www.theblisspages.com - travel: Morocco

Morocco

rabat

I enjoyed my visits to Rabat in the eighties. The staff in the office were very friendly, and I felt safe wandering about. Wherever I travel, I have found memorable places to eat, and Rabat was no exception. I found a really good French restaurant. I particularly remember the Grand Marnier Souffle, which had to be ordered as soon as you arrived, and can almost taste it as I write this. I can still remember the route from my office to the restaurant past a large church, and will definitely retrace my steps if I am ever lucky enough to visit Rabat again. See the poem I wrote celebrating my favourite restaurants round the world.

market

I always enjoy wandering round markets in whatever country I happen to visit, and of course, Morocco was no exception. In the market, I bought a djellaba (classic hooded robe) and a fez, as well as a coffee set and some musical instruments. I enjoyed the protracted negotiations that preceded any purchase - though I'm sure I still paid over the odds.

fez

One Saturday, I was taken by car to Fez for the day. I particularly enjoyed my visit to the tanneries, where the skins of goats, cows, and camels are turned into leather by soaking the skins in different stone tanks, containing such substances as urine and pigeon droppings. We managed to get a great view overlooking the dye vats, but the smell was almost overwhelming. The men working in these conditions often develop severe arthritis in their forties.

The medina in the Old City of Fez is called Fes el Bali. Within its ancient walls lies a bewildering maze of more than 9,000 narrow lanes and cramped alleyways. The Souk El Najjain spice market is the perfect place to soak up the aromas, colours, and differing shades of Morocco.

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: : © Mike Bliss 2008