Author Archives: Sue Wright

Oct. 22 – Casablanca – Day 9

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This morning our travellers enjoyed free time to experience Marrakesh.

This afternoon we travelled back to Casablanca where our journey began.  During the ride, all the travellers were given a gift of a Jilaba or kaftan to take home as a remembrance of Morocco.

What a busy city Casablanca is!  With two million population, the streets were filled with people.  We saw the beautiful mosque on the water and had some free time to do some last minute shopping before relaxing in our hotel

Tonight we went to dinner at Rick’s Cafe, where the old movie “Casablanca” was filmed and we enjoyed a delicious Moroccan dinner.  Follow dinner, we went back to our hotel to rest up before our trip back home. It’s been a great and interesting trip!!!

Oct. 21 – in Marrakesh – Mosque and Souks

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Today we explored the city of Marrakesh, including the splendid Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian tombs.

Our walk continued to the herbalist’s shop, where we learned about spices, skin care products, joint remedies and Moroccan women’s kohl eye makeup.

We then enjoyed the colourful chaos of Djemma el Fna Square, where snake charmers and magicians captivate the passersby as well as taking some time for a bit of “retail herapy”.

Tonight, we enjoyed a lovely dinner cooked by a master chef with traditional Gnaoua music in the heart of the old medina.

Oct. 20 – Drive to Marrakech – Herbalist’s Shop

img_1741 img_1742 img_1745 img_1747 img_1786  img_1816We travelled today to Marrakesh, and explored the old medina with its ancient alleyways, and shopped in the city’s souks (marketplace).

We visited an herbalist’s shop where many of the travellers purchased herbs, creams, and Moroccan kohl eye makeup.

We spent the night at Les Jardins de la Medina, located in the heart of the medina (old part of the city).

Oct. 16 – Day 3, Morocco – Meknes and Ruins

Roman ruins at Volubulis

Roman ruins at Volubulis

At the Roman ruins.

At the Roman ruins.

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Horse stables at Volubulis

Horse stables at Volubulis

Our group at the Roman ruins at Volubulis

Our group at the Roman ruins at Volubulis

We are in Fes for 4 nights and are staying at the fabulous Riad Maison Bleue, with its elaborate architecture and draperies.

Today we visited Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, driving through mountainous terrain to arrive there.

We also travelled to Volubulis, a 3rd century B.C. Roman settlement.

Lunch at Palais Didi consisted of chicken and cous cous, traditional Moroccan fare.

At dinner, we enjoyed the sounds of a traditional Malhoune singer together with a delicious dinner of chicken with parsley and lemon, vegetables and a scrumptious dessert made from phyllo pastry, milk and sugar.

Oct. 15 – Fes

Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco

img_1107 img_1110 img_1112 img_1113 img_1123 img_1137 img_1142Here we are in the beautiful Moroccan city of Fes!

We walked for 10,000 steps, according to one of our ladies, as we did a walking tour of the old Medina in Fes to enjoy its beautiful and colourful tiled mosques with intricately carved stucco walls, arches and cornices. We stopped at the Royal Palace as well. Following a delicious lunch in a restaurant with lovely architecture, we visited a tannery and shopped for the best and softest leather in Morocco, followed by a stop at a ceramics factory where we watched the ceramic artists at work and shopped for dozens of beautifully designed pieces available for sale.

Free afternoon to enjoy a fantastic hammam (Moroccan spa) experience!

Oct. 14 – Arrival in Casablanca, Morocco

HOTEl Riad Maison Bleue

HOTEl Riad Maison Bleue

HOTEl Riad Maison Bleue

HOTEl Riad Maison Bleue

]We have arrived in Casablanca! At the airport, we are met by our lovely guide, Khaleda. Following a 4 hour drive to Fes, the very tired travellers enjoyed a wonderful 4 course dinner at the beautiful hotel, the Riad Maison Bleue, which had been a palace in past centuries. Off to bed for a much needed sleep!