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.

The beverages of Cabo...yes, there are more!

Today was a day of discovery. Discovery of adult beverages:) Damiana is a light herbal-based liqueur made with the damiana herb that grows locally. If you’ve been to Prague and tasted the Becherovka—it’s similar. The bottle is uniquely shaped and is modeled after an Incan Goddess. Apparently, the liqueur is an aphrodisiac. I won't comment on that!

As I was laying infinity poolside a tried a refreshing Michelada. Half Corona and half clamatto, lime juice, salt. Why haven't I ever had this before?!

Then, just becasue I could, I tried a “chango peludo” (“hairy monkey.)

Ok...time for a nap on the sand....

The Rene: My after-dinner drink of choice

I got a true taste of Mexican beverages last night at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos. When in Cabo…right?! I had my share of Tequila tastings and of course I prefer the really dark, aged, pricey stuff! But at the end of the day what I really crave now is “The Rene.” This after-dinner drink is really called a “carajillo”as I later found out. But Rene Aguado, the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Sheraton claimed to call it his own. I'm probably gonna try and make it myself when I get back to LA.

Instructions: Pour a shot (or

two) of Cuarenta y Tres over a glass of ice, add espresso. Simple and delicious.

Check out this photo of where I had dinner. Great view, gentle breeze.