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Morocco

Morocco photo dump

December 18, 2012

It’s a rare cloudy day in Palm Springs. I’m cross-legged on my bed, the dog snoring beside me. I have half a cup of lukewarm coffee on the nightstand. The cat is prowling the room, unsettled.

I’m doing my best to will myself to Morocco right now, but my teleportation skills could use some work — because I am still perched on a purple afghan, instead of sitting in a crowded and richly-colored souk, waiting for my mint tea to brew.

These photos of my recent trip to Tangier, Fez, Marrakech and Casablanca will just have to suffice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHOTOS: To Market in Morocco

November 15, 2012

ANOTHER photo series of Morocco? Yes. It’s not my fault Morocco is so damn photogenic.

This is a collection from some of the souks and bazaars in Tangier, Fez and Marrakech. I barely bought anything because I didn’t even know where to begin!

PHOTOS: Magical Moroccan Doors

November 13, 2012

“Once upon a time, a little girl was raised by monsters. but angels burned the doorways, and she was all alone.”  — Laini Taylor, Daughter of Smoke & Bone

One of my favorite YA books is “Daughter of Smoke & Bone,” a story in which doors are the bridges between this world and the magical realm of Elsewhere.

Nowhere but Morocco would I believe that to be true. Because the doors in Morocco really do promise magic. They are doors with curves and exquisite design. They are rough and humble with ancient dirt, and they burst with vibrant color. They contain secrets but they also open with great potential — behind these doors you can find snake charmers as easily as devout pilgrims in prayer.

Take a peek.

 

Rock the cats-bah

November 12, 2012

One thing I did not expect about Morocco: Kitties everywhere!

That’s because cats hold a special place in Islam, as they are considered to be clean and pure of spirit. Muhammad is said to have loved his cat so much that he would do without his cloak rather than disturb a cat that was sleeping on it.

But Morocco takes that one step further. Their felines own the medinas. They are perched above restaurant terraces. They prowl the dark alleyways of the souks. And they have their pick of fish scraps and soft places to nap. Look up in the souk and you’re sure to see tiny paws on the tent fabric strung up above you — an army of cats making their own route through the crazy and chaotic bazaar.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, I am that tourist — the one who travels to far-flung places to take photos of cats. Shut up.

Wondering why I didn’t take any photos of dogs? Well, they are not so plentiful in Morocco. I’ve seen maybe five dogs total, including these two pups.