Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Morocco, Africa

Oldest Islam University in Africa-Year 720-AMAZING 

Rock of Gibraltar- Between Europe and Africa
Our Insight Tour Bus Pulling off the Gibraltar ferry-crossing between Europe and Africa
King's Palace in Fes, Morocco-With our tour guide 
Muhammad's Cave home
Fish Market- Fresh Shark
Camel Talk
Culligan Man-Donkey Delivery
Open Market-Anything Goes
Huge Mosque- Converted to Catholic Cathedral
Popular Dish- Delicious Lamb Tangine

We left Spain by ferry and two hours later, we were in a different world.  It is very difficult to describe Morocco.    We walked through a maze of streets crowded with donkeys carrying any and all variety of goods; vendors selling sheep's heads, beggars, snake charmers, and the widest variety of people we've ever seen.....picture the Star Wars bar scene.  It's an onslaught of sights, noises and smells.  Then just a few blocks away , you drive by a fairly modern shopping mall and a McDonald's.  You can feel it's a country on the verge of change and it will probably look much different 10 years from now.

We had heard of Morocco of course....Marrakesh (remember the Crosby Stills song?), Casablanca (play it again Sam) and Tangiers. But we really didn't know what to expect other than just a desert scene.  It is far from that.  Morocco has beautiful valleys, forests, and most surprisingly, lush fields.  The market places show off an amazing array of fruits and vegetables.   It's been a surprise a minute and really gives you a fantastic sense of adventure.  Some things are hard to see...and smell, etc.,  because it is a developing country. But so far, it's definitely been a highlight after highlight.  

The Arabs brought Islam to Morocco in the 7th century.  Up until 1956, Morocco was controlled by the French and French is still one of the predominant languages.  Even though it is a Muslim country, it a relatively liberal area.  Most of the women cover their hair only and many wear western style clothing.  We found the Moroccan people to be friendly and very open to visitors.

Allow change to be your mantra for life

Namaste

Renee and Denny  


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