Observation on Fridays

Who gets kicked out of a cemetery? Me. Had I taken advantage of "Black Friday" and gone to the souk FIRST, maybe leisurely strolling through the cemetery may have been more acceptable?

I *think* Fridays here are special. All of the ladies seem to wear darker colors today, the streets are not as crowded (maybe the ladies are at home making couscous and the men are at the mosque?), and every restaurant--even the pizzeria and burger joints--serve couscous.

To celebrate this special day, I purchased a jellaba and head scarf, experienced a Moroccan hammam (more later on how this compares to the Turkish ones), and endulged in a real Friday dinner of couscous (with lamb). 

My new look

I have to say, that only after a few hours in Rabat, I already like it better than Marrakech. It's smaller, less chaotic, cleaner, and the people don't hassle you! So lovely!

I reserved my first "hammam" for tomorrow. And tomorrow is Friday--"Couscous Day." (I guess it's the equivalent of Sunday Spaghetti Day). Regardless, I'm super excited.  I've learned that couscous is best served in the riads--not in a restaurant, as it is a made-to-order dish, made mostly for family/friends.

And speaking of riads, Riad Kalaa is beautiful! It's an old 1815 riad--a townhouse built around a central courtyard--with a rooftop terrace and swimming pool. I thought Riad La Terrasse des Olivers in RAK was great--this one is better. And I *know* the riad in Fes will be spectacular as it is a Relais & Chateaux property (oh la la!)

And to celebrate couscous day tomorrow, I'll buy a proper Moroccan jellaba. I tried one on today...and I shouldn't be surprised that the "one-size-fits- all" theory, (again) doesn't apply to me. But I will make do, as they do not come in children sizes and I don't have time for alterations.