Helping the Moroccan Economy

Today was devoted to shopping. Marrakech has some wonderful shops. It was finally explained to us why Muslims are such good traders. Muslims from all over the world descend for the annual Hajj to Mecca and Medina. In olden days they travelled via camel caravan. To finance the trip they brought with them goods to trade. Once they arrived in Mecca goods from thru ought the Muslim world were traded. This seems to be as good a legend as any, so we will operate on that basis.

We started at a fabulous dealer in Moroccan and African Art. We learned more about the “Blue People” of the Sahara. These Nomads wore blue clothing and wrapped them selves in their blue robes. The dye made from Indigo absorbed into their skin actually tinting them blue. These are the Nomads that you think of where the men also wear veils, only their eyes showing, protecting themselves from the sun and sand.

So some beautiful jewelry and a silk rug will be heading back to Silver Lake.

Morocco has mountains (The Atlas Mountains) and even has skiing one hour from the dessert city of Marrakech. Who knew? It is hot here right now, in the 90’s, but in the winter it is bitter cold. Once again, think Santa Fe (for both the good and bad – lots of history, lots of tourists and growth).

We went to a ecco-resort for lunch. Long story short, good lunch, they don’t use a lot of water in the garden, some new clothes will also be heading back in the suit case.

On to Khalid’s gallery, his is the multi-floor picture of an old Moroccan house filled with antiques. I now know why he could afford to give us such nice books yesterday when we visited his house. Add some more jewelry to the day’s activities.

Back to the hotel, I for a massage, Cathy back out with her intrepid shoppers looking to boost the economy. After shopping and a massage Cathy and I re-connected and after a glass of wine decided go out for a Tajine dinner at a nearby Moroccan restaurant. Once again we were in a converted mansion. The meal started with a huge assortment of appetizers basically mez. Lots of little plates of food. I especially liked the tomatoes and the olive plate. We both had tanjines with couscous, Cathy a chicken with preserved lemons, I had lamb with olives. The food was delicious. We are really glad we went there. We ate for hours. They wound up serving us a Moroccan digestive and a huge spread of desserts, followed by Berber tea. We walked back to the hotel. The city was quite vibrant at 11:30 at night.