But I Can Dream...

This week, some of our friends are in one of our favorite spots, Tulum, soaking up the sun and sipping cold limonadas beach side, probably eating home made guacemole.  Others are in Vermont, where the Snow God has finally decided to smile her grace upon them.

Oh, I am a wee bit jealous as I sit in grey D.C.  So, thank you West Elm for making me feel better. For transporting me to Marrakech, a city that is magical. Intoxicating. A shopper's paradise.  A city I have been lucky enough to visit.  Now, I'm thinking our Vermont barn renovation nook should be in a Moroccan theme. Hmm....

Some Tiny Moroccan Faces

They crowded around the camera as they always do.  Giggling.  Curious.   The boys pushed in front.  As they always do.   But I coached the little girls to come forward.  I didn't have to ask them to smile.  The little girl in the orange outfit caught my eye. 

They come from the slums just on the other side of the road.  No running water.  No electricity.  But this little school gives them the chance to learn.  And a U.S. Department of Labor-funded program run here helps to avoid the tragedy of "child labor."  That means avoiding having childen as young as 7 and 8 working as maids, as garage attendants and on the streets hawking items.

They deserve more.  Don't you agree?

The Lovely Village of Ouidaias

Perched above Rabat, overlooking the river, is the beautiful village of Ouidaias.  A series of white washed houses reminded me of Greece.  It's narrow cobblestone streets reminded me of Dubrovnik.  But then we settled at the cafe, bathed in the mid-afternoon amber light, and I knew over another cup of mint tea that I was definitely in Morocco.

Les Cadeaux

There were slippers.  Lots of them.  Some with tassles.  Some in leather. Some with cute little pom poms. In every shape and color and size.  Oh, so many to choose from.  And jewelry, oh the jewelry.  The Berber designs were awe inspiring as were the bangles I found in Marrakech.

There were little glass bottles with silver tops and tassles.  There were lanterns in every shape and size.  There were lights and torches hanging from ceilings which seemed to go up forever.  There were teapots and trays and boxes for tea leaves and mint.   And adorable little silverware with colorful handles.

Oh, and the rugs.  Hanging here.  Hanging there.  Bright oranges and reds. Muted blues and peaches. And pillows and poufs.  Some of them with beautiful sewing adorning the covers like this.

I shopped here and there.  A souk in Marrakech.  A souk in Casablanca. A quick tour through the medina in Rabat.  My colleague led me to her favorite shops, with backrooms and bargains to be had given her Arabic speaking skills.  Here is just a sneak preview of the riches I found in beautiful Morocco.

Some Strong Moroccan Women I've Met During My Travels

There were the numerous colorfully clad women in the Marrakesh souk selling wares of every kind and shape...

Like the woman who told me I was a "tough bargainer." She sold me a tiny stuffed horse and camel for Stefan....

Like the 14-year-old girl living in a slum community just outside of Rabat.  She is struggling to stay in school and not be forced into "child labor."

There were so many others I met along the way.  I will tell you more about them later.

A Jewel in the Marrakech Medina

We ambled down through the narrow streets of the medina in Marrakech.  The taxi driver that brought me from the train station "said" he knew where the Riad Alma, my guesthouse, was located amongst the narrow streets bustling with people, mini bikes and bicycles.  He lied.  We stopped several people and asked.  Finally, we found the narrow Rue Kbala.  A young Moroccan boy suddenly appeared and showed me the way.  A left turn here.  A right turn there.  I would forget the way a few times the next 48 hours. 

It was worth the wait.  Take a look and tell me what you think of Riad Alma.  Thank you Pierre (the owner).  It was simply lovely.

Olive Anyone?

Oh, to be an olive in a Moroccan market.  It's not your ordinary run of the mill experience.  You are wonderfully poised on brilliant blue containers.  The sun casts lovely lightly on your colors.  You are side by side with some of the most handsome olives in the world.  Yes, I said handsome.  They truly were. And equally as tasty.

She Arrives in Many Forms

She never arrives without fan fare. There is always a grand entrance.  Always hot and steamy.  She makes us feel oh, so much better.  She is...simply delicious.

She is Moroccan mint tea.  Always beautifully poured from a silver teapot.  Presented in beautifully etched little glasses in all colors.

This is my morning glass.  But stay tuned as I'm on a quest to drink from as many colorful little glasses as I can.

 

More of the Beautiful in Morocco

Here are some more examples of the beauty to be found in Casablanca. 

Large oysters and lemons at the local fish market...

Shiny ceramic bowls with tassles...

Colorful painted plates...

Fresh fruits and vegetables at the local market...

Finding the Beautiful in the Mundane

 Sometimes it can seem like just another international flight.  Just another international hotel chain.  Another city.  Another bad hotel view.So, you go out searching. Searching on that first day for a little bit of the beauty in your surroundings, while you are still trying to figure out what defines beauty in this particular place. Amid the honking horns and pollution and dirty streets, one can usually find it.

A colorful yellow mosque doorway

A fountain with intricate tiling

A substantial door knocker

An intriguing sign in the medina

Morocco Awaits

I can hear his soft little breathing on the baby monitor...such beautiful little sighs.  They will be missed.

We snuggled and rubbed noses before bed as she got all tucked in and prepared to doze off.

This is the hardest part of traveling. Leaving these wondrous little creatures behind.  But Morocco awaits and there is work to do.  Tomorrow I board a plane to fly across an ocean.

Goodnight beautiful little ones.