COME WITH ME TO THE KASBAH
The very word "Kasbah" is synonymous with Morocco and there are plenty of them to be seen. The world famous Ait Ben Haddou is in such pristine shape that you may recognise it from scenes from movies such as Gladiator.
Not all kasbahs have managed to skirt the ravages of time however ; indeed most of them are in a serious state of disrepair. Walk around the ancient kasbah of Telouet for example, and you are confronted with a regal facade, still dignified in its sad state, with beautiful chambers inside harkening to former days of glory.
Others such as the Kasbah des Oudaias in Rabat have found place in the hearts of artists who have set up residence within its walls.
The famous "Road of 1000 kasbahs" lives up to its reputation. Keep looking out of your window and you will spot the inimitable architecture all over.
Some kasbahs have found a new lease of life in the hospitality business, being converted to restaurants, and even hotels.....
... some with incomparable views such as the world famous Kasbah du Toubkal, high in the Atlas Mountains. A chance to spend a night in one of these historic properties can easily be the highlight of a trip. 
LIVING IT UP IN THE RIADS OF FES AND MARRAKESH
Or of course, you can opt for the other quintessential Moroccan experience, staying in a traditional Moroccan riad. Riads are houses which have central courtyards and windows looking into the central space as against outside, so as to afford maximum privacy to its residents. Many of these heritage properties have been refurbished to the highest standards of luxury, most of them in Fes and Marrakesh. While some have opted to retain a traditional look......
....others have gone modern and contemporary. Many have spas or hammams onsite as well.
Whatever the decor, you are assured of the very best in Moroccan hospitality,including scrumptuous meals highlighting the local cuisine. Relaxing in the courtyard or garden of a riad after a hard day at the souks is a sublime experience.There is so much to look at within that you soon lose the urge to look outside, and are happy to partake of the peace and tranquility of the space. Nothing compares with walking down a small alley in a bustling medina, going through a small doorway, and discovering one of these gems inside.
SEEKING IN THE SOUKS
Seek and you shall find - all manners of treasures, and part of the fun is the looking, the gawking at wares, the sudden exclamations of shock at prices quoted, the frenetic bargaining in good faith, the protracted sighs of acceptance, and the victorious claiming of a prized memory. All this while the cacophony of day to day life mulls around you.
GETTING LOST ON PURPOSE IN THE LABYRINTHINE STREETS OF THE MEDINA
The ancient hearts of the old cities are holding their own, especially in Fes, where life goes on pretty much the same way it did in the 8th century. Think small alleys, dead ends, high walls, curious old doors hiding who knows what. The taking of a wrong turn, the uselessness of any map, the asking for directions every second minute, the arriving at a place you never wanted to go to but are glad you saw, and the eagerly drinking up of every scene, because you know you'll never find it again. Getting lost was never so much fun.
COMING FACE TO FACE WITH UNIQUE MOROCCAN ARCHITECTURE
The four elements of Moroccan architecture - the cedarwood ceiling, the sellij tilework, the alabaster stucco and the fountain in the courtyard. Simple and repeated to such spectacular success. From the modern interpretations in the Hassan II mosque in Caza.....
......to the traditional riads, medersas and foundouks, the harmonious blend of these 4 elements will have you staring in awe.
CONQUERING THE MIGHTY ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Venture out of the imperial cities and you have no choice but to confront the mighty Atlas range. From modern universities towns like Ifrane in the Middle Atlas.......
......to the high passes and small villages dotting the High Atlas......
....all the way to Jbel Toubkal, Morocco's highest peak.
WITH LOVE FROM MOROCCO
Morocco's long tradition of excellence in craftmanship holds it in good stead in the face of increasing influx of tourists. The process is as much fun as the product, which can range from the ubiquitous carpets.....
.....the unique argan tree, found only in Morocco, whose nuts yield oil which finds its way into every manner of cosmetic preparation for its anti ageing properties.......
.....colourful babouches, which are the traditional footwear for both him and her....
.......zellij tile work for that pillar or fountain that you've always wanted.......
........lanterns, tea sets, lamps and other metalworking products.........
.......the humble tagine, found in every Moroccan home, which has inspired a whole new generation of chefs......
.....wonderful, soft leather products from some of the oldest tanneries in the world....
.....and spices to hearten your plate and your palate.
WALKING THROUGH INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL PORTALS
Morocco has in my opinion some of the most beautiful doorways and entrances. Most of these are a combination of wood with intricate brass or bronzework if an entrance to a property, or alabaster and zellij if an exterior gate. The word that comes to mind is "royal", and indeed most of these can be found either as entrances to palaces, or the main entrances of kasbahs and medinas.
MOROCCO'S 3G NETWORK - GARDENS, GORGES AND GROVES
Whether the Palace gardens or the breathtakingly beautiful Jardin Majorelle with THAT shade of blue........
......the towering walls of the Todra Gorge or the tiny chasm of the Dades Gorge......
.....or the refreshing swathe of green literally giving life to a desolate brown, which are the palm groves of Skoura or Ziz valley, there is a lot of diversity in the country that begs to be explored.
THE WIDE OPEN FACES OF THE WIDE OPEN SPACES
Open hands and hearts, countenances etched with the shades of the land they live in, smiles that reach the eyes - get ready to make lots of new friends.
RHAPSODIES IN BLUE AND WHITE
The blue and white medley, which is the mainstay of a lot of the Mediterranean countries finds its way into Morocco, but as all else, the country puts its own unique twist onto it. So far from the picturesque perfection of Greek villages, this is the blue and white of daily life - imperfect, run down, but all the more beautiful for its sincerity and honesty. Look for it in the old medina of Chefchaouen.........
......or reflected in the water off countless fishing boats in Essaouira.
EVERYTHING BERBER
A great people,with great pride in their nomadic heritage, this is where you come face to face with the hardy Berber. Their influence is everywhere, from the "baraka", or lucky talismans adorning doorways......
.....to Berber "pharmacies", filled with all manners of powders and lotions and potions for just about any ailment......
........and of course, the famous "Berber whisky", also known as - Mint Tea.
DJEMAA EL FNA - THE GREATEST SPECTACLE ON EARTH
Come one, come all ! The circus, the cabinet of curiosities, it alive and well. Haven't seen a bearded lady lately ? Or the man who can sleep on nails ? Chances are you'll find them in Djemaa El Fna, the main square in Marrakesh, and home to snake charmers and palm readers, ear cleaners and fable tellers, musicians and acrobats, and yes if you are not careful, thieves and pick pockets too. Enjoy a drink in one of the terrace bars overlooking the square, as humanity puts on a spectacular show. And then as night falls, watch as that most basic of human feelings - hunger, is assuaged by the aromas wafting from scores of tiny stalls, as the entertainer and the entertained alike sit down to eat the best meal in the city.
THE SAHARA
And then of course, our raison d'etre for being here in the first place, the magnificent Sahara. Sometimes there is a sign.......
.....sometimes, it just takes over everything you see around you
The fabled mirage that you once read about is now an incomprehensible reality
Whether the rolling red gold of Erg Chebbi........
.....or the classic yellow brown of Erg Chigaga
Whether the contemporary exclusivity of a luxury tent......
......or the ethnic, traditional warmth of a Berber camp, with the soulful music of the Gnaoua echoing in the dunes
whether the hospitality of a desert oasis....
....or a gourmet meal under a canopy of stars, with no one around for miles
whether finding fossils dating back millenia.....
.......or sailing on the ship of the desert
All it takes is one look at the rolling dunes, one touch of the warm sand, one perfect moment in time when everything stands still. The silence, the majesty, the timeless beauty of the sands will stay with you forever.
