Morocco
The thrill of the desert in Morocco
Morocco is a desert oasis that has gained popularity in recent years. Luxury in the desert, Morocco is a land filled with ancient ruins, mountainous ranges and interesting people.
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2015/05/158074/fez-festival-of-world-sacred-music-to-celebrate-african-roots/ – Image 01 (Fez Festival of World Sacred Music)
The Fès Festival of World Sacred Music is an event that you should keep your eye out for. It brings singers and performers from around the world for a week of music and dance. Endorsed by the UN as a coming together of different people, ethnicities and languages. There are art exhibitions, theatre and even film that form part of this music festival. Tickets are pricey but worth the performances under the stars. Accommodation is available well in advance, but books up quite fast – plan for a week of dancing in the desert.
http://moroccotravelblog.com/category/moroccan-food-drink/ – Image 02 (Moroccan food)
Think tagines, couscous and lamb dishes that are seasoned with the tastes of cinnamon and cloves. A melting pot of Arabic, French, African and Mediterranean tastes come together to create a unique taste of Morocco. Visit the Blanco Riad in Tetouan, local produce used in well-cooked dishes. Enjoy hearty tagines in the unique setting although minus the alcohol. Al Fassia in Ville Nouvelle is another culinary highlight, caramelised vegetables with almonds tossed over. Drink some Moroccan tea as you walk through the souk-like markets and pick up a kaab el ghzal (sweet pastry).
http://www.moroccopedia.com/traditional-moroccan-clothing/ – Image 03 (Moroccan traditional dress)
Women and men wear a djellaba, a long loose fitting hooded garment. The hooded garment, protects wearers from the heat, sand of the desert and warmer in cooler months. Men also wear a red tight fitting hat called the bernousse, sometimes referred to as a fez. Women also wear kaftans, with loose fitting trousers underneath. Women’s attire, is often brighter and embroidered threads that are intricate. It is common to see men and women wearing balgha’s, soft slippers for daily use. Buy a pair, they are quite comfortable.
http://visitasguiadasdemarrakech.com/luxury-tour-from-marrakech-to-erg-chigaga-3-days/ – Image 04 (Erg Chigaga)
South of the capital Rabat, Erg Chigaga is a series of sandy dunes. And the best way to cover this sea of sand is riding a camel. With high peaks in this natural landscape, it’s a trip of a lifetime. Hire a four-wheel drive and camp overnight to experience the stars as you lay under the African stars. Depending on whether you plan to trek through the sand dunes over a few days, it may take you a week. Take a guide with, prep with the right equipment and go all out. You may even meet the elusive Berber people that live in the desert.
http://younesbounhar.com/?attachment_id=2677 – Image 05 (Roman Ruins)
The Roman Ruins of Volubilis are a historical sight you consider visiting. Hire a guide to take you through the ruins as in is not easily marked. Tourists are welcome, but many areas are sectioned off due to the decay and as a safety precaution. There is a huge museum on site that holds impressive artefacts. With beautiful mosaics, statues and buildings to admire – ensure you take your camera with. Unlike many other archaeological sites in Northern Africa, there are no camera fees and the ruins are opened for exploration daily.
Pouring mint tea into scratched tall glasses, sit back in admiration of the Saharan desert that runs for miles.
