there’s always conversation in Fez…
and beautiful views of course…
interesting meals…
ok…scary meals…
gorgeous afternoon light…a photographer’s dream…
sweet young gals…
incredible interior design…
photogenic donkeys…
and cute little sheep too…
and with the end of Ramadan…
he doesn’t know it yet…
but his days are so numbered…
baaaaaaaaaaa….
~~~~~
I really enjoyed Fez…and would’ve loved more time to explore the medina…the smells, the sounds…the artisans…just the daily life….a totally different experience from my visit three years ago in the medina of Marrakech. In Fez, the shopkeepers were much friendlier…not at all aggressive and never once did I hear a hiss or someone yelling “Hollywood” as we passed by a stall. You didn’t fear for your life as you walked the narrow alleyways. In Marrakech motorcycles ruled, so you had to always be alert whereas in Fez you only had to deal with donkeys passing through. Trust me, a huge difference in the experience. But, we were still ripped off by the dried fruit and nut merchant! “Because you love it so, the price has gone up,” he sniffed.*
There’s an expression in Morocco, “This country will kick your ass, and then show you the universe!” So true! Traveling in this country is not easy. It isn’t at all glamorous. It will often chew you up and spit you out just like the expression mentions. That’s why I have so much admiration for my friend who is now living the Moroccan life full time. Heath, you so have my respect. How fluent you’ve become in Arabic, how you’ve settled into the daily routine and built your circle of friends, how you’ve made such a difference in women’s lives who would’ve never had such an opportunity without you. But what I admire the most? How you’ll buck the system in a heartbeat when you don’t agree! You go girl!
More to come…with a little Chicago tossed in!
*Tahir Shah, author of The Caliph’s House
Stunning, spectacular photos.
I ADORE the adorable donkey. FABULOUS creature.
What is the HEAD? OMG.
Yep…camel. OMG is right. And that’s probably what was in my pita. I can’t think about it. Thanks for visiting!!
I know you could write a book, especially in images alone, Robin, of this experience. I’m seeing Morocco with new eyes, needless to say!
Yes, between my first visit a few years ago and now this one..there’s lots to share about this country…but you know me…off to the next adventure!
I never was really interested in going to Morocco….until now! Thanks for such an extraordinary introduction ! Amazing pictures , astonishing views and did I spot Dagobert Duck on the wall behind the little girl?
Morocco is somewhat tame after visiting and seeing India…so with your constant travel to India this could be an interesting trip for you! Ha!, I can see why you would think it could be Dagobert Duck on the wall…but it really was just a painted picture similar to a road sign in our countries! With the size of the medina, the alleyways are really their “roads” so to speak. Thank you always for visiting and commenting!
Robin, your photos bring me the world! Your work allows an intimate portrait of the place where your feet are planted. I really do feel that I’m “there” and seeing through your eyes. Not to mention, the LIGHT, the uncomfortable scenes (the food), and the gloriousness of what each destination has to offer. Here, the patterns and color are beautifully dizzying! I also salute your friend and you for your adventurous spirit!
Thank you so much Elena…because that’s exactly why I spend time doing my blog – in hopes of doing just that – bringing “you” the world! You so “get it!” THANK YOU!
I think Elena’s comments ( above) absolutely nailed what I want to say… “your photos bring me the world…” Love, Love, Love, how you capture and share your travels with all of us… we are blessed to be in your website presence! XoXo to the moon and back and MORE!!!!
Well you are my frister so you’d better say that, ha ha! All kidding aside…thank you so much. You’ve always been one of my biggest cheerleaders! To the moon and back…for sure. xoxo
Love the pictures of the interior design photos. So colorful! I also love the sweet girls and donkey. Little afraid of the food. HA!
Ha ha! Me and you both!! Thank you!! xo
WOW. With these pictures, you surpassed yourself. I so much want to visit these places, too!
Oh, thanks Katrin!!
I think you need to start a business as a travel escort. I don’t want to travel without you by my side. You are AMAZING!
The “scary food” head freaked me out a bit and the poor sheep’s destiny makes me sad, but love each and every photograph. Love the 1st one where the 2 men are conversing and the 2 animals look like they are talking, as well. Love the tiles, the views, the interiors, portrait, cute donkey, lighting, and love the lantern!
xoxoxo
You always know how to make a gal feel good! THANK YOU Lisa! So very much!
Just sublime … the light and the view, all gprgeous.
Thanks my dear!!!
It is true, I am just sitting here and you bring the world to me. Sit back and relax and enjoy. This is photographers heaven. The light, the view, the scenes. It is amazing how your friend is living here and making a difference, brave..
Love and hugs.
Oh you would’ve been so short of eyes!! Thanks always for visiting and commenting!