Travelling around Morocco was far easier than we had anticipated. In the north, we took the train. Marrakech was the end of the train line, and by this point, we were in love with the country. We had seen enough to leave us wanting more. That’s when our concept of a Morocco road trip came …
Traditional Moroccan Markets and a Donkey Parking Lot in Rissani
As we travelled through Morocco, we visited a variety of very different Moroccan markets. While most cater to tourists as well as locals, we found the more traditional Moroccan markets to be a window into everyday life. Our favourite was the traditional market in Rissani, an eastern Moroccan city situated at the base of the …
Goats in Trees and the Making of Moroccan Argan Oil
Driving along the west coast of Morocco, we turned inland at Agadir. We passed several roadside vendors offering Moroccan argan oil, but we didn’t stop. We were on a mission to find goats in trees. Were the rumours true, where does argan oil come from? Could goats actually be the first step in the making …
Moroccan Doors and Arched Doorways in Fes and Meknes Morocco
Moroccan doors, often set into arched doorways and surrounded by intricate tile work, offer an insight into another world. They are a fascinating reflection of craftsmanship. The recurring archways in Moroccan architecture give it a distinctive look, one that is easily recognizable, despite the variety of arch shapes used. Take a look at this image, …
Essaouira Beach: Sunset, Surf & Camels in Morocco
Camels stand on the sun-soaked sands of Essaouira beach. Their handlers compete for my attention with crashing waves as a horse gracefully gallops through the Essaouira surf. We came for windsurfing lessons on this stretch of Morocco’s Atlantic coast, most famous for being windy. A coastal community in North Africa, Essaouira is a mix of …
Things to Do in Fes Morocco: Mysteries of the Fes Medina
The old walled Fes medina is a labyrinth of narrow streets and dead ends like nowhere else. The former capital of modern Morocco, Fes is the country’s second-largest city. As one of the world’s largest pedestrian zones, the Fes medina is one of those places that people either love or hate. Its a place to wander, to get lost, …
Exploring the Old Jewish Quarter in Fes Morocco
Large windows and open balconies signified our arrival to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter in Fes Morocco. These dwellings stand in contrast to the typical homes of Muslim families with their often small and hidden windows. Jewish history in Morocco dates back to the 8th-century, and as recently as 100 years ago over 250,000 Jews …
A Colorful Look at Marrakesh Morocco
Marrakesh is a fascinating city. Like the other larger Moroccan cities, Marrakesh is a mix of old and new. We visited twice, yet barely wrote about it. In some ways, I loved it. Marrakesh is exciting, vibrant, colourful, and active. Yet, my reaction at the time was less positive. We were hassled, pinched, and given too much unwanted …
Moussem of Moulay Idriss II: A Colorful Festival in Fes Morocco
It was our first day in the Moroccan city of Fes, and our timing was fortunate as the city was hosting the Moussem of Moulay Idriss II (Moulay Idriss Festival). In Morocco, a “moussem” is a religious festival in honour of a saint, and this particular event is one of Morocco’s largest moussems. Not a fan …
Chefchaouen: Photographing the Streets of Morocco’s Blue City
Chefchaouen is unlike most other places we have visited. With a sordid, almost secret history, it’s a walled Moroccan city founded in 1471. A refuge and haven for Jews and Muslims during the Spanish Inquisition, Chefchaouen banned Christians (punishable by death) until the 1920s when it was temporarily captured by Spain. Today it is probably …
Visiting a Bedouin Camp in the Moroccan Sahara
When we were invited to visit a Bedouin camp while in the Moroccan Sahara, we were not sure what to expect. We were greeted with warm smiles, hot tea, and a style of hospitality that made us feel less like tourists, and more like long lost friends. As we drove through the Sahara desert, we first …
Colors of the Sahara Desert: A Travel Photography Exposé
The colors of the Sahara are more dramatic than we expected. The array of golden-orange that paints the sand dunes is both impressive and ever-changing. We visited Morocco several years ago as the last stop on our around the world adventures. Here are some of the photo highlights from the Sahara desert: Explore the Sahara with …
Photo Tour of the Exotic Medina of Essaouira Morocco
The Medina of Essaouira Morocco offers all of the traditional images one would expect in this North African country. A “medina” is the Arab or non-European quarter of North African cities. It is typically a fortified walled city with narrow and maze-like streets. I found the Medina of Essaouira easier to navigate and to shop as …
Casablanca – Not The Romantic City of the Movies
Casablanca Morocco. I had visions of such a city and they didn’t match my reality. It is the final stop on our 250 day adventure around the world. Tomorrow we head home. It’s a long day . . . 8 hours Casablanca to Dubai, 9 hour layover, and then 18 hours home including a quick …
Our Hammam Experience at a Traditional Bath House in Fes Morocco
Our days in Fes are good, and we enjoy a continuous flow of new adventures. Today, the girls and I opted for a hammam experience. Similar to a Turkish bath, a hammam bath takes place in a large steam-filled room. Traditionally Moroccans go each week to bathe, as most homes are without shower facilities. We …
