Gnawa, Rai, Berber and Andalusian classical

On one of our last nights in Morocco, we attended a show spectacular at Chez Ali in Marrakesh. The night opened with trance music of a lone flutist and and closed with drumming and hitting of cymbals that grew into a wall of sound by the blowing of MANY horns -- all at once!

No evil eye here

AFRIQUIA

Don't know why I really like this picture. Maybe because in the states, our gas companies are named, "Texaco", "Sunoco", or "Standard Oil". Maybe I like it because in the background, one can see the foothills of the Atlas mountains not far from the northwestern bump of Africa.

Manage with bread and butter, until God sends the honey

Bread is almost sacred in Morocco and is treated with respect. It comes in all different shapes, sizes and flavors. From khoub (flat bread), baguettes, sliced white, sweet bread that ranges from chewy to crusty and flakey. I tell you, they know how to bake some of the best. The neat thing of it all is that Moroccans don't through ANY bread away. Throughout the day, un-eaten or extra pieces are collected from plates, tables, and restaurants and shared with those who have not.

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque was built between 1986 and 1993 for the 60th birthday of former Moroccan king Hassan II. The Hassan II Mosque has space for 25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 outside. The 210-meter minaret is the tallest in the world and is visible day and night for miles around. This was inspired by the verse in the Koran that states "the throne of God was built on the water". Part of floor of this facility is glass so worshippers can kneel directly over the sea.

Mid-day prayer

Despite the sweltering heat outside in the Fez medina, a believer serenely offers his mid-day prayer - oblivious to distraction.

Amazigh: From Oral Traditions to the Internet

Morocco's King Mohammed VI decided to support the preservation of the Amazigh language and culture in 2001. Amazigh is what the Berber people call themselves.

Because their language is a spoken language, they've created written characters that are now published in newspapers, school books, and the internet!

Young Moroccans

The Big 1-2 (Fez celebrates being 1200 years old)

Fez' souk and medina has been in business for over 1200 years!

First day's reflection

Red earth,

Tutti-colored people enjoying their weekend and first days of summer holiday,

White egrets,

Green mint tea,

Multi-cultural educators looking to create bridges of understanding from there to here (6/22/08)

Chillin' on a Sunday afternoon

In Rabat

Just one word: YUM!

This country has one of the most diverse cuisines in the world -- Arab, Berber, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, African, Iberian and Jewish influences. Just take a look.

The purpose of an exchange is to experience the difference

Familiar, but sometimes done very differently

Disguise, Poverty or Convinced?

They told us that in Morocco, the hijab is worn for one of the three reasons listed in the title.

Mother Culture

Spain, Andalusia, Arab or African? Its all there, take your pick. Either, I see Mexico in everything, or some of our roots stretch from ancient peoples from long ago times. Regardless, its all good.

Morocco 2008

Esalaamu AlaiKoum: Two months ago, I had no idea I would be visiting Morocco/ Marruecos/ Maroc, a land rich with history, culture and color. Hopefully the next few posts will serve as a 'virtual' picture book for you and a beautiful reminder for me of what I saw, smelled and tasted during those few days in June.