Morocco is a predominately Arab/Berber country sitting in the cross hairs of the ancient world - perfectly geographically situated to be involved in cross country trading and exchange. Moroccan geography is extremely varied; from the high snow covered peaks of the Atlas mountains to the ocean front beaches to the mind blowing vastness and solemn serenity of the Great Sahara Desert. Some of the cities are highly intriguing - ranging from the … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2003
Morocco – Transportation
Ship to Tangiers - several ferry services cross the Straight of Gibralter from Spain to Morocco or to Ceuta which is a small part of Spain on the African continent surrounded by Moroccan land. The most common departure point is from Algeciras to Tangier. Several ferry services operate this route - a ferry leaves every 90 minutes between 7am and 10pm - and during the very high season usually in mid summer - the ferrys run 24/7. The cost is … [Read more...]
Morocco – Moroccan Rugs
Shopping for rugs in Morocco is an experience that can be unbelievably draining on you financially if you are not careful. It DOES NOT matter if you travel to Morocco already knowledgeable and aware of Moroccan sales tactics & techniques. As several guide books about Morocco say - Moroccan sales techniques are generally regarded as among the most sophisticated and effective in the world. More about this will be explained throughout this section. … [Read more...]
Morocco – Touts of Tangier
Touts - are best defined as those who try to solicit something out of you often in a somewhat bold and brazen manner. I will add the words "highly persistent" to this definition. Tangier is a fairly unfriendly port town - tourists coming across on the ferry from Spain may find it quite difficult to escape its clutches, especially if you are not used to dealing with aggressive touts. The closest town I can think of to compare to Tangier is … [Read more...]
Morocco – Chefchaouen
According to several locals we met Chefchaouen is not the true Moroccan experience - they informed us that it has received too much influence from Spain. That said, having a Spanish influence does in no way detract from this town. This is somewhat of a tourist town - I was here during some far away war, viral outbreak or other scare and there were very few tourists present. Most of the locals I met were very welcoming and some were quite … [Read more...]
Morocco – Fes
Fes is a city of over 1.3 million people, of which about 450,000 people live in the old medina - the walled city. For those who have never been to Morocco or visited an old town such as this - its unlike any western town on the planet. The medina area is truly like stepping back in time. Taken at the oldest university in Fes, which is now crumbling awayFes is one of the largest medieval type cities still in existence. At first glance the … [Read more...]
Morocco – Hammams
I highly recommend visiting a hammam if you have a chance. It is a unique experience that is culturally ingrained in the Moroccan society. Taking public baths is such a different concept compared to the western ideal of how to take a bath - which is usually quite solitary. In addition to providing a source for cleaning oneself, hammams are great meetings places and sources of conversation. The closest venue in western society that comes close to … [Read more...]
Morocco – More Information
In addition to the below websites additional information about Morocco can be received by either writing or calling the Moroccan Embassy in Washington DC: Moroccan Embassy 1601 21st Street NW, Washington DC 20009 Telephone: (202) 462-7979 The following websites contain a wide variety of information about Moroccan tourism. www.africaguide.com/country/morocco good source of general information - also … [Read more...]
Lily’s, Mt. Shasta City, CA – June 2003
Lily's Restaurant is located in Mt. Shasta City and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are located on the corner at 1013 S. Mt. Shasta Blvd - just look for the white picket fence. Parking is on the side streets or in their parking lot behind the restaurant. Their breakfasts are excellent and are sizable. Be sure to try their home made soups. Outdoor dining is available when the weather permits. If the weather is warm the outdoor … [Read more...]