Does the Fontaine Moussaine really exist?

For two days we tried to find this infamous fountain Moussaine. We walked around in circles, afraid to ask anyone--you don't dare ask someone--they will expect you to pay them to give you directions. Then they will follow you, walk with you and not leave you alone.  (It's the culture, we are told.) Today, I finally said, enough. I asked a shopkeeper. He said "there." Right where we were standing. I guess "there used to be" a fountain. Ugh! 

Today felt like a good day to experience a Marrakech taxi ride. This trip is all about trying new experiences.  And the way people drive here, it appeared to be an adventure... Apparently, the cabs say they will take you to Point C....but cabs can't fit in those alleys, so they only take you to Point B and you must walk to Point C.  You, of course, only find this out once you've reached Point B. (i.e., Ben Yousseff Medersa)

The Ben Youssef was anything but how it was described ("great") We strolled through the important sites that Jacque, our riad host, suggested. The Jardin Majorelle-a gift to Marrakech from Yves Saint Laurent and the Bahia Palais-a grand palace with 150 rooms where some cool guy lived with his four wives and 24 concubines.

I had a wonderful experience at one of herb shops--herboriste. The herb guy spoke Italian!  So refreshing after depending on Anja to translate everything from French. 

I practiced my "negotiations" in the souks too. I'm still looking for the perfect "outfit"... 

Where are the pics?

For those of you who are wondering "where are the pics?! " Today--hopefully. 

For some reason, Enzo is not recognizing the RAW format images. I shot in RAW yesterday (as I usually) do, but recently installed a new version of  iPhoto 8 on Enzo... and for some reason he's not recognizing RAW format files... 

* Where is my CTO when I need him?! (yes, that is a bullet point)

Will shoot, reluctantly,  in JPG today and see if that helps...

I'm not paying you for directions

I learned a few things today. 

The driving is more crazy here in Marrakech than in Vietnam. Cars don't stay in lanes...not even sure they exist. The bikes and motor bikes are just as dangerous. Parking is a fine art.

Everyone wants to give us directions...and they want to be paid...in Euros. (Hello...we're in Morocco...dirhams, right?!)

Getting lost is unavoidable. There are no street signs. Everything looks the same.  Maps are impossible to follow.

The mint tea is really good and full of sugar. I think I had about 6 already. They are about 15 dh and apparently, the higher you pour the tea, the more impressive it is. Kinnda like "Cocktail"--Muslim style.

Speaking of "Cocktail" I haven't seen any alcohol. I may have to revert back to Erik's tactic on the island in Thailand. There was a can of beer on a table tonight--but after closer inspection...it was "sans alcohol."

Henna tattoos tingle.  (I wonder if they really last 30 days?)

The Djemaa el-fna is tourist paradise. It's the main Square in RAK and filled with drama (dentist pulling teeth and mystics burning frankincense). The name means "Assembly of the Dead" and was originally the site of public executions. Nice.

Welcome to Marrakech!

We chose "the day" to arrive in RAK. There were thousands of people waiting outside the airport doors. They were all dressed in traditional clothing as they awaited their friends and family arriving back from Mecca. It was crazy trying to navigate through all those people. I wished I had my camera handy...

I always thought that the pilgrimage to Mecca was by foot....but apparently, you can fly too!

A reminder

I was reminded quickly why I do not fly domestic carriers internationally....1. I really have to pay for that cheap red wine? 2. The movies are not on-demand? Welcome to United Economy Class. Maybe BNBH was right..I may be a little high maintenance when it comes to travel. That said, the direct flight from ZRH to LAX on Swiss Air is much anticipated:)

My wardrobe is about to change.

I'm starting to get excited about my upcoming holiday in Morocco. Expecting to visit Marrakech, Rabat, Fez, and Meknes. Should be a great opportunity for my photography as well! As soon as I tell people where I am heading, they always says, "dress conservatively!" (Geez, are they trying to tell me something?!)

I've decided that upon my arrival, I will just buy a djellaba and wear it for 10 days. It'll kindda be like Catholic school. No worries about what to wear everyday--and I'll be able to travel with just a carry-on....ha!

Or maybe I can just wear my Afghani burka?

Craft Time...

Today I painted this bowl.