Marrakesh on foot
After our bike tour we continued siteseeing on foot. We walked through the main square, which apparently is a chaotic cacophony of sensory overload at night (we will check it out Saturday night), and more alleyway markets. We caught glimpses of the southern horizon, which is lined by snow-capped mountains. Hmm. We are heading into […]
Two wheels and no motor
We decided to do a bicycle tour of Marrakech today. The tour included a visit to the inner workings of a hammam and a local bakery where locals bring their dough and have the baker bake the bread in his oven for them. We also learned that the orange trees which line many streets aren’t […]
Like a leaf on the wind
Another note on driving in Morocco. Yesterday we drove around Casablanca unencumbered by our saddlebags. Being lighter and narrower, we were willing and better able to drive like locals. We were lane filtering, aiming for and squeezing through gaps, passing, traffic-circling, u-turning, horn honking and generally fitting in like the locals with ever-improving skill. Throwing […]
Still haven’t found what we’re looking for
Being vegan, you’d think eating out would have its challenges, and at times it does. When travelling, the added challenge of a language barrier can make the overall experience of eating out daunting. Fortunately, between my French skills, some patience, my secret weapon and a love of bread, we’ve been able to eat our fill […]
All of the olives
After the chain replacement, we went to souk habbous, a street market in Casablanca. The sights, sounds and smells assault the senses, as do the touts, shop owners and beggars. But then we found it – a small, short alley in the market that sold olives. The original olive garden? Not likely, but there were […]
Chain chain chain
So, the chain maintenance wasn’t enough; I had to replace the chain. We stumbled across a parts shop where I was able to buy a chain, and they directed me to a mechanic. The calibre of bikes that the shop was servicing gave me confidence that they knew what they were doing. And they did […]
Hassan II Mosque
Toured the Hassan II mosque. It is capable of holding 25000 worshippers, with separate balcony sections for women, and ablutions in the basement. Amazingly, it was built in only six years (1987-93) by 10000 artisans and 2000 labourers at a cost north of US$2.5 billion. Overwhelming in scale and detail. The courtyard outside can hold […]
Driving in Morocco
Now, a word on driving in Morocco. Perspective. Perspective is important. For example, Angela is accustomed to driving almost exclusively in North America, where there are rules and most people follow them. When people don’t, they get honked at, or flicked off, or road rage develops. I think she has found the last two days […]