My weekend in Morocco sparked a flame within me unlike any other place ever has. I have a newfound thirst for adventure, a desire to explore far-away and foreign lands that are different to anything I've ever experienced. Marrakech was beyond unique. The old city was a bustling, beautiful, utter chaos. Bicycles, motorbikes, donkey carts barreled down the cobblestone with no sign of stopping; God help you if you didn't jump out of the way...oh ya, no sidewalks either. Wafts of taijin floating from the tented marketplace at night were entwined with the rotting garbage piles scattered around the sides of streets. Snake charmers, henna artists, and monkey tamers were in abundance and approached from what seemed like every direction at one time. We quickly learned that the trick was to keep unpainted hands covered and to avoid using our cameras in order to dodge a charge for a picture with one of the animals.
The Koutoubia Mosque impressively towered above the rest of the old city, standing as a pillar of pride, integrity, and overall strength of Muslim faith. Although we were prevented from taking a peek on the inside (only Muslims may enter at the time of prayer), I managed to snag a few photos. The tile work that adorned the walls of the Palais El-Badi and Saadian Tombs reminded me so much of the beautiful work we saw in Istanbul; if only I could figure out to get one of these domed ceilings in my bedroom at home...
Next stop: a homeopathic pharmacy! We were lucky enough to receive a lecture from one of the pharmacists on all the traditional natural Moroccan remedies that have been used for centuries. Hottest item? I would have to say the perfume made from gazelle testicle. Kidding aside, I did get some lovely smelling amber to remind me of the trip.
But I have to say the highlight of the trip was the two hour camel ride we took in the desert. We were plopped in the middle of nowhere in a town whose main source of industry was the nearby palm grove, and we definitely raised a few eyebrows when the traditional robes and turbans were distributed...
Now I know what Moroccan women wear for maternity clothing. Anyways, I fell in love with Madonna as soon as we were led to the camels. We certainly made a great pair; she loved to be petted and was just a baby, only 3 years old! Her eyelashes were lovely; I asked her what mascara she used but she claimed it was all natural ;). Together, we made up the caboose and she seemed to really enjoy my musical stylings...strictly Madonna tunes, of course...
Our final afternoon was spent getting lost in the winding alleys of the endless souks, where I finished up my Christmas shopping for this year. Can't wait to distribute the goodies from abroad. :) Morocco, I'll be back...
The Koutoubia Mosque impressively towered above the rest of the old city, standing as a pillar of pride, integrity, and overall strength of Muslim faith. Although we were prevented from taking a peek on the inside (only Muslims may enter at the time of prayer), I managed to snag a few photos. The tile work that adorned the walls of the Palais El-Badi and Saadian Tombs reminded me so much of the beautiful work we saw in Istanbul; if only I could figure out to get one of these domed ceilings in my bedroom at home...
Next stop: a homeopathic pharmacy! We were lucky enough to receive a lecture from one of the pharmacists on all the traditional natural Moroccan remedies that have been used for centuries. Hottest item? I would have to say the perfume made from gazelle testicle. Kidding aside, I did get some lovely smelling amber to remind me of the trip.
But I have to say the highlight of the trip was the two hour camel ride we took in the desert. We were plopped in the middle of nowhere in a town whose main source of industry was the nearby palm grove, and we definitely raised a few eyebrows when the traditional robes and turbans were distributed...
Now I know what Moroccan women wear for maternity clothing. Anyways, I fell in love with Madonna as soon as we were led to the camels. We certainly made a great pair; she loved to be petted and was just a baby, only 3 years old! Her eyelashes were lovely; I asked her what mascara she used but she claimed it was all natural ;). Together, we made up the caboose and she seemed to really enjoy my musical stylings...strictly Madonna tunes, of course...
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Camel trekking tours Morocco