Archive for the ‘Travel Stories’ Category

Backpacking in Morocco: The Best Way to Travel Local Culture

Monday, April 13th, 2009

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After crashing her car in Italy, Lizzi Thomson of Bristol, grabbed a pack and some friends and continued traveling. Determined to feel the rhythm of a different world she headed to Morocco. After backpacking around Europe and one sleepless night in the Czech Republic, kept up by a man with night terrors and endless snoring she found her self settled under the stars in Marrakech.

“Morocco was a different story. Everyone stayed in Hostels. We slept on the rooftop terraces, under the stars. My favorite thing about sleeping outside was the call to prayer during the night, it was eerily peaceful,” said Lizzi.

“We spent every night on the roof, luckily it never rained but there was a tent that you could go under if it did. It was so warm, and the hostels were really nice. We only stayed in a hotel one night, after a midnight train ride,” said Albert Testani of Connecticut.

Albert, while studying at University of York, also took advantage of the opportunity to travel. Albert backpacked around Spain, France, India and Morocco. Spending time diving into each culture. While hitch-hiking in France was the most adventurous, hopping trains through Morocco was a guaranteed way to make friends.

The trains were great once you figured out how to read the signs in Arabic. According to Albert, getting around in Morocco was fairly easy and inexpensive. “With a bargaining culture there is no such thing as a fixed price,” he continued. As an insider to the bartering system he often got away with a cheap ride, thanks to the Lonely Plane Guide.

man-with-backpack1“In Marrakech there is so much to do, going to the Medina was a massive party every night,” said Albert.” We experienced (a more intimate) Moroccan culture in smaller cities like Fes, and Chefchaouen and Tangier. In the smaller cities you could blend with life more.”

The only trouble was getting lost in the maze-like cities. “It’s quite tricky to get around, the streets are rather winding. Anyone you ask for directions will know your a tourist by your Caucasian skin… we often would end up on a long elaborate tour, waving to all their friends houses,” said Lizzi.

It was a sea of clay and terracotta buildings. “We would wonder around, one day we found a woman sitting cooking, there were a lot of locals eating there… We got a massive meal for 2 dirhams. The Medina was filled with kabob stands, and fresh orange juice, which according to Albert “was amazing!”

For readers interested in backpacking in Morocco, make sure to check out some of Morocco’s adventure sports.

 

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Moroccan Souks – Travel Adventures in Moroccan Marketplaces

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

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The souks, or market places, in Moroccan cities often take up entire city blocks and are made up of stall after stall of goods that wind their way through the narrow alleys and side streets, often only wide enough for pedestrians and the occasional donkey. The stalls themselves are piled high with Moroccan goods from traditional brightly colored carpets and scarves, sacks of exotic herbs and spices, to freshly picked fruits and slaughtered meat from local farmers.

As well as a place for Moroccans to buy and sell their goods, souks are also important parts of the social scene within Moroccan culture, serving as a place to settle disputes and debts and also as a place where families can meet to discuss future wedding plans. As women customarily stayed home and kept out of the public eye in rural Morocco the weekly souks offered a chance for women from different families to meet, gather cooking materials for upcoming meals, and catch up on the latest gossip.

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Specialty Souks

The souks may seem chaotic crazy to an outsider but there is actually an organization to them that helps make the souks easier to navigate. Specialty souks within the souk itself specialize in one product such as Moroccan scarves, setting it apart from the next street over which might be the meat souk. This means shoppers can browse through the colorful stalls filled with silk scarves along one street to inspect the quality and compare the prices between stalls before moving on to the next street and selecting the cut of lamb they wish to purchase for dinner that night.

Haggling

Haggling is an expected part of the buying and selling process in Moroccan souks. It is not unusual for a shopper wishing to buy a high quality Moroccan rug to spend half the day bargaining with the rug seller over the price, often over many cups of sweet mint tea. The process usually begins with the shop keeper naming a price and then the buyer will then counter that offer usually with a number 1/3 to ½ the amount the shop keeper suggested. The buyer and seller will then go back and forth offering and counter offering before finally agreeing on a price. Patience and respect are important in the bargaining process and if a shop keeper allows you to walk away without purchasing his product then you underestimated its value and offered too low a price.

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Souks in Fes and Marrakech

Two of the most impressive souks occur in the cities of Fes and Marrakech. In Marrakech the souk is located behind the famous Djemma el Fna square where street performers, snake charmers, and story tellers gather along with food and orange juice vendors to provide entertainment and refreshment. The souk itself is spread out along the twisty side streets behind the square and offers shoppers a wide and varied choice of traditional Moroccan goods.

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While Marrakech is famous of its circus-like main square the souk in Fes is more of a practical nature where locals go to buy day to day produce as well as specialty items. Fes is famous for its extensive tanneries which are one of the most photographed sites in Africa making the souks in Fes the best places to buy leather products.

These daily souks have changed little over the centuries and for visitors who wish to truly experience Moroccan culture the best way is to step into the hustling and chaotic world of the Moroccan souk. For the large crowded souks of Fes and Marrakech it is often suggested that tourists hire a guide to help them find their way and assist them in haggling over prices with shop keepers.

The most important thing to remember in a Moroccan souk is to have fun! Enjoy browsing through the items and haggling with the shop keeper, it is a unique Moroccan experience that is sure to provide plenty of stories and one of a kind souvenirs to take back home.

 

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Morocco Travel at its Best: The Top 10 Riads and Hotels in Marrakech

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

You have dreamed of traveling to Morocco, of exploring the colorful souks of Marrakech and sampling the Moroccan cuisine, but where to stay during your trip?  Below are listen 10 of Marrakech’s most luxrious and breath-takingly gorgeous hotels and riads.  Whether you are looking for the ultimate in sophistication, a private getaway for you and your lover, or the perfect starting place for an out-door Moroccan adventure, these hotels have something to offer everyone…

La Mason Arabe

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La Mason Arabe, a hotel located in medina of Marrakech, is the picture of elegance and indulgence. The hotel itself, a restored Moroccan riad, is built around two flower-filled patios and has 9 rooms and 8 suites, two restaurants, an impeccably blue swimming pool, luxury spa, and a cooking school. Using Moroccan materials and techniques handed down over the centuries gifted Moroccan craftsmen returned the old riad back to its original and spectacular form.

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The rooms in La Mason Arabe, many with fireplaces and private terraces, each have a unique layout and embody the exotic and colorful styles of Moroccan décor. With brightly colored bedspreads and pillows with intricate beading set against the stark white of the walls and the deep earthen ceilings make for an aesthetic view while the bathrooms, no two alike, are designed using Moroccan marble and granite.

Riad Kniza

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This small luxury hotel dating back to the 18th century is located at the heart of the medina in Marrakech and has been completely restored by world-renowned antique dealer Haj Mohamed. The Riad Kniza has eleven tastefully decorated rooms built around three courtyards with a view of the Moroccan sky. Each room has a satellite TV, air conditioning, and free WiFi connections.

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The restaurant at Riad Kniza, with only nine tables either in the restaurant or under the night sky on the roof terrace, offers a romantic and intimate atmosphere for diners who wish to taste the freshest of Moroccan cuisine.

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The hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the famous Jema L’Fna Square where visitors can explore the colorful souks, sample the sweet mint tea, and delight in the story tellers and snake charmers Jema L’Fna Square has to offer.

Amanjena

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Amanjena, meaning “peaceful paradise”, offers 32 spacious private pavilions, eight with private pools, and all with multi-faceted high domes, and wood-burning sunken fires to set the mood. Each terrace has a private pillared gazebo with cushions making it the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the Moroccan night. Surrounded by the lush greens of the olive grove and fruit trees, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and the buzzing activity of the medina of Marrakech the Amanjena offers the utmost in luxury and indulgence.

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Amanjena offers something for everyone, from fine Moroccan and international cuisine at their dinner restaurant, two clay tennis courts with an arched central pavilion for refreshments, a timber-floor gym for recreation, and a hammam for those looking for some rest and relaxation.

Kasbah Le Mirage

The Kasbah Le Mirage is a hotel like no other. Located 4km from Marrakech facing the Palmeraie and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains the Kasbah Le Mirage sits at the heart of traditional mud-walled houses on the banks of the River Tensift. The last few meters to the hotel are traveled on foot on a dusty trail that leads guests to the vast reception hall on an ocre patio and luscious indoor gardens. Luxurious and unsurpassed hotel service, spa treatments, and fine dining is combined with outdoor activities such as quad-biking, archery, and horse riding to make the Kasbah a unique and fabulous experience.

La Sultana, Marrakech

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La Sultana Marrakech is located in the heart of the “golden triangle”, at the entrance of the city walls, next to the royal palaces, and right next to the famous Jema El Fna Square. La Sultana is a member of Small Luxury Hotels and Great Hotels of the World and lives up to its reputation with its 28 sophisticatedly decorated rooms and marble-filled bathrooms. Panoramic terraces complete with a misted solarium, bar, gazebo, and open air massage room only add to the elegance and indulgence of this 5 star hotel. With its flowered patios and blossoming orange trees La Sultana makes for the perfect romantic getaway.

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Sofitel Marrakech Imperial Spa

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The drive up to the Sofitel is elegant enough, a palm tree lined driveway surrounding a magnificent fountain leads visitors up to the magnificent arched entrance. The 346 rooms and suites, each tastefully decorated in Moroccan décor, offer guests the ultimate luxury and comfort and a view of the Atlas Mountains, pool, or gardens. The spa at Sofitel offers guests the traditional black soap scrubs, body wraps, ghassoul clay, and Berber facial treatments. Those wishing to experience the Marrakech night life will be please to know that Sofitel boasts three bars and is in close proximity to a night club. With Sofitel’s luxury spa waiting for you upon your return don’t hesitate to dance the night away.

Jnane Salmia

Jnane Salmia is a luxurious privately owned villa located in Palmerie, a short drive from the center of Marrakech. The villa is perfect for a family, group of friends, or the rooms can be rented out individually. The main house is comprised of five stunning bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and balconies overlooking the luscious gardens. The second house contains two bedrooms each with a bathroom, and sitting room with a common sitting room joining the two. Each house has its own private swimming pool allowing guests to soak up the Moroccan sun in the cool clear water.

Meals are created for the guests exclusively by the resident chef whose cooking is a fusion of European and Moroccan cuisines. Visitors dine on exquisite meals in the luscious gardens of olive trees, rosemary, lavender, and jasmine that surround their villas. For the ultimate private escape visit Jnane Salmia, Marrakech.

Dar Les Cigognes

This luxury boutique hotel, located in the medina in Marrakech, was created from two riads which are connected by a bridge over a small alleyway. With just 11 rooms Dar Les Cigognes guarantees its visitors superb personal service in their Moroccan chic rooms complete with canopied beds and lavish bathrooms.

Meals, snacks, and drink are provided for guests when and where they please, either in one of the many bhous, out in the courtyards, or under the Moroccan sky on the roof terrace. Local and fresh ingredients are used to make the finest in Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine that is sure to excite and satisfy any taste bud.

Ksar Char-Bagh

Ksar Char-Bagh is located just 6km from the medina in Marrakech and is situated in the heart of a palmgrove.  With only 12 Harim suites and one apartment, each extravagantly decorated Ksar Char-Bagh offers superb and personalized service.  The Harims, which means small apartment within a palace, are sensually decorated with low-lighting Moroccan lamps, intricately embroidered pillows, and deep marble baths.  The hotel itself was inspired by 14th century Moorish architecture and running water, symbolising the rivers of paradise, run both inside and out.  With a magnificent palm tree lined pool surrounded by luxurious lounge chairs, guests are invited to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Moroccan sun.

Terre Resort and Spa

This luxury resort and spa is based on the traditional Moroccan riad-style architecture but has added its own twist by using an 8-sided octogone shape for its buildings rather than the traditional 4-sided.  This octogone theme is incorporated throughout the resort, from its 18 private 8-sided villas to its octogone hammam and 8-hand massage.

The Terre spa incorporates a holistic and non-invasive approach to its rejuvinizing and restorative facials and massage therapies.  The hammam itself is a peaceful oasis that allows guests a break from their chaotic routines and a chance to relax and cleanse with the traditional Moroccan steam bath.

The ten hotels listed above are among Marrakech‘s most luxurious and elegent hotels.  Each one steeped in the rich Moroccan history and culture they provide their guests with the perfect place to begin and end their Moroccan adventures.

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

The Paris Dakar Rally – a Moroccan Travel Adventure

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Paris Dakar Rallay

Does your idea of a relaxing vacation have less to do with sunbathing on a beach and more to do with sitting on a surf board waiting for that next wave or stopping to appreciate the view as you make your way up a mountain? If so, then a trip to Morocco should be on your to-do list!

With its diverse terrain and climate Morocco offers an incredible variety of outdoor activities for those seeking a little adventure. From surfing and white water rafting to snow trekking and mountain biking, Morocco is THE destination for all you thrill seekers.

As well as its wide array of outdoor sports for many years Morocco hosted part of the route for The Paris Dakar Rally, an annual off-road race organized by Amaury Sport Organization. This endurance off-road race features serious off-roading vehicles and is not for the faint of heart. Although, the race is open to both professional and amateur racers, amateur racers actually making up 80 percent of the participants. Spectators and media line the route all the way from Paris to Dakar to cheer on those brave enough to face the elements.

The History of The Paris Dakar Rally
The race originated in 1978, a year after racer Thierry Sabine found himself lost in the Libyan Desert on his motorcycle. After being rescued he decided he wanted to share his experience with the rest of the racing world and set out to establish The Paris Dakar Rally. Due to his enthusiasm and passion for racing Sabine’s dream soon became a reality and a route for The Paris Dakar Rally was established. In the words of its founder The Paris Dakar Rally is “A challenge for those who go, a dream for those who stay behind”.

The Paris Dakar Rally route
While the exact route of The Rally has changed over the years due to political and other factors, The Paris Dakar originally began in Paris at the Champs-Elyse, went down through the South of France, crossed over into Spain, and made its way into Northern Africa. In Africa the racers would pass from Morocco to Mauritania, then Mali to Senegal, and finally into Dakar to complete the route.

Morocco to Mauritania
With Morocco’s diverse terrain this leg of the journey introduced the racers to all of the different conditions they would be facing for the remainder of the race. From sand dunes and camel grass to mud and rock, the extreme conditions demanded special endurance from the competitors.

The Fate of the race
In 2008, fears of a terrorist attack resulted in the cancelling of The Paris Dakar Rally. Various African newspapers called this cancelation a “death sentence” for the race and many held doubts over its future. Chile and Argentina in South America offered to host the race as well as the Czech Republic and Hungary in Central Europe. Ultimately, the Amaury Sport Organization established the Dakar Series, with one even held in 2008 in Central Europe and another in early 2009 in South America, however, this year the race will not run it’s traditional route through Morocco. The Dakar Series continues this 2009 with the creation of the Silk Way Rally that will be held from the 5th of September to the 13th in Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Shop the Souks of Morocco

Sunday, February 15th, 2009

A weekend in Morocco can be just as magical as a lengthy stay. The aroma of fresh spices sifting through the air, meats sizzling over an open flame, detailed carpets being unraveled at the market place, snakes entranced by the high pitched pungi, a pot of mint tea and a camel trek through the desert sand all in just a few days.  Many travelers, like Natalie Roberts of Minnesota, get to experience just a small taste of Moroccan culture.

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While studying in Spain, Roberts had the opportunity to head south for the weekend and roam the ancient streets of Morocco.  She boarded the plane as she clutched the Royal Air Moroc ticket in her hand. Going to Morocco had been a dream of hers since high school.

Roaming through  Casablanca, Roberts said,  “We walked to the roof and looked out upon the vibrant city. When we came back down, we shared a pot of mint tea. This would be the start of our three-day tea binge, consuming our weight in mint, green tealeaves, water, and sugar. Unfortunately we did not have long to stay in Casablanca and were welcomed with a constant mist, which later became veritable rainfall. ”

Travelers venturing around Europe or Northern Africa shouldn’t miss a day or two in Morocco or even just a cup of mint tea, but if you happen to pass through make sure not to miss Marrakech!

Roberts continued, “We spent what little time we had the next morning drinking tea, and visiting the tallest minaret in the world. Then we left Casablanca and headed to l’estacion du tren to make our way to Marrakech.”

With little time left Roberts immerged herself into the city and wondered through Marrkech’s maze like souks. She said, “That allowed us a day and a half to peruse the souks and try the local cuisine. Walking through the souks was like going to a North African themed renaissance festival and suddenly realizing it’s all real and the actors aren’t going back to the suburbs in the evening. There were leopard skins, rhinoceros horns, Gucci and Prada. ”

She couldn’t help but leave with her hands full of bargains. Roberts said, “Bartering in French was tricky and at the end of the day our purchases were extensive, including such items as a fake rolex, a teapot, necklaces, scarves, sandals and shirts. Having spent entirely to much, I woke the next day to meet Tamir, the camel I would ride. She led the pack and was nice enough to only drool on me once.”

As Roberts left for the plane she knew she would someday return to this place, and hopefully for much longer.n1282260055_30046063_99671

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

The Blue And White City- An Exploration Of Morocco’s Rif Mountains

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009

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Slightly out of breath from the long trek up the mountainside you look up ahead and see that it is not too much further. You pass a goat herder who, despite his age, does not seem to be feeling the effects of the climb as much as you are, he nods and smiles kindly as you pass by. Determined to make it all the way you put your head down and trudge those last few yards, turning around you suddenly forget your aching muscles and try to take in the scene.

The view from the mountainside is breathtaking. The whitewashed houses of Chefchaouen sparkle in the sunlight dotted with vivid blues, reds, and oranges from carpets and clothes hanging out to dry. All around the village goats and their herders wander aimlessly under the herder dogs’ watchful eye. Sipping on the famed Rif Mountain water you sit back contentedly and watch as this beautiful day passes.

Chefchaouen is a picturesque village built into the Rif Mountains in Morocco. With its characteristic whitewashed buildings and brightly painted blue doors this little village is a must-see for travelers. While certainly a popular spot for visitors many find that Chefchaouen has been able to maintain its traditional Moroccan identity and the cafes and restaurants serve authentic food and drink from the region. The spot is also popular with backpackers and many younger travelers because of the relatively inexpensive hotels and hostels available.

A recent traveler to Chefchaouen was told by a local that when a road or a flight of stairs are painted blue, rather than the traditional white, it means that they lead to a dead-end. Locals found that because the village is built up into the side of a mountain it is very hard to see where you are going so they solved this problem by painting the road or stairs a brilliant bright blue! A very creative and certainly very beautiful alternative to street signs!

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at 1800-787-8806 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Moroccan Dinner – Family Tour, Couscous And Sweet Mint Tea

Saturday, February 7th, 2009

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It wasn’t the impressive architecture or the rich history of Morocco that resonated with my friend Mindy the most during her recent trip to Morocco (although she certainly appreciated both) rather, it was the people she met and their infinite hospitality and seemingly unfaltering smiles. “Everyone is just so happy,” Mindy said, “they’re not busy or rushed. The men all hold hands or walk arm in arm unhurried down the street. A lot of the time you see the men sitting at coffee shops or standing in groups talking to one another and right down the street you see a group of women doing the same thing. They all seem totally laid back.”

One night in particular Mindy was shown the true extent of Moroccan hospitality when she and her cousin were picked up by a Moroccan friend at the train station a few towns away from their hotel in Marrakech. The friend took them back to his and his mother’s house and insisted that they stay there the night rather than look for a hotel. He then told them that his family had already eaten but his mother could make something for them if they were hungry. “His mother came out of the kitchen with a huge chicken, a Moroccan salad of chopped tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onion, cumin, and lemon or lime juice, and this huge loaf of bread, all of this for just the two of us!” Mindy said, “They had obviously been planning to feed us.”

Mindy remembers that they sat in the family’s living room on couches that lined the walls; traditionally Moroccans share their home and meals with their extended families so they need a lot of space and seats to make room.

“They don’t use silverware and I wasn’t really sure how to eat the chicken,” Mindy said. She learned that the big round loaf of bread that they were served is used instead of silverware to sop up all of the juices from the meal.

After the meal was cleared away cups of the traditional sweet mint tea were served and the night ended with great food, delicious tea, and even better company.

The pictures below are of the living where Mindy ate her dinner and of the courtyard in the middle of her friend’s house which is quite common in Morocco.

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Directions- A Travelers Journey Across Morocco

Friday, February 6th, 2009

At night the crowded streets of Morocco come alive with sacred snake charmers, storytellers that have you at the edge of your seat, fortune tellers and flame swallowers. In the midst of the day there is a similar hustle through the maze of marketplaces. For travelers interested in planning a trip to Morocco you may be worried how to make your way around such a lively place.  See how recent traveler, Lizzi Thompson of Bristol, wandered through the bustling city towns:

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Favorite thing about Morocco…

“The pictures of the blue buildings and the green countryside are both in a tiny city in the Rif mountains called Chefchaouen. The city is very isolated and bustling with locals in the day, but at night it is completely silent except for the call to prayer. One of my favorite things about the trip, aside from the food was sleeping on the rooftops.”

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Food…

“The food was delicious. As a vegetarian I loved the roasted vegetables served with tagines of slowly cooked and seasoned couscous as well as lentil and bean stews. Dried fruit, nuts and sweet pastries were  available from all the markets. Numerous orange juice vendors were selling massive glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice for 3 Dirham (about 50 cents). When we came back we were healthier than ever!”

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Imagining Morocco

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

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Morocco is often referred to as a cold country with a hot sun. Its summers are exceptionally hot and winters can be chill to the bone. Morocco’s ranges of climates greatly fluctuate due to the country’s geographic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Morocco’s unique weather patterns make it possible to find an ideal area to explore year round, however, recommendedmonths to experience Morocco fall between October and May. Traveling during September and early October can be a little tricky because many shops and tourist sites close early or permanently to observe the month long holiday of Ramadan. 

Spring (April and May) is perhaps the best overall time, with a summer climate in the south and in the mountains, as well as on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Winter can be perfect by day in the south, though desert nights can get very cold. If you’re planning to hike in the mountains, it’s best to keep to the months from April to October unless you have some experience in snow conditions.

Seasons and weather in Morocco take on a whole new meaning as the country is divided into two climatic zones by the High Atlas Mountains. To the north of the High Atlas, the western winds from the Atlantic contribute to the cooler temperatures of the north. Contrastingly, south of the High Atlas, the weather is influenced by the Sahara desert.

 If you are not comfortable with very hot weather, it is advisable to avoid scheduling your trip during July through August because these are the hottest times of the year. Also, certain cities such as Marrakech may continue to be hot until the last weeks of September. If you decide to travel during July and August, it’s a wonderful time to head for the coast, while in the mountains there are no set rules.

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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! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.