Food And Drink In Morocco

Eating out is one of the big attractions of Morocco. Morocco’s traditional, elaborate haute cuisine dishes are excellent, healthy and good value for money.

It is easy to see why Robert Carrier, celebrated cook and food writer, once described Moroccan food as among the most exciting in the world.

The variety of ingredients and spices used is impressive. Morocco’s abundance of fresh, locally grown foodstuffs creates an abundance of a meat, fish, fruit, root vegetables, nuts and aromatic spices, so integral to typical Moroccan cuisine.

With Arab, Berber, Roman, African, French and Spanish influences, the Moroccan food positively reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Morocco Henna Leather Lamps Light Up A Room

If you want to incorporate a little of Moroccan beauty into you daily life, Morocco henna leather lamps may be just what you are looking for. These fabulously unique items will impress guests as well add a little color to your life. Placed anywhere in your home, you will be sure to have a work of art that will create a beautiful focal point, along with a great conversation piece.

Before you purchase any Morocco henna leather lamps, you should know a little about the area from where they are created. After all, these home accents will garnish a lot of attention, so you should have answers to questions when your friends and family members inquire about them.

If you plan to own Morocco henna leather lamps, it is important to know exactly what henna is. Henna is actually the name of a flowing plant. Its dye is extracted from the dried leaves and petioles of the plant.

Henna dye is typically used for decorative art on the hands and feet, but is also used to apply imaginative and distinctive designs to leather lamps and lanterns. Otherwise known as Mehndi, this type of art is very popular in India, Bangladesh, North Africa (Morocco) and the Middle East. Although more popular in the aforementioned areas, henna is gaining more and more notoriety in North America due to its intricate, yet subtle, beauty.

If the lamp you choose to purchase comes from Morocco, chances are almost 100 percent that it was made by professional artisan hands. This is why every Morocco henna leather lamp is completely unique. You will not find the identical henna design on two separate lamps. Typically made from goatskin, each section of material is hand-tied to the frame and the leather is painted with the Moroccan henna.

These lamps come in many different sizes and shapes. You can hang a huge Morocco henna leather lamp from the ceiling. Or, perhaps you want a smaller piece to accent a table in your bedroom. If that is the case, place a gorgeous, small table lamp beside your bed. The uses for these stunning lamps are endless.

The kingdom of Morocco is a beautiful country located in North Africa. It borders Spain and the Mediterranean Sea to the North, Algeria to the East, and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. Morocco is known as a constitutional monarchy, where a king or head of state is elected by the people. Unlike the United Kingdom, which is also a constitutional monarchy, the monarch has vast executive powers.

European countries, such as France and Spain, have had tremendous influence in Morocco. In fact, until the late 1950s, France and Spain both owned territories in Morocco. Once obtaining its independence, Morocco was in a state of political unrest. It was not until the late 1990s that tentative political reform was established.

Morocco henna leather lamps will add warmth and color to you home or apartment, while adding an ethnic flair that will set your place apart from the rest. There is no doubt that these lamps will never lose their style.

Finding The Perfect Ouarzazate Hotel For First Time Travelers

Choosing the right Ouarzazate hotel can be frustrating, especially for first-time travelers who don’t always have a clear idea of what they want. On your first stop to Morocco, you may have a hard time looking for Ouarzazate hotel, where you could spend the rest of your days. Without a vivid plan, you may easily lose your way in trying to find what your heart truly desires. However, what you may not realize at all is that it only takes five simple steps to finally decide on what could be your best resting place in Morocco. Here are the checklist:

1. Do your research.

Research will help you save on time, money, and energy. By checking out the web directory or yellow pages for a list of Ouarzazate hotel, you’ll have a promising start at looking for things you really want. Not only that, you can also take a look at the photographs and screenshots of the hotel facilities. However, this shouldn’t be the sole basis of your choice, knowing that images are used merely for advertising purposes. Instead, it is highly advised that you still get referrals from friends or other travelers who have been to Ouarzazate. This way, you are assured of getting honest opinions and suggestions from people you know.

2. Check your budget.

You should also check your finances when looking for a hotel. There are different five-star and discount hotels in Ouarzazate. If you have sufficient budget for expensive accommodations, book in a luxurious hotel that will surely treat you like a VIP. But if your money is on a tight budget, you may settle for a number of good low-cost Ouarzazate hotels that still offer decent services.

You can also inquire directly at the hotel for any special program for the season. By learning about the discount packages of the hotel, you can maximize the value of your money. Why not ask around if there are Ouarzazate hotels that give special rates for first-time travelers like you?

3. Ask about the services and facilities.

When you inquire about an Ouarzazate hotel, remember to ask about the services that it offers. Contact the reservations manager or desk clerk for the facilities and amenities that they have for their guests. Considering that it will be your first time to visit Ouarzazate, make sure that you will enjoy your vacation by having the top-rate services and facilities possible in your chosen hotel.

4. Read hotel reviews.

As one of the most popular cities in Morocco, more travelers visit Ouarzazate every year. Hence, you may expect a good variety of tourist hotels that abound in the place. This also means that you won’t have a hard time finding a number of hotel reviews in magazines and travel catalogs. In such case, use these articles to choose the best Ouarzazate hotel for your special needs.

5. Make a reservation.

Once you have chosen your Ouarzazate hotel, the next thing that you should do is make a reservation. Experienced travelers would recommend that you book in advance, especially if you’re planning to to go to Ouarzazate on a holiday. This prevents you from competing with other guests and pay for higher rates. What’s more, you can also have the best room location if you book earlier.

Five Fun Things To Do Inside A Fez Hotel

The medieval city of Fez in Morocco has sights and sounds that can really cure that sickness most active travelers dread about – boredom. If the weather is fine and your mood is up for some real adventures, then get out of your Fez hotel room and witness the city’s breathtaking attractions like the Bou Inania Madrassa and the Merenid Tombs. Stop by at the medina to shop for Moroccan items that you can give away to your friends back at home. Stand in awe as you watch the Moroccan artisans traditionally process leather at the city’s tanneries. Also, a lot of exciting activities and exhilarating hotspots await outside your Fez hotel, so there is no way for you to be under the vicious claws of boredom.

However, what if the weather will not allow you to experience the thrills and frills waiting outside your Fez hotel room? Or what if you are not in the mood to face the Fez travel challenges but still looking forward to a fun-filled day? Do not worry, in case severe boredom sets in, try one or more of these five fun things to do inside your Fez accommodation:

1. Lose Yourself In A Book

Finally, it is your chance to finish that book you started reading while on flight but had to put down to give way for those Morocco trips. Reading is always a delightful pastime. Only a book has the ability to bring you to many magical places by just simply flipping pages. Don’t have anything to read? Try Mark Ellingham’s “The Rough Guide to Morocco”.

2. Practice Your Culinary Skill

If you never tried cooking for yourself before, this is an exciting thing to do. Find a recipe of a simple Moroccan dish on the Internet and pretend like you are Morocco’s version of Iron Chef. Remember to follow the instructions carefully so you can come up with a dish that you can be really proud of. Offer it to your travel buddies and ask for feedbacks.

3. Join the Blogosphere

An online travel journal is a must-have for travelers. Your travel experiences and ideas might be helpful to other people. It is also a convenient way of telling your family and friends the events happened to you along your trip. Visiting other blogs can also provide inspiration for future posts. It can even be an avenue for building new friendships. To do this, make sure to book at a Fez hotel that has a reliable Internet connection.

4. Play Sports

Most Morocco accommodations have recreational facilities that you can utilize according to your liking. Tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf courses are the usual amenities found in a Fez hotel. Involving yourself in these sports can benefit you in two ways: one, it can help you escape from boredom; and two, it can be beneficial to your health.

5. Indulge In A Sound Trip

After you feasted your eyes on Fez’s captivating scenery, it is time you give your ears a shot of your favorite tunes. Whatever music genre you are into, a song with a nice rhythm and beat will never fail to bring a relaxing feeling to your body and soul. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite CD, press play, and turn up the volume. Just make sure you do not disturb the Fez hotel occupants next door!

Morocco Vacations And Travel Information

Before you venture on your Moroccan holiday it is important to make sure all of your accommodation requirements are taken care off. One of the advantages to holidaying in Morocco is the fact that regardless of your budget, you can find a reasonable rest house for the duration of you stay. Even the most basic room can be found at a reasonable cost with adequate amenities and a clean comfortable atmosphere.

Depending on the destination of choice while staying in Morocco, the money you will pay for accommodation will vary. The capital city of Rabat offers reasonable accommodation for almost any budget, but with the more luxurious to be found in the city centre. The Mercure Hotel in Rabat is situated in the heart of the city and is only five minutes away from the main historic monuments.

Another reasonably priced hotel to be found in Rabat is the Sheherazade Hotel. This hotel is set in a quiet residential area and is a stones through from the tour hassan and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. Offering a gracious and comfortable stay, the Sheherazade Hotel is perfect for any traveler. Located just 15 minutes from the Rabat-sale international airport, this hotel is ideal for your every need.

Or for a more luxurious stay then the La Tour Hassan Meridian 5 star hotel offers a perfectly situated hotel with all amenities at the highest standard.

The hotels to be found in Marrakesh range from the ridiculously expensive to the affordable comfortable abode. For those looking for special treatment while staying in Marrakech, then a stopover at the La Maison Arabe is called for. Known as the culinary place to be, the La Maison Arabe hotel offers not just a congenial place to rest your head, but a gastronomic feast. Even our very own Winston Churchill made a point of dining here!

The Ksar Char-Bagh Palace is stylish and handsome. Situated in the heart of the snow topped peaks of the Atlas mountains and nested between stunning palm groves, the Ksar Char-Bagh Palace is a treasure to Marrakesh.

Taroudant is a popular day trip location for the Moroccan traveler. This location has a certain charm and grace to be found no where else in Morocco and is set in the midst of groves of oranges and pomegranates. The high walls which surround this majestic land are tinted with pink and orange and is a sight to be seen, For those who wish to extend there stay then the La Gazelle D’or hotel offers an exceptional five star service. This hotel not only provides all the luxury you could wish for but is also situated in a 250 acre park which takes your breath away.

The hotels in each area are an example of the quality and class to be found. Obviously depending on your own budget, these hotels may be suited to your needs or you may want to consider unadorned or more reasonably priced accommodation. Although even the more basic establishments can provide adequate accommodation at a sound price. This is one of the attractions to Morocco, there is something to suit everyone.

Places Of Interest In Morocco

A pleasant culture shock awaits you as you arrive in Morocco. It is as culturally rich as it is geographically diverse and cannot fail to impress. Visiting some of its towns and villages and experiencing the generosity of its people will leave you hooked, as I was, by the Arabic experience.

Fez

Fez is the bustling cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco.

The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in the colourful old city, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. It is busy with traditionally dressed Moroccans, and rich with the noise of buying and selling, veiled women going about their work and bell-ringing water sellers.

A guided tour is the easiest way to tackle the buzzing hive that is traditional Fez, but if you are brave, you can negotiate the tiny alleyways, too narrow for cars whilst risking getting lost and then haggling with a local to be guided back out!

The Tanneries: A visit to the souks will lead to a visit to Fez’s famous tanneries, where one of the oldest arts in the world is practiced to produce the soft leather do characteristic of Morocco.

You’ll need a strong stomach for the smells given off during curing, while you look down on the fascinating tanners’ yard and its impressive vats of different coloured dyes and piles of skins. Open 9-6, admission free.

View Point: The best vantage point over the ancient walled city is from the ruined Merenid Tombs on a hilltop to the east of the city. From here you can see the skyline with its profusion of satellite dishes, and a general mass of palaces, green-roofed holy places, the tanneries, as well as the adjacent Karaouine Mosque.

Moulay Idriss ll: In the depths of the old city sits the shrine that houses the remains of the founder of the city of Fez, Moulay Idriss II. It is one of the holiest buildings in the city. Non-Muslims may not enter, but you can glimpse inside to see the saint’s tomb, which is receives constant devotional visits from groups of women who burn candles and incense.

Marrakech

Walking through the alleyways and souks of Marrakech, particularly in the Medina of the old city, it is easy to believe you have been transported back in time to the “Arabian Nights”.

It is this enchanting mood that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Moroccan cities.

The Medina is characterized by much noise, hustle and bustle with tradesmen and craftsmen going about their daily tasks of cloth dying, copper beating or leather working, as well as herbalists, perfumers and slipper makers.

Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains form a beautiful backdrop for the city, although they are often hidden by the heat haze.

Djemaa el-Fna: In the heart of the Medina. It is an irregular ‘square’ and a hub of action where tourists flock to soak up the busy atmosphere. Tourism, though, has not spoilt, but rather added to the complete picture.

Marrakesh has a modern side with its luxury hotels, banks and streets bursting with motor scooters, while it blends effortlessly with the past of the old city.

Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Youssef bin Tachfine of the Almoravide dynasty, and his son perfected the city by bringing in architects and Andalucian craftsmen from C

Major Tourist Resorts In Morocco

For now, Morocco remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, however there are some spots on the tourist map that are particularly well served for visitors.

Agadir: Morocco’s Number 1 Tourist Resort

Situated towards the south of Morocco on the Atlantic coast, Agadir boasts 9 Km of superb white sandy beach and all the amenities of a modern seaside resort.

Agadir boasts 300 days of hot sunshine, which is also especially prominent in winter months. Here you can find many five star hotels and a huge supply of hotel beds, reputedly a quarter of the total in Morocco.

Initially, there seems little sign of the rich history and tradition to be found in other Moroccan cities, although if you search it out, you will find it within the depths of the town. This is largely due to an unprecedented earthquake that shook Agadir in 1961. It has now been re-modelled as a popular package holiday destination, as well as a major fishing port.

Once dubbed the Miami of Morocco, Agadir offers a wide range of activities – along the beach, camel rides, parascending, scooters and speed boats, as well as horse riding, tennis and an 18-hole golf course.

Nightlife in Agadir is typically European in style, being the number one tourist resort in Morocco. Moroccans see this as fantastic, compared to the lack of night clubs in most Moroccan towns. Most dicos and clubs form part of hotels, but normally welcome outside guests. Unfortunately, Moroccan girls do not usually frequent night clubs unless they are out working.

Agadir offers the latest laser light show technology in many of its clubs. Casinos at Club Valtur and the Sheraton Starwoods Hotel are very popular. Caf