It’s taken a fellow blogger friend to remind me that this Moroccan trip was during Mercury Retrograde. Well…between the jinns and the Mercury Retrograde…it all makes sense now! You know about the jinns, so let me sum up my findings about mercury retrograde. According to astrologer Larry Schwimmer…we should try to avoid traveling a lot from June 7th to July 1st during 2014. “Allow extra time…make sure your bags are secure…take precautions as during this time they may be more likely to be stolen…delays and cancellations can be expected.” Alrighty then! That explains a lot.
We traveled to the adorable little town of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, on June 9th. Unfortunately our suitcases didn’t, nor did they ever arrive during the three days of our stay. Numerous conversations were had between our fabulous manager of our hotel (Casa Perleta) and the bus station…police reports were filed…all taking away precious time from seeing the sights and of course photographing!
On top of lost luggage, yours truly gets sick. Well, I’ll go no further with the details, but just know it took me five plus days to get over it. And guess what was in my suitcase? Yep, all kinds of drugs that would’ve helped me immediately, including some strong antibiotics that I really, really needed.
But enough of that…let me show you the town that’s rinsed with every shade of blue imaginable. As our bus drove through the countryside and got closer to Chefchaouen, the color blue began to appear out of nowhere…
…and around the corner…
Why blue? Back in the 1400’s, Chefchaouen was founded by Moorish and Jewish refugees. I’ve read that in Judaism, blue represents the sky as well as the heavens, and even though the Jews diminished over time in Chefchaouen…the tradition continued.
Changing plans, we left Chefchaouen and headed back to Casablanca in hopes of finding our luggage. After a seven hour bus ride we arrived at the station, walked in and guess what’s sitting in the corner. Perhaps it was a good omen that my hamsa purchased in Fez was in my suitcase! Take that you jinns and mercury retrograde!
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Being sick is something I don’t do well and the good news is…it’s very very rare for me to be sick. (knocking on wood as I type this!) And if there is one BIG lesson learned here is to have my antibiotics in my backpack instead of my suitcase. That will NEVER EVER happen again. On a side note, I did make a visit to the pharmacy in Chefchaouen. He didn’t understand English and I don’t speak Arabic, French or Spanish – all spoken in this town. So just picture me trying to communicate with my hands what my issues were. Unfortunately, whatever he prescribed didn’t help…hmmmm…
Hi Robin, Your work and eye for beauty is unbelievable! Your candids are spectacular. I have known you for a long time and knew you had that something special about you but just finished perusing the first 40 pages of your work. When I’m not so sleepy I’ll finish the last 100. Wow. Your NY and LI work bring back lots of memories, Coney Island, Fire Island, Queens, and of course the city. We used to ride our motorcycles to Nathan’s for hot dogs on Friday nights. I’ll send you pics of my trip west and the cattle drive. They will not be as artsy as your work but hope you like them. Ron
Hey! Thanks Ron! Yes, lots of memories…
Sounds like a good sleep aid, ha! Looking forward to seeing your pics – sounds great!
These photos are amazing. I love all the various shades of blue. Thanks for sharing the story behind the reason for painting everything blue… The little girl at the top of the stairs and the little kitten in the egg carton are adorable. So sorry you were sick during your trip, and even worse that you didn’t have, and couldn’t even purchase the medicine you needed. Love you MORE!!
Thanks my dear! Yes, that little kitten was sooooo cute! xoxo
“My blue heaven” 🙂
For sure! Thanks always for visiting Pat!
What a wonderful, beautiful, blue village! So sorry about the luggage and the yucks but thrilled that you got these photos!
Thanks so much Susan! We all know that saying…what doesn’t kill ya makes you stronger! Ha!
Great shots!
Thanks Sal!
I guess the fact you got any photos at all is a miracle, then, Robin??? And yes, I hate that about Mercury Retrograde, which can hit both Astrid and me harder than most because we (Virgo and Gemini) are both “ruled” by Mercury. However. we always pay attention to the MR calendar (http://www.findyourfate.com/astrology/year2014/2014-mercury-retrograde.html), especially when we’re travelling. We try to expect mishaps, which not only keeps us on our toes but then pleasantly surprises us when nothing wayward happens.
Still, that will be quite a memory for you…and a good lesson learned about where to put your meds going forward, yes. I’m just so glad everything ended well…and that you actually did find your luggage, eventually, and that your health is back!
In the meantime, these images are to die for. Why haven’t I ever seen the likes of them before???
I love that you and Astrid keep me informed on the astrology side of things! Yes, quite a memory and having time to process it now…I learned so much about myself as well as preparing for future travel. Thank you so much!!
Every single picture lets the heart sing….I admire your eye for details. The little cat sleeping?the contrasting branch in front of the house? Priceless. All that despite the fact that you were sick? Chapeau!!
Joodhpur in India is called the blue city – tradionally it showed your caste ( Brahmin) and blue is thought to be a good repellent against mosquitos.
I was sick once while being on a horsetrip(!) somewhere in the hills in India! Since then my whole medical kit stays very close!
More unique poctures please!
Yes, thank goodness I was able to get a few good captures during three days of YUCK! But nothing can compare being sick on a horse trip in the hills of India!!! You are a rock star! Thanks my sweet so much for your comments!
Sometimes you should send me an email, or make a comment and say, “Why haven’t you been to my Blog recently,” because I feel so silly when I do. Its always such a delight and full of the most atmospheric and telling photographs, and with your great sense of guts and adventure informing it, that I just shake my head at myself. Another great post, and I’m glad you got re-connected with your suitcase, and recovered from your illness and, of course, told us about it all with your normal humour. Loved it if you hadn’t noticed
Oh Ducky…you’re the BEST!!!
j’aime ce bleu …………….
Merci beaucoup!
The main reason I don’t travel-feel of getting sick! You are so brave to carry on and not let that get in the way. These images are GORGEOUS. So glad you pioneer on:)
OH thanks Elena! It was a tough one, but I persevered!
Thanks for teaching me more about the world and sharing such beautiful photos. Can’t believe your talents even while so sick. I am so sorry about your luggage and being ill. You sure are one tough cookie.
Beautiful blues and such an adorable little girl, too.
So glad everything worked out in the end.
xoxo
I love each one of your 50 shades of blue. Pure inspiration!