depart on a Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting Tour. This Morocco Tour is an exclusive of Travel Exploration and created by Director, Alecia Cohen & North African Jewelry Expert, Sarah Corbett.

Berber Woman Wearing Ait Serrouchen Necklace

SEPTEMBER: 20th – MARRAKECH ARRIVALS
►Airport arrivals, visit of Djemma El Fna Square and the Souks.

►Check into your Riad. Afternoon treasure hunting in the heart of Marrakech.

►Welcome dinner gathering at Le Maison Arabe – Moroccan food and Andalucian, Arabic music.

►Spend the night at a 4 Star Riad in Marrakech.

SEPTEMBER 21st – MARRAKECH (GUIDED HISTORICAL TOUR)

►Breakfast at your Riad. Begin your one-day Historical Tour of Marrakech.

►Your introduction to Marrakech will begin in the new city, we will navigate our way to French, Gueliz and head to the Majorelle Gardens, a magical and lush small garden estate designed by Jacque Majorelle and maintained by Yves Saint Laurent. The Majorelle Garden is filled with colorful walkways, ponds, cactus and plants as well as a beautiful shop with hand-made goods. On our return to your hotel, we will pass by the La Mammounia Hotel Garden (where Alfred Hitchcock wrote the famous film The Birds).

►Visit the 19th Century Bahia Palace, originally built for Si Moussa, a former slave who became King Moulay Hassan’s chamberlain. The palace holds a courtyard and riads decorated with and the most beautiful carved stucco, Arabic architecture. Next visit the 16th Century Saadian Tombs and El Mansour mosque. Marrakech is a city of underground channels built by the architects from Cordoba, Spain to provide water for the town and Palmery.

►Next visit the old, Medina, the old quarter of the Marrakech. From here we will explore this historically charming area by foot. In Djemma el Fna, you will visit the famous 12th century Koutouba Mosque and its influential minaret.

►Your guide will lead you through the labyrinth streets and alleys of the Djemma. Enjoy aromatic smells, taste fresh squeezed orange juice and venture into the souks specializing in Berber carpets, silver jewelry, artisan workshops, handmade shoes and tanneries. Enjoy a three- course lunch consisting of fresh salad, tajine and fruit at one of Marrakech most delectable restaurants. Lunch after mid-day.

►Afternoon treasure hunting and jewelry shopping in the Souks of Marrakech.

►Jewelry & Treasures of Marrakech Viewing of Tuareg Prize Collection:
Evening viewing of Moroccan Jewelry pieces at your Riad by a local Tuareg Trader in Marrakech. Enjoy a private two- hour viewing of fabulous beads, jewels and local silver pieces available for purchase and historical discussion about the origin and meaning of these pieces.

►Spend the night at a 4 Star Riad in Marrakech.

Dar Tiskiwin Museum, Marrakech Morocco

SEPTEMBER 22nd – MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA

►Breakfast at your Riad in Marrakech.

►Next we will visit the Tiskiwin Museum, a private museum dedicated to popular arts & crafts, styled as a beautiful Spanish-Moroccan house, next door to Dar Si Said palace, a smaller version of the Bahia.

►Tiskiwin Museum Lecture: You will have a first hand viewing of the Tiskiwin and listen to a one-hour lecture and exploration of its history, be shown its private bead and jewelry collection.

►Departure for Essaouira in the early afternoon. Lunch en route to Essaouria.

Take the road to visit the seaside port of Essaouira. The journey to this former Portuguese ﬁshing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand.”

►Witness the Argan goats in trees nestling in to eat away at the Argan nuts which are typically used in making Argan Oil, Butter and Cosmetics. Stop at Chichoa en route.

►Arrive in Essaouira. Check into your Hotel. Take a stroll along the town’s sunlit pedestrian main square, Place Prince Moulay el Hassan and the Skala du Port, the ﬁshing harbor, offers breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts. Explore the ramparts and the old medina. The medina of Essaouira (formerly “Mogador”) is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, as an example of a late-18th century fortiﬁed town. Evening walk along the Ramparts by the sea.

►Dinner at Taros or El Mer, Essaouira’s top eats with sea views and fresh fish.

►Spend the night at a 4 Star Hotel in Essaouira with views of the sea.

SEPTEMBER 23rd – ESSAOUIRA – AGADIR – TIZNIT

▶Rise, breakfast at your Hotel.

▶Bead & Jewelry Hunting in Essaouira:
Take time out in Essaouira’s old medina to visit the jewelry shops that specialize in antique Venetian beads, Berber Silver, Amber and Copal.

▶ Have lunch at the ﬁsh-grill cafes, with wooden tables and benches laid out overlooking the sea that was once- in the 19th century- the onlyMoroccan port south of Tangier. After lunch take a relaxing walk on the beach in Essaouira.

▶Depart Essaouira in mid afternoon and drive up the coast passing the seaside Berber city of Agadir with an evening arrival in Tiznit.

▶Dinner at your hotel in the center of Tiznit.

►Spend the night at a 4 Star Hotel in Tiznit.

Bowel of Silver Moroccan Jewelry

SEPTEMBER 24th: TIZNIT – TAROUDANT

▶Moroccan Jewelry & Antique Silver Treasure Hunting in Tiznit:

►Rise, have breakfast at your Hotel in Tiznit.

►Tiznit is a town in the southern Moroccan economic region of Sous-Massa- Draa founded in 1881 by the Sultan Hassan I. It has a population of approximately 50,000. Tiznit is well-known for its silver jewelry, daggers and sabres.

►Spend half-day visiting the Jewelry Souk in the center of Tiznit and a a journey to Bab Lakhmis Ait M’hamid where you will have access to and study the variety of kinds of Southen Moroccan and Mauranitian beads and jewelry. You will also be able to make purchases there to add to your collection.

►Have lunch near Tiznit 20 kilometers by the sea, then take the road to Taradount.

►Arrive in Taroudant. Arrive and check into your traditional Moroccan Riad in a bungalow, located inside an interior of a garden. Evening relaxation by the pool.

►Dinner and Spend the night at a 4 Star Riad in Taradount.

Ait Atta Headdress Pendant

SEPTEMBER 25th: TIZNIT – TAROUDANT

►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad, then begin your exploration of Taroudaunt.

►Taroudant is a Moroccan city located in the Souss Valley in the southern part of the country. It is situated east from Agadir on the road to Ouarzazate and south from Marrakech. It has the feel of a small fortified market town on some caravan route. It is also known for its local crafts like jewelry and carpets. Taroudant is often referred to as the “Grandmother of Marrakech” because it is a scaled down, slowed down town that resembles Marrakech with its surrounding ramparts. Unlike Marrakech, Taroudant contains almost the whole city within its walls.

►Visit the old medinas’ ramparts with a guided two-hour tour then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the souk of Taradount and treasure hunting in its shops that are filled with antique silver, beads and shaded alleys occupied by gentle craftsman and shop owners.

►Dinner and Spend the night at a 4 Star Riad in Taradount.

Bead Making by Fire in Taradount

SEPTEMBER 26th: TAROUDANT

►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Taradount then take the road to spend an entire day watching the Bead-making Process, rare demonstrations of Bead-making traditions. Lunch during your Bead-Making workshop.

►View The Bead-Making Process:
View the bead-making process detail at the workshop where you can create your own jewelry from the beads that you have seen produced that day – which will be yours to keep as a souvenir of your visit. There will be access to a wide selection of beads available.

►Bead Demonstration Of Rare Bead-making Traditions:
During your workshop you will have the opportunity to witness a demo of three different styles of bead making. Bead making enthusiasts will enjoy this demonstration as it will enable them to view how old traditions are still be practiced, produced and carried on in Morocco. Some of these traditions include utilizing couscous and other original Moroccan traditions to create beads. Travel Exploration Morocco was the first agency to record this “rare” bead-making process and your group will be second to experience it first hand.

►There will be an opportunity to also purchase beads and special silver and other Moroccan Jewelry during your Bead Making Workshop in Taroudant.

►Lunch in Taroudant at La Valla, a local restaurant in Taradount or at the Bead-Making workshop. After lunch continue Moroccan Bead and Jewelry Treasure Hunting or return to your Riad to relax for the evening.

►Dinner and Spend the night at a 4 Star Riad in Taradount.

El Haj Bead-making in Taradount

SEPTEMBER 27th – TAROUDAUNT – TALIOUINE – AGDZ

►Breakfast at your Riad. Then spend take the road to Agdz.

►En route to Agdz, you will stop at the Taliouine Saffron Cooperative. Taliouine is the traditional area of cultivation of saffron in Morocco and has been for hundreds of years. The Taliouine Souktana cooperative is on the road to Taroudant, in the village of Taliouine, in the heart of Sirwa Mountains. The Taliouine Cooperative sells only a truly biological saffron, cultivated according the traditional ways, with natural fertilizers . The mountains dry climate is ideal for such a culture.

►After visiting the Taliouine Saffron Cooperative , continue the road to Agdz.

►Arrive in Agdz and visit a local, traditional Moroccan small shop that is famous for its antique beads such as amber, coral, copal and also offers up a fantastic array of antique silver Moroccan Jewelry. After treasure hunting in Agdz, continue the road to Agdz center.

►Dinner and Spend the night at a beautiful 4 Star Kasbah Riad in Agdz.

SEPTEMBER 28th- AGDZ – AIT OUZZINE – ZAGORA

►Breakfast at your Riad. Take the road to visit the village of Ait Ouzzine.

►Aït Ouzzine is a Berber village inhabited by over 300 families who live in beautifully painted crenulated kasbahs, with their own henna fields, water wells, livestock and gardens. This peaceful village is tucked away along an impressive desert route connecting the Draa Valley (Tansikht) and Rissani.

►Meet a local Berber family, partake in a cooking lesson of how to make traditional bread, couscous and a tajine.

►Then explore and tour the village by foot. Walk in the green fields and see how the traditional Berbers live with their gardens of herbs, live stock, and henna plants.

►Lunch will be served to you in Aït Ouzzine by a traditional Berber family. The menu will include a traditional meal of fresh baked bread with spices and a chicken and vegetable tajine and fresh local fruits for desert.

►After lunch, you can have your hands and feet painted with henna or your hair adorned with saffron by a local village artist and relax. Experience the tradition of Berber perfume made from musk and amber along with the villages own spices.

►End the afternoon in Ait Ouzzine with mint tea and almonds. Take the road back to Ouarzazate.

►Dinner and Spend the night at a 4 Star Riad located within the Palmary of old Zagora.

Southern Cross, Mold in Amzrou, Zagora

SEPTEMBER 29th: ZAGORA – TAMAGROUTE – AMZROU – OUARZAZATE

►Breakfast at your Riad in the Zagora Sahara, then begin your visit of Zagora, a Saharan desert town in the southern Draa Valley. Zagora is favored by travelers for its desert dunes, palms, 45 varieties of dates and its Hollywood sunset mountain backdrops. Take the road by pise (windy road) to discover the land where caravans once transported sugar, tea, dates and other dry goods to Ouarzazate.

►Explore the Tamegroute Pottery Cooperative:
Learn how the local, forest green, glazed pottery is made and ﬁred using regional henna. The holy village of Tamegroute’s claim to fame through out history is the beautiful pottery created that has a glaze made of henna and is sun dried.

►You will enjoy a workshop lead by Tamagroute pottery masters whereby you will learn how the pottery unique to this region of Zagora is made. You will learn the history as well as their local techniques. An English translator will be provided along with all necessary materials for you to make your own Tamagroute pottery. Everything you make you will be able to keep.

►Visit the ancient Zaouia site and the Koranic library. Tamegroute has a Koranic Library that once held 40,000 volumes and theological college dating from the 11th century. The library contains a collection of illuminated Korans, the oldest of which are written on gazelle skins.

►The Art of Silversmiths in Amzrou:

Next, visit the village of Amzrou, Zagora and it’s old Jewish Mellah. See how silversmiths work to make hand made silver fibulas and Southern Crosses. Watch how molds are made from scratch, then how the Sahara’s sand is used to bind the molds for creating jewelry. The silver smiths in Amzrou were taught their craft by the Jews who inhabited this village in the 1950’s. Before they fled to Israel, they left a long history of craftsmanship along with the land to continue their silver making jewelry tradition. There will be an opportunity for bead buying, silver buying and also for purchasing of old artifacts.

►View the old Mellah’s Museum and artifacts for viewing and for purchase. Amzrou and the old city boasts a private area filled with artifacts that are of Berber, Jewish and Arabic origin.

►After exploring Amzrou, take the road to Ouarzazte.

►Spend the night in a 4 Star Charming Riad in Ouarzazate.

Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate

SEPTEMBER 30th: OUARZAZATE (GUIDED HISTORICAL TOUR & AFTERNOON SHOPPING)

►Rise early, breakfast at your Riad and then take the road to visit the Ouarzazate region and its famous Kasbahs.

►“See Ouarzazate and die” are feelings often expressed by Moroccans with regards to this magical city that is the door to the Sahara desert. Located just four hours from Marrakech, Ouarzazate is the main Berber city in the south known for its spectacular sunsets and dramatic mountain and desert scenery. Surrounded by breathtaking valleys, Ouarzazate was once crossing point for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and became the administrative centre of the Zagora region. Ouarzazate became famous when it’s nearby Kasbah; Aït Benhaddou appeared in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.

►Take the windy road by piste visit the Oasis of Fint passing the “Plateau de pierres“. Journey on a one-hour walk inside the Oasis where you will have a cup of tea with the headmasters family Azziz Ouaziz and tour the surrounding area where date palm oases and dramaticdesert scenery are king.

► Then take the road to Ait Benhaddou. Located 32 km from Ouarzazate lies the picturesque village. Aït Benhaddou of Aït Benhaddou is situated in Souss-Massa Draa on a hill along the Ouarzazate River. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here and Orson Welles used it as a location for Sodome and Gomorrah; and for Jesus of Nazareth the whole lower part of the village was rebuilt. In recent years more controlled restoration has been carried out under UNESCO auspices. Aït Benhaddou is one of many locations in this region used for shooting Hollywood films. Aït Benhaddou which once served as the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; ten families however still live within the ksar.

►Your guide will lead you on a private tour through this Berber village of towered and crenulated Kasbahs that once guarded the lucrative caravan route through the Atlas Mountains. Explore the Kasbahs by foot with the option to ride a donkey across a river. Aït Benhaddou which once served as the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; ten families however still live within the ksar.

►Enjoy lunch at a Kasbah that overlooks Ait Benhaddou. Next, visit Kasbah Taouirirt. Kasbah Taorirt was built by the Glaoui. Its location was strategic for trading routes and in the 1930’s when the Glaoui ruled the South it was then one of Morocco’s largest Kasbahs. Explore Kasbah Taouirirt’s nooks and crannies and discover some local female painters who sell their art inside as well as the many quality silver shops just steps outside the Kasbah.

►Spend the afternoon jewelry shopping in Ouarzazate. Discover treasure hunting in this calm, oasis of Southern Morocco that was originally an administrative center during the French Protectuate. Discover jewelry just outside Kasbah Taouirt and in the old market alongside the smells of Berber Amber and Musk.

SEPTEMBER 30th: OUARZAZATE (GUIDED HISTORICAL & AFTERNOON SHOPPING TOUR CONTINUED)

►Dinner at La Kasbah Des Sables in Ouarzazate. Le Kasbah Des Sables is a gastronomic experience with a menu that combines the cuisine of Fes, Meknes, Tangier, Arab and Berber with first class fare. This restaurant offers a museum- quality atmosphere as its’ decor has been hand stitched together and is filled with Berber, Morocco traditional furniture and art that was hand crafted by local artisans in the Ouarzazate region. Each section of the restaurant offers an intimate environment and the opportunity to eat on tables that are hand painted and adorned with silver fibulas, Amber and other regional jewels.

►Spend the night in a 4 Star Charming Riad in Ouarzazate.

OCTOBER 1st: OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH
►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad and then take the road to Marrakech.

►During your journey to Marrakech you will also pass the olive groves of the Oued Zat, as you ascend onto the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass Road. Built by the French in the 1920’s, the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass can be described as having mountainous barriers, Mediterranean and oceanic influences and desert borders. long the route you will see panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains as well as sights of fertile valleys, blue and red colored pise villages and other striking mineral environments.

▶En route you will go by piste to visit Kasbah Telout, one of Morocco’s hidden jewels and a famous Kasbahs that is the origin of the Pacha Glaoui Family. Kasbah Telout is hidden among a tiny road in a small village that is 20 minutes outside Tichka. It’s history stands alone with its original zellij tile, authentic, preserved silks and grand remnants of the Glaou family. Unlike the other Kasbahs in Southern Morocco, Telout was occupied by the Glaoui’s instead of the slaves and has stunning views. This Kasbahs has yet to be coined a UNESCO World Heritage site and while it appears in parts to be in ruins on the exterior, its interior is one of true splendor.

►En route stop for lunch and visit the Argan Cooperative where Argan Oil, Butter and Cosmetics are made with the Argan nut by hand as Berber women crack the nuts and the grind them one by one. Have a complimentary tasting. This cooperative is run entirely by women. Lunch in the village of Tadart.

►Arrive in Marrakech. Evening Free.

►Spend the night at 4 Star Riad in Marrakech.

OCTOBER 2nd: MARRAKECH (SHOPPING DAY)

►Rise early, breakfast at your Riad. Free Day to Shop the Souks of Marrakech for the special Moroccan Beads and Jewelry you missed out on the first time around.

►Sarah Corbett is available by arrangement for morning shopping guidance.

►Jewelry & Treasures of Marrakech Viewing:
Evening viewing of Moroccan Jewelry pieces at your Riad by a local Berber Trader in Marrakech. Enjoy a private two- hour viewing of fabulous beads, jewels and local silver pieces available for purchase and historical discussion about the origin and meaning of these pieces.

►Spend the night at 4 Star Riad in Marrakech.

OCTOBER 3rd: MARRAKECH MENARA AIRPORT DEPARTURES:

▶Breakfast at your Riad. Departure from Marrakech’s Menara Airport.

Sarah Corbett, North African Jewelry Expert & Alecia Cohen, Director Travel Exploration Morocco

COST PER PERSON: 14 Days/ 13 Nights
$3,850 USA / 2,620 GBP / 3,115 EUROS/ 3,930 CAD

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: 14 Days/ 13 Nights
$1,050 USA /700 GBP /850 EUROS/ 1,070 CAD

For more information about a Morocco Tour or the Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting Itinerary

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Tags: Agadir, Agdz, Alecia Cohen, Amber, Amber Beads, Amzrou, Antique Amber, Antique Ethnic Jewelry, Antique Jewelry, Antique Tribal Jewelry, Argan Goats, Bead making, Beads, Berber Jewelry, Berber Silver Jewelry, Berber Trading, Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, Copal, El Bahia Palace, Essaouira, Hamsa, Hossaine Amiri, Khamsa, La Mammounia Hotel, M'hamid, Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech, Marrakech Silver Jewelry, Mogador, Moroccan Decor, Moroccan Jewelry, Moroccan Treasure Hunting Jewelry Tour, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Private Tours, Morocco Travel, North African Ethnic Jewelry, North African Jewelry, Ouarzazate, Saadian Tombs, Sarah Corbett, Southern Cross, Southern Morocco, Southern Morocco's hotspots, Taradount, Tiznit, Tiznit Silver Jewelry, Trade Bead, Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting Tour, Trade Beads, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco, Tribal Jewelry, Tuareg Cross, Tuareg Jewelry, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venetian Beads, Vivid Trading, Zagora
Posted in Agadir, Agdz, Alecia Cohen, Amber, Amber Beads, Amzrou, Antique Amber, Antique Ethnic Jewelry, Antique Jewelry, Antique Tribal Jewelry, Argan Goats, Bead making, Beads, Berber Jewelry, Berber Silver Jewelry, Berber Trading, Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, Copal, El Bahia Palace, Essaouira, Hamsa, Hossaine Amiri, Khamsa, La Mammounia Hotel, M'hamid, Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech, Marrakech Silver Jewelry, Mogador, Moroccan Decor, Moroccan Jewelry, Moroccan Treasure Hunting Jewelry Tour, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Private Tours, Morocco Travel, North African Ethnic Jewelry, North African Jewelry, Ouarzazate, Saadian Tombs, Sarah Corbett, Southern Cross, Southern Morocco, Southern Morocco's hotspots, Taradount, Tiznit, Tiznit Silver Jewelry, Trade Bead, Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting Tour, Trade Beads, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco, Tribal Jewelry, Tuareg Cross, Tuareg Jewelry, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venetian Beads, Vivid Trading, Zagora | Comments Off on Morocco Tour, Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Moroccan Coffee and Café Ambiance, Your Moroccan Travel Guide

Friday, June 25th, 2010

: A Café in Marrakesh, Morocco – Photo by Richard Mueller

Enjoying the ambiance in various Moroccan cities is partly what a trip to Morocco is all about. When traveling to Morocco, make sure to take time out to enjoy Moroccan coffee and the cafe ambiance that each city offers. Marrakech, Tangier, Essaouira and Agadir are known for having the most and the best cafe’s, the best variety of Moroccan Arabic coffee and are spacious, comfortable hotspots for people watching. Moroccan coffee is different from American coffee. The two most commonly-ordered types are black, served in a Moroccan teaglass, and coffee with milk, usually served in a cup, but sometimes in a tea glass.There are several types of coffee with milk. The first is café cassé, which means black coffee broken with a little bit of milk. The other common type is “café nss nss” (no vowel in nss), which means half coffee (made with water) and half milk.

: Café “nss nss”

The third type is café crème, which means a cup of hot milk to which instant Nescafé is added (but it is not made with cream, which was never available in Morocco until recently, but would never in any case be found in a café).

: Enjoy Your Coffee on the Balcony at the Hotel Continental in Tangier, Morocco

Traditionally, mint tea has been the beverage of choice in Morocco. Some travel across the world just to sample authentic Moroccan tea in the land where its masterful preparation has become almost as much of an art-form as the Japanese tea ceremony. It is believed that tea was first introduced to Morocco in the 18th century, and began spreading through the country in the mid-1800s at the time the trade between the Maghreb and Europe started flourishing. It is reported that Sultan Moulay Ismail received many bags of tea and sugar as gifts and recompenses given by European envoys in order to release European prisoners. Moroccans quickly developed a fondness for the tea, but adapted it to their own ways by adding mint.

However, according to Euromonitor International, the amount of coffee consumption in Morocco has risen steadily among Moroccans, and has especially accelerated over the past few years. An increasing number of cafés are opening all over Morocco. Instant coffee, dominated by Nescafé is very popular in Moroccan homes.

: A Café in Agadir, Morocco

Moroccans make several variations of coffee in their own homes which you might like to try in your home.

: Nescafé Classic

(Note: Moroccans who use instant coffee mostly use Nescafé Classic –no substitute, or other type of Nescafé tastes the same. If you prefer, use freshly brewed strong, black coffee in place of Nescafé crystals.)

: Cafés in Essaouira, Morocco

Version 1: Daily Morning Coffee, with Simple Continental Breakfast

Heat two cups of milk until boiling. Let cool one minute; remove skin. Stir in two rounded teaspoons of Nescafé crystals (or freshly brewed strong black coffee) and sugar to taste. Moroccans often serve morning coffee in two thermos pitchers, one with black coffee, the other with milk, so that each person can mix their coffee exactly as they like it.

Version 2: Coffee Spiced with Whole Cloves

Heat two cups of milk, together with three whole cloves, until boiling. Let cool one minute; remove skin; disgard cloves. Stir in two rounded teaspoons of Nescafé crystals (or freshly-brewed coffee) and sugar to taste.

Version 3: Coffee with Black Pepper

Heat two cups of milk until boiling. Let cool one minute; remove skin. Add 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir in two rounded teaspoons of Nescafé crystals (or freshly-brewed coffee) and sugar to taste.

Version 4: Coffee with Ras el Hanut

Ras el Hanut is a group of spices mixed together which translates as “top of the shop.” It is used in a variety of Moroccan dishes. Sometimes it can be purchased at Middle Eastern groceries, or better yet, on your own trip to Morocco!

If you do not have this spice mixture available, just a pinch of a few spices can be substituted in your coffee.

Heat two cups of milk until boiling. Let cool one minute; remove skin. Add 1/4 teaspoon of Ras El Hanout, OR a pinch of each of the followingground spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and black pepper. Stir in two rounded teaspoons of Nescafé crystals (or freshly-brewed coffee) and sugar to taste.

Version 5: Black Coffee with a Lemon Twist

Authentic version (probably imported to Morocco from France): To a cup of boiling water, add a rounded (or heaping, if stronger is preferred) teaspoon of Nescafé. Or use freshly-brewed strong coffee. Cut a 1/8-inch thick slice of lemon peel. Twist it for the oils to come out of the peel, and drop it into the coffee. Add sugar if you like it.

Variation using Lemon Juice: Add a full tablespoon of lemon juice to strong black coffee. Add three+ tablespoons of sugar. Tastes a bit like strong, black coffee flavored with lemonade. (Note: Splenda might work, since it is made from real sugar– but aspartame products definitely taste really bad with lemon juice.) This variation is excellent, but I don’t make it often because of the amount of sugar required to balance the lemon juice. (Note that lemon juice doesn’t taste right in coffee unless real sugar is used.) An additional alternative is to use a bartender’s sweetened lemon-flavored syrup.

For more information about Morocco Travel and Morocco’s Cafe Scene

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Tags: Agadir, authentic recipes for Moroccan coffee, Brochures Morocco, café au Maroc, café culture in Morocco, Cafe scene in Marrakech, Cafe scene in Morocco, Cafe scene in Tangier, Cafés in Morocco, casablanca, coffee culture in Morocco, coffee in Morocco, Essaouira, Fes, Fez, Holiday Travel in Morocco, Imperial Cities Tour Morocco, Maroc, Marrakech, marrakesh, Meknes, Moroccan cafés, Moroccan coffee, Moroccan recipes with Nescafé, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Private Tours, Morocco Travel, Ouarzazate, Recipes for Arabic coffee, Recipes for Moroccan Coffee, Tangier, tea in Morocco, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco
Posted in Agadir, authentic recipes for Moroccan coffee, Brochures Morocco, café au Maroc, café culture in Morocco, Cafe scene in Marrakech, Cafe scene in Morocco, Cafe scene in Tangier, Cafés in Morocco, casablanca, coffee culture in Morocco, coffee in Morocco, Essaouira, Fes, Fez, Holiday Travel in Morocco, Imperial Cities Tour Morocco, Maroc, Marrakech, marrakesh, Meknes, Moroccan cafés, Moroccan coffee, Moroccan recipes with Nescafé, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Private Tours, Morocco Travel, Ouarzazate, Recipes for Arabic coffee, Recipes for Moroccan Coffee, Tangier, tea in Morocco, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco | Comments Off on Moroccan Coffee and Café Ambiance, Your Moroccan Travel Guide

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Morocco Tour, Trade Bead & Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Moroccan Coffee and Café Ambiance, Your Moroccan Travel Guide

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Posts Tagged ‘Essaouira’

Moroccan carrot salad This menu and choice will give you a real taste of Moroccan food. Many variations are available.

Moroccan carrot salad

This menu and choice will give you a real taste of Moroccan food. Many variations are available.