Teaching at a university an hour from Fes is as fascinating as one might suppose, but it is not exactly handy in terms of travel. In order to get out of Ifrane, one has to choose to take a bus or grand taxi to Fes or Meknes, then continue on the bus, hop into another grand taxi, or take the train to the larger cities. … Continue reading Morocco to Italy: Magical, Merry Christmas Meet-up in Venice
During my first year and a half as a Peace Corps volunteer in Settat, Morocco, I had an apartment on the southern edge of the city, not far from the highway that wound its way south along the long plateau to Marrakesh, about two hours away. The apartment was far larger than a single woman needed with a spacious entry off of which there were doors … Continue reading Peace Corps – Discovering Community – Aisha and Eid Al Fitr
Sound, jocund strains; on pipe and viol sound, Young voices sing; Wreathe every door with snow-white voices round, For lo! ’t is Spring! Winter has passed with its sad funeral train, And Love revives again. Sir Lewis Morris Life Music “Fortune leaves always some door open to come at a remedy.” Miguel de … Continue reading Doors: A Permanent Threshold to Possibility
Morocco – In this largely agricultural nation, many of weddings are scheduled in August, largely because the harvest is over, school hasn’t begun, and it is too hot to do anything else. Celebrations are a noisy, public affair, although that doesn’t mean that you will be invited to the party, which invariably happens in a rented hall or big tent which might be set up … Continue reading Moroccan Weddings – Gifts, Gowns, and Glory
Day 2 of our trip began with sunshine and optimism, but in the manner of travel, everything that could go wrong tried to and some things went gloriously right. We left Marrakesh after what could be called a restless night, at least on my part. The girls (Husna and Khadija) admitted that they weren’t used to the different bed but I think they rested all … Continue reading Day Two – Family Road Trip – Ait Lekak
Road Trip to Marrakesh In 2008, while still married to my Moroccan husband, the plan for The Great Moroccan Family Roadtrip was developed. My determined sister-in-law was raising five children on a very modest, not to say poverty-level, income after having lost both a daughter and then a hard-working husband. Her children had rarely traveled further than from their home in Casablanca to the grandfather’s … Continue reading The Great Moroccan Family Roadtrip
There is little debate about the benefits of knowing a second or foreign language, even beyond the advantages of being a more global citizen. The research is clear in terms of cognitive development, higher levels of academic achievement, a greater chance of completion of higher education degrees, and employment opportunities. Historically, Europeans, with their closely-bordered lands, have managed to become masters of several languages. People … Continue reading Learn that New Language Overseas: Live it while you learn it!
Soups come, and soups go, but Morocco’s delectable harira soup, both hearty and flavorful, has remained an all-season staple for 100s of years. There are not many dishes that I consider perfect in terms of texture, taste, nutrition, and ease of preparation. Yet, this age-old soup from Morocco, the timeless harira, comes so close that I never hesitate to serve it to guests, or take … Continue reading Treat Yourself to Harira – A Gift from Morocco, and Any Season’s Heartiest Soup
Essaouria – March 17 – 22nd, 2012 Thirteen years ago, with only a slight bow to the negative nuances of the number, Morocco’s scenic and ancient port city of Essaouira put forth a determined effort to reestablish itself as a center of artisan crafts, music, and Souri culture. So successful was this campaign that the population of this famed southern Moroccan city has grown more … Continue reading A Pilgrimage to Essaouira, Morocco
Grand taxis are an efficient, handy, and cost-effective way to travel in Morocco, a favorite North African destination. Here is what visitors need to know. Getting around is one of the primary concerns for tourists and visitors in a new country. In Morocco, there are many travel options: planes, trains, buses (both swank and basic), plus rental cars and tour buses, but many travelers are … Continue reading Grand Taxi Etiquette When Traveling in Morocco
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