Tourist Time

I traveled 10 hrs by train from Fes to Marrakesh. The city was full of tourists from everywhere you could imagine, and for the first time since I've been here I felt like one too. It was a very different experience, but enjoyable all the same. We took a carriage ride around the city, past the royal palace, through the winding narrow streets of the old medina, around the famous Kutubia Mosque which was built in 1158, and finally through the Square of Infinity. The Square of Infinity is maybe the most famous attaction in Marrakesh, where all the street performers congregate in a see of acrobats, snake charmers, monkeys, and musicians. We returned here a couple nights later at night, and it was even more chaotic then. We took a day trip up into the Atlas Mts to a place called Ourika. It was one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. Tucked away in lush green mountains is this little community built around natural spring water that gushes out from little spots all over the mountains. There is a beautiful clear river that runs parallel to the main road and it dotted with small, rickety wooden bridges to cross to the other side. Small cafes and vendors are set up on both sides of the river and actually all the way up the mountain as well. We hiked about 30 min. or so to reach the first waterfall site. It was Sunday, and the trail was crowded not only with tourists but also with local people trying to escape the heat, much like how Summerhaven is crowded with Tucsonans in the summer. It was so magical, with an almost tropical feel. Fresh fruits, vibrant flowers, carpets layed out for picnics in the shade...so sureal.

We then traveled to Agadir, the most touristy and wealthy location in Morocco, about 4 hours by bus southwest of Marrakesh. It was a lot like San Diego, but filled with European tourists. The hotel/resort we stayed at, Le Tripoli, was very posh but extremely cold in comparrison to the wonderful and accomadating staff we had at Hotel Ibn Battouta in Marraekesh. We had bought a tangia, which is a dish made only in Marrakesh and famous here. Hanane and Rob told me that it was the one thing I HAD to have while I was there. So after lugging it four hours to Agadir, we devoured it in the hotel room before heading to the beach. The water was absolutly perfect...but it was a bit crowded. Agadir is a very new city, rebuilt after a devasting earthquake in the 60's. For this reason, it really didn't feel like Morocco to me, and I didn't like it much. The next day we were off back to Rabat.

I stayed in the Hotel Majestic with Tom and Sue (Jessie's parents) until the wedding. Faisal took us exploring through Rabat. First we explored the old medina where we found a little courtyard of shops where men were making belgha...traditional Moroccan leather shoes. They were very sweet, working hard under the shade of a 40 year old fig tree, and one man was singing to himself in the most amazing voice. I wish I could have recorded it. Then we went to the Kasbah de Oudaias, an extremely old area where all the houses are white with blue trim and look out into the ocean meeting the river. Very picturesque and lovely. Then we explored the gardens of the Ouidaia, which were so beautiful and full of cats and lovers exscaping the heat. Then we came back to Faisal's home for a traditional Friday lunch of couscous (kuskusu in Moroccan) with all his extended family who had arrived for the wedding. Then we went back out to see the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which also houses the tomb of his son Hassan II (father of the present King) and his brother, Prince Moulay Adellah. It was a spectacular building with intricate tiles covering ever inch of wall and majestic archway and columns. It is ironic however, that this tomb is so venerated and elaborate, since doing so in Islam is forbidden. It seems though that whereever you are, money can make or break any rule.

I can't wait to tell you all about the wedding. It was the most amazing wedding I have ever seen, and one I will remember always. Until next time, peace be with you.